Another setback for Toro

di Andrea Rosselli

Another home defeat: after collecting two straight positive result, Toro suffered a 1-0 setback tonight at the Olimpico against Fiorentina, their fourth defeat of the season in front of three draws and a single win. Not exactly a great start to the season, but even after tonight's match it's hard to say that in the first eight rounds the Granata picked up less than they deserved.

Despite missing both of their regular strikers, and despite playing well only in the first half, the guests prevailed thanks to a clear edge in terms of quality and teamwork. Once again Toro showed evident problems in every part of the pitch and could only oppose a huge determination, especially in the second part of the macth, but once again this wasn't enough against a better organized opponent.

The starting lineups were surprising for both teams: as well as suspended Mutu, Fiorentina missed their most influential player, topscorer Luca Toni, who picked up a last-minute injury. On his part, Zaccheroni fielded a kind of 3-4-1-2 formation, with Oguro pairing up Stellone and Lazetic supporting the offensive duo, while Balestri replaced Pancaro on the left wing.

Toro's start was somehow promising, as in the 2nd minute Stellone fired a left-footer that skimmed Frey's bar. Soon, however, Fiorentina took control of the midfield and after 13 minutes the umpteenth mistake by the Granata defenders allowed Jorgensen (who was left all alone inside the box) to give the guests the lead with a shot-range shot.

The hosts didn't manage to react properly, showing the usual big confusion when it comes to building a decent offensive play, and Fiorentina controlled the pace of the game without any problem. A good moment for the Granata came around the half-hour mark following a couple of corner kicks: first Liverani saved on the goal line a deflection by Comotto, and then a header by Barone flew just high. Between these two opportunities, though, Fiorentina built a superb counterattack and Montolivo hit Abbiati's bar with a fantastic volley shot.

In the second half Toro looked much more determinate and immediately put pressure on the guests' defence. The play was still too slow and predictable, but anyway the Granata managed to create more than an opportunity to level the score, especially thanks to a great Comotto (by far the best player on the pitch).

The best chance came in the 56th and once again following a corner kick, but Franceschini's powerful header skimmed the post. Toro kept on trying, always in a very confused way, and built a few more opportunities with De Ascentis, Stellone and Oguro, while Fiorentina's only concern was to keep the ball as much as possible and slow down the pace of the game.

In the final part of the match Fiore and Abbruscato relieved Lazetic and Di Loreto respectively, and it was precisely the former Arezzo striker who went close to the equalizer in the injury time, but his shot from outside the box was very well saved by Frey.