Coach Giampiero Ventura is wary of complacency ahead of Torino’s Europa League Group B clash with HJK Helsinki on Thursday night.
The Finnish champions have already reclaimed their domestic crown for the sixth straight season, but Mika Lehkosuo’s men have lost their opening two matches in Europe, conceding five without scoring a goal.
In contrast, Torino are joint top of Group B after a last minute penalty was won and converted by Fabio Quagliarella against Copenhagen three weeks ago.
Ventura though admitted he did not know how HJK would line up at the Stadio Olympico and warned that victory for Il Toro is not inevitable against a side fighting to save their European campaign.
“Tactically we do not know much about the opponent, we know that they often use 4-4-2 and 4-3-3,” the 66-year-old tactician said at Torino’s press conference ahead of the match.
“We have great respect for Helsinki, especially as we know they are doing very well back home in Finland.
“Also, for them, it is the last chance saloon to get back into the mix to qualify from the group and therefore this will absolutely not be an easy game for us.”
Ventura also had words of encouragement for Amauri, who has failed to find the net in six appearances for the Granata since arriving on a free transfer from Parma.
“We always talk about goals, but he has shown great desire to participate and grow. I do not expect goals from him but steady progress. The goals will soon follow.”
