Torino vs Siena preview - Siena focused solely on victory

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2013 by PA

Siena head coach Giuseppe Iachini has put blinkers on his players as their lengthy quest for a Serie A victory continues against Torino on Sunday.

The former Sampdoria boss has endured an inauspicious start to life at the Stadio Artemio Franchi since replacing Serse Cosmi, losing to both Napoli and AC Milan to leave Siena without a fresh point since November.

A 2-1 loss to the Rossoneri left the Tuscans without a win in six attempts and Iachini is shunning all outside distractions in a bid to arrest a run of five consecutive defeats.

He told acsiena.it: "We are completely focused on preparing for this game, looking to improve on our performances against Napoli and AC Milan in which we did well against two strong teams.

"It's not a good time but we're sure that with our hard work and application we can stop the rot.

"I've told the lads that they can only think about the Torino game and putting pride back in the shirt.

"It's clear that we have to look at the transfer market but everyone should be fully focused on the next task in the league."

Siena have not got the better of Torino in the top flight since November 2008 and Iachini believes Sunday's counterpart Giampiero Ventura has a reputation for making his teams hard to beat.

"They are a tough side and it's a difficult place to go," he added. "Ventura is a good coach and he has given his team a strong identity which means that player absences don't take too much of a toll.

"They have quality and are organised, we need to show personality and determination."

Striker Marcelo Larrondo is Siena's only injury concern, with striker Abour Diop and midfielder Mario Santana out of contention for Torino.

Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna is nearing a return to action following hernia surgery, saying: "I hope to come back earlier than planned, I'm working hard to do so.

"I just want to come back and give my team-mates a hand so we can achieve our objective of staying up."

Torino managed to carve out two positive results heading into the new year, but were perhaps unlucky not to take all three points from a goalless draw with 10-man Catania last time out.

Ventura said: "There's a little regret there. It's okay because getting a point against Catania is not easy but we should have done more with our numerical superiority."