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Torino grabbed the first win of the season in dramatic circumstances, as after playing against 10 men for the entire second half, Eugenio Corini finally broke through.
Walter Novellino faced his former club in an emotional encounter, but since joining Toro he was yet to manage a single Serie A victory. At least he could welcome back Alessandro Rosina from injury and with a newly-penned contract to boost confidence, but Alvaro Recoba was only fit for the bench. Samp defeated Atalanta 3-0 last week, but were smarting after Thursday's UEFA Cup exit to Aalborg.
The Blucerchiati had not won this fixture since a 3-2 result on October 24, 1993. Matteo Sereni dealt with a Gennaro Delvecchio cross-shot, but on 15 minutes the goalkeeper palmed away another Delvecchio strike in acrobatic fashion.
Sampdoria really should have taken the lead on 34 minutes, but Delvecchio tried a lob when a more precise and firm finish might've been more fruitful.
Toro also went close, Zanetti's diving header bringing a save out of Antonio Mirante and Rosina going on one of his trademark slaloms.
There was controversy just before the break, as Matteo Rubin and Sergio Volpi clashed on the byline. The referee considered Volpi's elbow on Rubin's face to be intentional and flashed a straight red card.
Antonio Cassano replaced an ineffective Vincenzo Montella and within seconds of stepping on to the field went on a strong run. The former Real Madrid man also brought a tough save out of Sereni, who tipped his shot on to the upright.
Alvaro Recoba came on for the closing stages and his left-foot strike was pushed off target by Mirante.
The match seemed set for a goalless result, but three minutes from time Toro secured their first win of the season. A corner kick came out to the edge of the box for Malonga, whose wayward strike was side-footed into the bottom corner by Eugenio Corini.
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