The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Torino

  • Atalanta, Torino target Chelsea prodigy Anjorin

    Atalanta, Torino target Chelsea prodigy Anjorin

    Former Chelsea prodigy now plying his trade at Serie A side Empoli, Tino Anjorin has attracted serious interest from Torino and Atalanta as the January transfer window nears its conclusion, Soccernet.ng reports.

    The 22-year-old Nigerian-born midfielder, who joined Empoli on a free transfer last summer, has impressed in his debut Serie A season, recording three assists in 15 appearances.

    Torino, known as the Granata, are keen to bolster their midfield and are reportedly preparing to approach Empoli for Anjorin before the window shuts.

    Read Also: Tosin Adarabioyo scores twice in Chelsea FA Cup win

    However, they face stiff competition from Atalanta, whose ability to offer European football and better financial incentives gives them a significant edge in the race, according to Tutto Atalanta.

    Anjorin’s arrival at Empoli has been a refreshing success story, following a challenging period during his time at Chelsea and subsequent loan spells.

    Despite not finding the net yet in Serie A, his creativity and technical ability have made him a valuable asset for Empoli.

    While Torino may look to secure a deal swiftly, Atalanta’s reputation as a stepping stone to European prominence could sway the midfielder’s decision.

    Empoli, however, appear reluctant to part with the player mid-season.

  • Ola Aina continues treatment

    More details have emerged over the inability of AS Torino of Italy defender, Ola Aina failure to honour an invitation to the Super Eagles, as officials at his Serie A club say he has to continue treatment of a recent abdominal complaint.

    Although Aina returned to action last weekend and played 90 minutes in his team’s league clash, before getting a red card, sports247.ng can report that Torino insist he needs to take more checks on the stomach injury.

    Torino also disclosed that Aina will undergo strict recovery therapy, even as he is expected to miss their league matches against Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Parma after the international break, due to his sending off against Bologna.

    Consequently, Aina failed to show up in the Super Eagles’ camp for the Seychelles game yesterday and Egypt tie on Tuesday, as the on loan Chelsea of England player withdrew from the national team’s squad to enable him receive further treatment.

    Torino further disclosed that they are in touch with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the matter, and the nation’s soccer governing body approved the decision for Aina to remain in Italy.

  • ‘Joel Obi is fit to play for Eagles, team assistant coach’

    Salisu Yusuf, the Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, on Monday declared that Torino midfielder Joel Obi was fit to play for the senior national football team.

    Yusuf told the News men he was making his declaration on the basis of the fact that the Italy-based striker has had impressive appearances for his club.

    He described Obi as a utility player whose experience was highly needed in the Super Eagles.

    “Joel Obi is a very good player right from the beginning, and he was outstanding the few times he played for Super Eagles.

    “He did very well, both in Inter Milan then and Nigeria, before injury knocked him out and today he is active in Torino,” the coach said.

    Read Also: Joel Obi fit for Tanzania clash

    Speaking on the team’s upcoming friendlies, Yusuf said the Super Eagles would stun Poland and the others they would encounter in the friendlies.

    He said the players were in high spirits with the inclusion of new players like Joel Obi and Ikechukwu Gabriel.

    “We shall take every match serious, and as they come, because our image and name are involved,’’ the coach said.

    The news men reports that Joel Obi played for the Super Eagles the last time in 2014, just before he got injured.

    NAN

  • I don’t feel I’m worth €100m’- Belotti

    I don’t feel I’m worth €100m’- Belotti

    Torino forward Andrea Belotti has admitted he does not think he is worth the €100 million asking price his club have set for him.

    The Serie A side previously revealed they had turned down a bid from Arsenal for the striker, and demand that any potential suitor pay a massive fee to price him from Turin.

    Despite scoring 25 goals for Torino this season and leading the race for Serie A’s top scorer, Belotti has played down his proposed fee.

    “I honestly do not feel that I am worth so much,” the 23-year-old told Tiki Taka. “In football, however, the figures have increased dramatically, and the values of the players have gone through the roof.”

    Belotti is neck-and-neck with Roma’s Edin Dzeko on 25 goals this season, with Mauro Icardi and Gonzalo Higuain also close behind as Serie A enters its final weeks.

    The Torino forward is hopeful he can beat Dzeko to the top scorer award but is taking nothing for granted.

    “Its hard duel with striker Edin Dzeko and Mauro Icardi, they both can score two or three goals per game,” the Italy international said.

  • Joel Obi makes Torino debut

    Joel Obi makes Torino debut

    Nigeria international Joel Obi is back to full fitness as he made his debut for Torino in the Italian Serie A on Sunday.

    Obi, who missed the AFCON 2017 qualifier for Nigeria due to injury, played 51 minutes for Torino as they drew 2-2 at Hellas Verona.

    He was replaced by Ghanaian Afriyie Acquah.

    Obi joined Torino from Inter Milan.

    The 24-year-old midfielder was on loan at Parma last season.

    He has played 16 times for Nigeria since his debut in 2011.

  • Juve pulls clear as Torino also win

    Juve pulls clear as Torino also win

    Juventus pulled 10 points clear of Serie A title rivals Roma with a convincing 3-1 victory over AC Milan, while Torino beat Hellas Verona.

    Despite their inconsistent form, the Rossoneri certainly have the potential to match Juve and so the league leaders made sure to put them in their place early on through a goal from Carlos Tevez.

    Recent signing Luca Antonelli pegged the reigning champions back ever so briefly but Leonardo Bonucci’s strike gave Juve the confidence to push on and consolidate the win through Alvaro Morata.

    Earlier on Saturday, Torino reached seventh place by beating Hellas Verona, also by a 3-1 scoreline.

    Giampiero Ventura’s men made it four wins from four as Josef Martinez, Fabio Quagliarella and substitute Omar El Kaddouri kept Verona at arm’s length in their own Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

    Luca Toni’s late goal gave Verona hope they could force the draw, but El Kaddouri’s last-gasp strike ensured they remained in 14th place and only six points clear of the relegation zone.