After becoming the first Torino coach in 20 years to taste victory over city-rivals Juventus in the Derby della Mole, Giampiero Ventura claimed that the win had been coming for the Granata.
Since becoming Granta coach in 2011 the 67-year-old has taken the club forward and goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Matteo Darmian finally overcame the Bianconeri, despite falling behind to an Andrea Pirlo strike.
“A victory in the derby had been coming for some time,” Ventura told Sky Sport Italia.
“In these four years we have grown so much, we just needed the icing on the cake.
“Now let’s see what we can pick up in the next games.
“Is this the end of a cycle? No, it is a clear message to say that we can continue to improve. My desire is to do big things [with this team].
“The team is mature, otherwise it would not have gone on to win against Athletic Club and would not have got so close versus Zenit St. Petersburg [in the Europa League].
“We played a very good game, while Juventus took the lead only by a free kick.
“I politely asked Pirlo, before the game, if he could avoid punishing us with his free kicks but he would not listen.
“In general, if I think about how we lost the first derby, I think this is a well deserved win.
Currently sitting eighth in the Serie A table Ventura is still targeting Europa League qualification, but admitted it had been a difficult season for the Granata at times.
“We have made many changes this year and it is a great achievement to be within touching distance of Europe,” continued Ventura.
“I thought about playing a different way [against Juventus], then when I read their formation I made some changes in the locker room and my boys were ready.”
