The new coach couldn`t have asked for a better welcome from the Granata fans, reciprocating with nearly ninety minutes of autographs and selfies.
Over two thousand supporters greeted Marco Baroni`s new Torino squad in a traditional pre-retreat farewell, before the team`s departure for their training camp in Prato allo Stelvio (Bolzano). On Monday, after lunch, the Granata will leave Filadelfia, where they had gathered on Tuesday, to begin two weeks of high-altitude training. Yesterday was a true celebration at the Filadelfia, filled with cheers, chants, and countless autographs. A flood of children and families packed the stands of the historic stadium, creating a serene and constructive atmosphere that significantly strengthened the bond between the team and its fans. For Marco Baroni, this was an ideal welcome, and he generously reciprocated with extended sessions of autographs and selfies.
AN UNEXPECTED LINE-UP
In fact, in the last decade, such a scene had never been witnessed: a coach, after training, staying for nearly ninety minutes pitchside to sign autographs, pose for spontaneous selfies, and sign balls thrown from the stands. This morning, Baroni joined nineteen of his players (virtually the entire squad, with 28 footballers on the field) along the entire dividing net between the main pitch and the stands, moving from what were once the distinguished sections, past the curva, and ending up directly below the main stand. Nearly an hour and a half was spent this way, in close contact with his new fanbase, providing a unique opportunity for them to get acquainted. An unprecedented moment.
GENERAL ENTHUSIASM
Lazaro was the first to leave the Filadelfia gym at 10:10 AM, with Coco being the last to return at 12:45 PM. Baroni, the new Granata coach, received a wave of applause and encouraging chants, clearly breaking the ice between him and the Toro environment. Among the most acclaimed players, goalkeeper Milinkovic stood out, igniting the stands with a goal scored directly from his own kick. Che Adams, Cesare Casadei, and Nikola Vlasic also received significant applause. However, Duvan Zapata surpassed everyone, causing a literal explosion of cheers from the crowd when he appeared around 11 AM from the secondary pitch, where he had been undergoing a personalized training program, before being greeted with thunderous applause on the main field. There was also much curiosity surrounding new signings Anjorin and Ismajli.
THE UPCOMING SCHEDULE
The coach has granted a rest day for tomorrow, with exceptions for players who are behind on their fitness or are following personalized recovery plans. On Monday morning, the team will conclude its initial phase of work in Turin with a training session at Filadelfia, then depart after lunch for the training camp in Prato allo Stelvio, where an evening session is scheduled.
