FOOTBALL CLUB WORLD

Torino returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory over relegation threatened Triestina, to keep their hopes of participating in the end of season playoffs alive.

One of the biggest criticism of this Torino side is their tendency to make a slow start in games, however it took just six minutes for them to take the lead on Saturday. The goal arrived after sloppy play by the Triestina defence, who gifted the ball to Mirko Antenucci who finished calmly with his left foot from 18 yards out. That goal was Antenucci's first in over a month, and he nearly had a second soon afterwards, but his header was well saved by Sergio Viotti in the Triestina goal.

After dominating the first half, Toro began the second half in similar fashion, and should have extended their lead via Angelo Ogbonna, but once again Viotti produced a fine save. Rolando Bianchi also had a chance to continue his great run of form, but directed his header straight at the away goalkeeper. Just when it seemed Torino would not find a second goal, Bianchi headed down a cross from the right hand side into the path of Guiseppe De Feudis who chested it down and scored his first goal for the club with a left footed volley.

The match finished 2-0 and Torino got the three points they desperately needed, albeit against a poor Triestina team. However, as there were also victories for Empoli, Livorno and Padova, it means just two points separate the four sides, with Torino continuing to occupy the treasured 6th place.

Next weekends set of fixtures will be particularly interesting, because Torino visit Empoli on Friday evening, whilst Padova face Livorno on the Saturday, meaning that the playoff picture will become a lot clearer this time next week.

Forza Torino