Torino coach Giampiero Ventura has expressed his delight at leading the Granata to the Europa League group stages for the first time.
Toro narrowly defeated Croatian side RNK Split 1-0 on Thursday evening in a nervy encounter in which Omar El Kaddouri scored the vital goal from the penalty spot.
“We played well for 60-70 minutes, we created a lot and had six or seven incredible chances,” said the experienced coach.
“Some tiredness in the final 20 minutes is normal because this was our first real match of the season.”
This is the first time the 66 year-old will lead a club in a European campaign and he expressed pride at his club’s recent rise.
“Three years ago the club was in Serie B and in a state of great depression and now it is playing in Europe.
“This is greatly satisfying for the city, for the club and above all for the players.”
Follow Alasdair Mackenzie on Twitter: @olimpiacalcio
