Torino vs Bologna preview - Di Vaio backing Bologna attack

Marco Di Vaio is convinced his services are no longer required in Bologna after making an emotional return to the club this week.

The Rossoblu have struggled for consistency - and goals - since `The Amazing One' decided to leave the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara for Montreal Impact in the summer.

But ahead of last Thursday's friendly game between the Serie A and Major League Soccer outfits, and with the trip to Torino in mind, Di Vaio expressed his belief that Bologna will soon dig themselves out of trouble.

The striker, who scored more than 60 goals over two seasons in Emilia-Romagna, told Gazzetta.it: "There's no need for me at the club now, not when they've got a great player like Alberto Gilardino here.

"The squad has the quality to get out of this bad spot and they need to get behind (head coach) Stefano Pioli, who can surely get the best out of every player, just like last year."

Impact would ultimately lose 1-0 to a Bologna XI on Thursday night, with Di Vaio unable to score, but he added: "It's strange but very emotional to be back here again.

"I never imagined I would play against Bologna."

Midfielder Diego Perez is back in training after recovering quickly from a muscle strain, but Archimede Morleo is struggling with a thigh injury and could miss the trip to Torino.

The Granata, meanwhile, have only been afforded their comfortable position in mid-table by virtue of a series of resilient performances on the road.

Gianluca Sansone demonstrated that Torino mettle with his last-gasp equaliser at Napoli last week, but the ex-Sassuolo striker quickly urged his team-mates to start delivering back at home.

"We need to change our tack in front of our own fans," he said. "When all is said and done, these are the games that count the most."

Midfielder Alessandro Gazzi agreed, saying: "This team has a very unique identity, and Il Toro can take anybody on.

"If the strikers aren't scoring then that responsibility falls to everybody else."

Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna's prolonged injury lay-off continues to worry head coach Giampiero Ventura, with Salvatore Masiello facing a late fitness test.

Bologna have not met Torino for three years, and the Stadio Olimpico has certainly not been a happy hunting ground for the Rossoblu, who have come away empty-handed from three of their last five visits.