Torino vs Alcione

Torino dominated possession throughout but found Alcione goalkeeper Nava in determined form during a goalless first half. The hosts' best chance before the break came when Gineitis struck the crossbar with a left-footed effort from distance in the 37th minute.

Abate made sweeping changes at half-time, introducing a completely new outfield XI — a common pattern in pre-season fixtures designed to give minutes to the entire squad. Kulenović, who had scored four goals against Pinzolo Valrendena on 18 July, was among the second-half arrivals.

Academy graduate Cacciamani, making his first start on the left flank, was the most dangerous outlet in the second period. His cross into the box drew a foul from an Alcione defender, and referee Dell'Oro pointed to the spot. Kulenović stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way in the 59th minute for his fifth goal in two pre-season appearances.

Torino pushed for a second — Oristanio saw a header saved, and Gabellini's acrobatic effort flew wide — but 1-0 was enough.

Cacciamani's lively performance on the left flank was the catalyst. The wing-back repeatedly found space against Alcione's defence and his purposeful run and cross forced the decisive penalty. It was the kind of individual moment that pre-season friendlies are designed to unearth, and it underlined why Abate is giving the youngster extended minutes in the summer programme.

Sandro Kulenović (Torino) — Five goals in two friendlies. The Croatian striker is making a strong case for a squad role in a forward line that already includes Simeone, Zapata, Adams and the attacking midfielders. Composed from the spot.

Cesare Casadei (Torino) — The former Chelsea midfielder was the liveliest creative force in the first half, linking play between midfield and attack. Gazzetta dello Sport noted him as the standout performer in the opening period.

Antonio Luongo (Torino) — Delivered another impressive individual display in midfield, anchoring the second-half unit and providing the platform for Torino's pressure. According to Gazzetta, Luongo was among the game's most effective players.

Cacciamani (Torino) — Made his first start on the left side and was the source of the match-winning moment. A positive sign for Abate's depth on the flank.

Torino's 1-0 scoreline reflects a far more competitive contest than last Saturday's 13-0 rout. Alcione, a Serie C side with a professional structure, offered organised resistance that forced Torino to work harder for openings. The single goal — from a penalty — suggests that while Abate's side controlled the game, they lacked the cutting edge in open play that the 13-0 scoreline against Pinzolo might have suggested. The wholesale half-time changes — 10 substitutions — disrupted continuity but also gave every squad member valuable minutes. Alcione's first pre-season fixture of the summer showed they are still building match fitness, yet they were compact enough to frustrate a Serie A side for long stretches.

Torino continue their pre-season schedule in Pinzolo with a friendly against Cittadella on 25 July, which will conclude their high-altitude training camp. The Granata then travel to England to face Burnley at Turf Moor on 2 August — a fixture confirmed by the club on 10 July (Football Italia). The match against Alcione was the second of seven scheduled friendlies for Abate's side this summer.

For Alcione, this was their first pre-season outing. The Milan-based club will compete in Serie C Group A in the 2026-27 season after surviving in the third tier last term.

A functional pre-season workout rather than a spectacle. Torino's second-string side showed enough attacking intent to justify the win, but the narrow margin against a third-tier opponent highlights that Abate's system remains a work in progress. Kulenović, however, is making pre-season his personal stage — five goals in two games is impossible to ignore.

Player of the match: Sandro Kulenović (Torino)