Torino vs Cesena preview - Ventura proud of Torino players

Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA

Torino coach Giampiero Ventura believes his team should not be disappointed with their campaign despite missing out on European football for next season.

The Granata host already-relegated Cesena in their season finale on Sunday guaranteed to finish in the top half of the standings.

Toro looked to be on course for a top-six finish earlier this year but a drop in form, which has seen them clinch just four points in their last five games, ended their hopes of playing in Europe for a second straight season.

Last weekend's 3-0 defeat at AC Milan dropped the Granata to ninth in the standings.

"We are disappointed not to have qualified for Europe but we tried our best," Ventura said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "We cannot forget that in four years we have gone from playing in Serie B to playing in Europe.

"This year we have taken another step forward in terms of performance and results.

"Our future looks bright."

Ventura's men have proved worthy opponents to Italy's top teams, beating Serie A champions Juventus for the first time in 20 years while holding Roma and Fiorentina to draws.

"Our defeat at Milan does not erase all the good work we have done this season," Ventura said. "I have to compliment my players.

"We've played over 50 games this season and also competed in the Europa League with a limited squad.

"My players have worked very hard and they deserve all the praise."

Cesena will be looking for one final victory in what has been a hugely disappointing campaign which will see them finish second bottom in the standings.

The Emilia-Romagna club were relegated to the second tier earlier this month.

Cesena go into the encounter on the back of a 1-0 loss to Cagliari that was their 21st defeat of the campaign.

"This defeat is another tough pill to swallow," Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo said. "We want to end the season with dignity."

Cesena have won just once on the road this season.