Torino’s 3-3 thriller with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin this past Sunday was a significant one for more reason than one.
It was another important point picked up against a top side (that should have been so much more), it proved that the board made a dire error in not trying everything to sign Gianluca Pegolo during the summer mercato, it was also the birth of a man who could be a real star in Nicola Bellomo and it was also the first pilgrimage to Turin to watch my team for Forza Italian Football’s Torino correspondent.
Safe to say, it did not disappoint.
While it may not be the Filadelfia and divides opinion among supporters as much as love or hate for Urbano Cairo does, the Stadio Olimpico is certainly an impressive arena to take in a game.
The buzz, the sense of occasion and electricity hits you the second your feet hit the ground outside when emerging from the tram and taking on the walk towards the floodlit ground illuminating the bleary night sky in Turin.
Once settled in the curva, you cannot help but be swept away by the claret flares illuminating around you as the support rhythmically stomp their feet and clap as ‘Ancora Toro’ blares out around this modern ground.
Which is what makes these kind of nights so special. No offence intended whatsoever to the magic of old grounds in stadia such as the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo or the Dall’Ara in Bologna but with the design of these stadiums, there is no roof over the curva to enclose the noise and passion.
There is undoubtedly something magical about visiting these stadiums which are almost unchanged from the days when heroes of the past graced the turf but while the songs and atmosphere is still magnificent, you cannot help but feel it would be enhanced that bit further if it were more enclosed.
The Stadio Olimpico may have its faults (not being the Filadelfia perhaps being number one in the eyes of many) but it is nonetheless an enjoyable place to watch a game.
All the more so when Alexander Farnerud latched on to a sublime Alessio Cerci pass to give his side the lead and send the curva crazy.
Craziness became delirious at the start of the second half when Ciro Immobile scored with a very well taken finish but their joy turned to anger when Rodrigo Palacio scored twice to a massive cheer from the many, many Interisti who had chosen to take seats in the stand reserved for home fans rather than in their away section at the far side of the field.
When all seemed lost and it looked like Toro would inexplicably end the game with zero points despite having an extra man for 85 minutes, being awarded a penalty to go with it and twice taking the lead, they gave the support a moment to savour as injury time dawned.
Juan Carrizo may not have witnessed it until the final moment, perhaps many of his backline were expecting a cross but everyone inside the stadium was caught by surprise when Nicola Bellomo curled a free kick over the heads of everyone from the left and it sumptuously settled in the far top corner.
“I meant it of course,” he cheekily claimed afterwards. Of that, there are doubts but the madness on the Maratona which followed left everyone in no doubt that while this is a club capable of frustration all too often, especially in 2013, but who can also make up for it when they give fans moments like these to enjoy.
It could have gotten better had Immobile not fluffed his lines with the game’s final chance, watching too much Riccardo Meggiorini in training perhaps, but if offered a point before the game it is surely something many Granata fans would have gladly accepted.
Yes, the frustration of throwing points on a plate away once more was evident but given my position within the claret wall of noise behind the goal and immersed within the scenes of rejoice at the full time whistle, perhaps this week it can be allowed to slide.
