Livorno vs Torino preview - Spinelli backing Nicola

Livorno president Aldo Spinelli is confident coach Davide Nicola can turn things around despite his team's dismal run of Serie A form.

The Amaranto head into Wednesday's home game against Torino on the back of Sunday's 1-0 loss at Bologna - their fourth straight defeat.

The outcome dropped Livorno to the foot of the standings and, with their last victory - a 2-0 win over Catania - dating back to September 15, the pressure is starting to mount on Nicola.

However, Spinelli said: "Our coach, Nicola, is not under fire. We now have two consecutive games at home and we have to make the most of them.

"We need to start showing the same winning mentality that we displayed last season."

Livorno, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight by beating Tuscan neighbours Empoli in the play-offs, have the joint worst defensive record in the league - alongside Bologna - with 22 goals conceded.

Rivals Torino are also desperate to return to winning ways after last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Napoli extended their winless run to five games.

Torino coach Giampiero Ventura was unimpressed with his team's performance against Napoli and expects an immediate response from his players at the Stadio Armando Picchi.

"We could not have taken a result against Napoli because we didn't play like we usually do," he said. "We were passive, mentally and physically.

"I was left perplexed by my team's condition.

"We didn't play well and we have to find the reason and make amends on Wednesday."

A win at Livorno would be a big boost in confidence for the Granata, considering they take on Serie A leaders Roma in Turin on Sunday.

Toro, who stand 12th in the standings, are still without Matteo Brighi, Cesare Bovo, Omar El Kaddouri, Marcelo Larrondo and Guillermo Rodriguez through injury.

The hosts will be without midfielder Leandro Greco, who is unavailable with a thigh problem.