Vlasic Strikes as Torino Edge Past Cremonese in Tight Affair
Key Takeaways
- Nikola Vlasic's first-half strike secured Torino a crucial 1-0 victory
- Duván Zapata's assist proved decisive in the 27th minute breakthrough
- Cremonese dominated possession but failed to convert their territorial advantage
- Both sides battled through a tense finale with 10 minutes added time
Players in this Match
Nikola Vlasic emerged as the hero at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, drilling home the decisive goal that secured a vital 1-0 victory for 13th-placed Torino over 11th-placed Cremonese in a hard-fought Serie A encounter. The Croatian midfielder's clinical finish from the centre of the box proved the difference between two sides desperate for points in the middle of the table. The home crowd erupted as Vlasic found the bottom left corner, providing the spark that would ultimately lift Torino above their visitors in what became a nervy battle of attrition.
The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute through a moment of quality that cut through Cremonese's organized defensive structure. Duván Zapata, showing his veteran instincts, threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Vlasic's path in the centre of the penalty area. The Torino midfielder made no mistake, planting his right-footed effort into the bottom left corner beyond Emil Audero's despairing dive. The goal silenced the visiting supporters and sent the home faithful into raptures, sensing this could be the moment to claim three precious points.
The tactical battle unfolded as a fascinating contrast of styles, with Cremonese controlling the tempo through patient build-up play while Torino looked to exploit spaces on the counter-attack. Federico Ceccherini and Romano Floriani Mussolini anchored Cremonese's defensive line admirably, but they couldn't prevent Zapata and Vlasic from combining for the crucial breakthrough. Alberto Paleari stood firm in the Torino goal, producing a vital save from Ceccherini's long-range effort in the 76th minute to preserve his side's slender advantage.
Despite Cremonese enjoying 53.7% possession and registering 13 shots to Torino's 10, the visitors struggled to convert their territorial dominance into clear-cut opportunities. The home side proved more clinical with their limited chances, managing three shots on target compared to Cremonese's two. Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli worked tirelessly in attack for the visitors, but found themselves frustrated by Torino's resolute defensive display anchored by Saúl Coco and Guillermo Maripán.
The turning point came in the final 10 minutes when tensions boiled over, with Martín Payero picking up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cesare Casadei. The incident sparked a frantic finale that saw 10 minutes of added time, during which Cremonese threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Faris Moumbagna came agonizingly close in the 80th minute, firing just wide from six yards after excellent work from Vardy down the left flank.
Looking ahead, Torino will host Sassuolo on December 21st, knowing another home victory could propel them further up the table and away from relegation concerns. Cremonese face a daunting trip to face Lazio on December 20th, where they'll need to rediscover their cutting edge in the final third to trouble one of Serie A's more formidable sides.