Torino coach Giampiero Ventura refused to hit out at his players for their poor performance during their 3-0 defeat to AC Milan on Sunday night as the tactician admitted that results from earlier in the day influenced the Granata’s performance.
Sampdoria drew 1-1 with Empoli thanks to a late Samuel Eto’o strike on Sunday afternoon, and while it did not definitively eliminate Torino from qualifying for the Europa League at the time, Ventura admitted it delivered a psychological blow to his side.
“I am smiling but not because of tonight’s result. It was a particular match. Aside from the many players missing the match was decided by the goal by [Samuel] Eto’o this afternoon,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“We could only remain in the hunt if Samp had lost, that goal took away all of our chances. I hope the squad has the strength to prepare for the last match of the season.
“This team has done something very important, I hope the fans will come to the last match to pay them the right tribute.”
The Granata failed to make the most of a Milan red card late in the first half, instead squandering their numerical advantage as Cristian Molinaro was sent off along with gifting the Rossoneri with a penalty to make it 2-0.
“In reality the match was over after the second goal. After the first goal we owned the pitch for 20 minutes, the second goal definitively ended things.
“I repeat, this match does not tarnish what we have done. I want to thank my players.”
