|
Torino failed to get the better of 10-man Catania and may have lost David Di Michele to a serious knee injury.
This was a mid-table tussle and Toro were in good shape, keeping three clean sheets in their last five games, but had goalkeeper Matteo Sereni injured. David Di Michele made his debut in front of the home fans after the end of a three-month ban for a betting scandal, but Sasa Bjelanovic and Tommaso Vailatti were suspended.
Torino lost Alessandro Rosina after just seven minutes with a muscular problem, so he made way for Malonga.
Catania had the first real opportunity with Gionatha Spinesi's header off target, but the forced substitution proved to be serendipitous. Nicola Ventola flicked up the ball and hit a fantastic overhead kick that smacked against the crossbar and Malonga was ready to tap in from point-blank range for his first Serie A goal.
Catania were furious when Spinesi was booked for simulation, as he felt he had a good penalty shout for Motta's challenge. A scuffle broke out and Vargas was sent off for taking his protests too far.
Di Michele attempted to put the result beyond doubt on the stroke of half-time, but Ciro Polito stuck out a foot to deny the former Udinese star.
Ventola also went close with a fierce left-foot effort that shaved a coat of paint off the crossbar.
Torino's injury crisis deepened as substitute Malonga also went off with a fitness problem to make way for Vincenzo Grella.
Catania took full advantage, pouncing on a defensive error to equalise. Martinez got in front of Salvatore Lanna to sidefoot home Sabato's cross from the left, but the Toro back line and goalkeeper Alberto Maria Fontana were very shaky.
Martinez sustained an injury during that move as he clattered into the 'keeper and was replaced by Izco, who within moments had a penalty shout for Lanna's nudge.
Ventola pounced on a wayward Sabato backpass but was unable to make the most of it, then soon after his cross-shot thumped the crossbar.
There was very bad news for Toro, as Di Michele fell awkwardly on his knee and was stretchered off with what could be a serious injury. It was only his second game for the club and with 12 minutes to go Torino had to play with 10 men, as they had already completed their substitutions.
Motta fired over from a short defensive clearance, but Catania nearly won it with Giuseppe Mascara's lob.
| 
