Bologna and Torino went into tonight's mid-table clash in Serie A both hoping to secure a victory that would effectively guarantee another season in Italy's top flight.
The visitors took the lead early on through Paulo Baretto, but were pegged back after the break by a powerful header from Panagiotis Kone.
Five minutes from time Bologna took the lead thanks to an emphatic finish from second-half substitute Tiberio Guarente.
Deep into stoppage time Torino rallied to snatch a late point as Rolando Bianchi turned home from close range.
Look back at a frenetic encounter at the Renato Dell'Ara with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute commentary below.
Hello Serie A fans. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for live coverage of tonight's clash between Bologna and Torino. Both sides have shown plenty of attacking quality and look set for another season in Serie A. With safety in sight each team now harbours dreams of a top-half finish and can keep that ambition alive with victory this evening.
Bologna have added discipline and steel to their counter-attacking style under Stefano Pioli this year to stave off any lingering threat of relegation. The Rossoblu have lost just one in five but were a touch fortunate to hold Udinese last weekend. A victory tonight will see Pioli's men climb to 10th so there is a big incentive to pick up all three points.
Torino are looking to rebound from the disappointment of a late defeat to Napoli last weekend. Giampiero Ventura's side were 3-2 up heading into the last 15 minutes but somehow managed to suffer a 5-3 home defeat. While the neutrals will hope for more drama this evening surely Torino's primary aim will be a tighter defence throughout tonight's match.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! The starting XI's are in from Italy and both sides have decided to give key players an instant return from suspension. Alessandro Diamanti and Angelo Ogbonna both start this evening after serving one-match bans. A complete look at both teams will follow in just a few moments.
BOLOGNA: Curci, Garics, Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo, Krhin, Taider, Kone, Diamanti, Christodoulopoulos, Gilardino
Torino: Gillet, Darmian, Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello, Basha, Gazzi, Cerci, Meggiorini, Barreto, Santana
Ogbonna's inclusion is a huge boost for Torino tonight. The powerful defender was badly missed when cool heads were needed against Napoli last Saturday and should offer solidity at Bologna this evening. With scouts all over Europe looking at the young defender tonight represents another chance for the 24-year-old to impress.
Diamanti is equally important to Bologna and has also been consistently linked with a summer move, most notably to Inter Milan. The playmaker helps form a clever three-man attack with Alberto Gilardino and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, who has been a big hit since joining in January.
Tonio will line up in their innovative 4-2-4 formation, with star winger Alessio Cerci providing an outlet to support Paulo Barreto and Mario Alberto Santana. The visitors are without Guillermo Rodriguez through suspension and also resist the temptation to start with Jonathas in attack after he came on to score against Napoli.
The home side are also missing a regular starter through suspension, with Marco Motta out. Bans for accumulation of yellow cards are far more common in Serie A, with an automatic one-match ban for five bookings in place throughout the campaign.
Bologna have been impressive on the counter in recent weeks, so it will be interesting to see how they cope with the pressure of dictating play tonight. Torino leave space in the centre with their attacking formation, so expect Diamanti to operate slightly deeper to take advantage.
Torino need Cerci back on form tonight. The Italian international was slightly disappointing against Napoli last weekend after a bright start. For the Turin side to fire on all cylinders they need their talisman's pace, trickery and above all distribution in the final third. All eyes will be on him to impress again tonight, with Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli monitoring him closely.
The pressure is definitely on for the visitors tonight, due to their nightmare run of fixtures in the next few weeks. In their next four games Torino face Roma, AC Milan, Fiorentina and the derby with Juventus. A daunting fixture list means that a positive result this evening is absolutely imperative for Ventura's side against Bologna!
PREDICTION! Both sides are out a noisy Dell'Ara stadium as the the two teams come out onto the field. Just a point separates Bologna and Torino and something has got to give tonight. I think that the home side will just prove too strong in the final third and run out 2-1 winners, with Diamanti marking his return with a goal.
Kickoff is just delayed slightly as the two sides change ends, but Bologna eventually get us underway playing left to right. Gilardino immediately has the home side on the attack and is denied by a strong challenge from Santana as he enters the penalty area.
SHOT! Diamanti signals his intentions early on by letting fly with a low drive from 30 yards. Gillet has plenty of time to dive and catch the ball cleanly, but something tells me that he will be busy saving strikes from range throughout the match.
Kone catches Torino out with a short free kick, but Ogbonna smashes upfield for the visitors. Cerci is first to react and drives into the final third, but his final ball is poor and easily intercepted by Cherubin. Both sides definitely want to attack in numbers and that bodes well for an entertaining match.
Gazzi concedes a free kick just outside the box for a sliding tackle on Bologna midfielder Taider. Diamanti sizes up the chance before firing just wide from 20 yards. His strike definitely took a deflection as the home side earn their first corner kick of the match.
Bologna continue their assured start with a spell of possession, which Torino interrupt by conceding another free kick as Gilardino is brought down out wide. Diamanti's cross into the penalty area is easily cleared, but any hope of Torino counter is thwarted by a cynical challenge from Taider.
The visitors mount a quick counter as Barreto shoots from 25 yards, but his low effort is too central and falls straight into the waiting arms of Curci. Both sides are almost too eager to shoot early on, with more patience required to pick out a killer pass.
A fine move down the right wing sees Garics and Kone exchange passes before linking up with Gilardino. The move ends with a cross blocked behind for a corner, which Diamanti sends towards the near post. Safety first is definitely the order of the day for Torino as they smash the ball clear for a throw.
Diamanti is a very lucky man to still be on the pitch after appearing to punch a Torino player in frustration. The referee has not seen the incident in full and opts to let the forward off with a stern word. A quite incredible decision but Bologna still have their full compliment on the pitch.
Morleo's poor low cross continues a trend of poor service into the penalty area, but Bologna press high to win back possession in the final third. Diamanti finds Christodoulopoulos in space on the wing, but his lofted ball to the back post is claimed with minimum fuss by Gillet.
Cerci takes aim with a free kick out wide but despite aiming for the penalty area with pace and power fails to pick out a white shirt. Glik has made a late dart to the near post but the ball evaded him and was caught cleanly by Curci.
SAVE! Torni threaten on the counter as Cerci leaves two defenders for dead with a clever run inside Morleo. He has time to size up a shot at goal, but his low drive towards the near post is tipped round the post by a smart stop from Cerci. The visitors have clearly targeted the right wing as an area they can exploit on the break.
At the other end Christodoulopoulos has time to find Gilardino unmarked at the far post, but puts too much power behind his diagonal pass as a big chance goes begging for the home side.
GOAL! Bologna 0-1 Torino (Barreto)
An absolute howler from Bologna keeper Curci has gifted Torino the opening goal. Santana's strike from range was tame and central, but after attempting to parry clear Curci could only turn the ball back towards his own goal. Brazilian forward Barreto was on hand to tap home from close range for his second goal in as many games.
Bologna look stunned by that rare Curci error but are quickly searching for an equaliser as Garics heads over from a corner kick. Torino once again attempt a long diagonal towards the flanks, but this time Barreto just lacks the pace to meet a drilled pass from Santana.
Meggiorini and Gazza double up to rob Diamanti as the home side make another unforced error in possession. Gazza drives in the final third and picks out Cerci, but an initial hesitation sees the winger shut down by three Bologna defenders.
Bologna enjoy a sustained spell of possession without ever troubling a deep Torino rearguard. The home side are unable to resist the temptation of shooting from range as this time its Kone's turn to unleash a wayward drive under little pressure.
YELLOW CARD! Michael Antonsson has just picked up the game's first caution after bundling into the back of Barreto on the halfway line. There was no need for that rash tackle, the Brazilian forward had his back to goal with little support. Bologna are making bad decisions all over the pitch, a trait probably born out of frustration at their poor start.
Ogbonna clears with successive headers as the defenders towers above Gilardino's slight frame to avert danger. Bologna need more intelligent delivery in the final third to draw level before the break.
Santana wins a corner kick on the far side after a driving run out wide. The referee forces a delay to stop both sides clashing in the penalty area, but eventually a tame looping cross is caught by Curci.
YELLOW CARD! Basha becomes the first Torino player to be cautioned after unceremoniously dumping Diamanti to the ground with a cynical challenge from behind. He will now miss the next match after picking up his fifth booking of the season.
Bologna have had a goal ruled out, with Kone furious after tapping into an empty net. The strike has been chalked off following Gilardino's tussle with Ogbonna in the build-up, with the striker judged to have fouled his marker after controlling in the penalty area.
YELLOW CARD! Torino race up the other end to win a corner kick, but Gilardino is still angrily protesting with the referee. After clashing with Glik and reacting badly once more the official decides he has no option but to caution the experienced striker.
HALF-TIME Bologna 0-1 Torino
A chorus of boos ring out at the Dell'Ara after a frustrating first 45 minutes for the home side. Torino lead at the break thanks to a simple finish from Barreto following a howler from Bologna keeper Curci.
Despite possessing experienced, exciting players in the final third Bologna have struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances in the opening period. Diamanti is far to keen to shoot from distance, with an isolated Gilardino easily marked by the fearsome figure of Ogbonna.
Torino have looked a constant threat on the counter, primarily thanks to their willingness to leave Curci and Santana high on the flanks. The return of Ogbonna from suspension has been key in defence too, with the visitors just 45 minutes away from effectively sealing another season in Serie A.
I would love to be a fly on the wall in Bologna's dressing room at the break to hear Pioli vent his frustration at a dismal first-half display. The Rossoblu have lost just one of their last five matches, but need far more intensity and tempo after the break to keep that fine form alive.
Both sides have exciting options available on the bench, with Torino naming former Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi among the substitutes. Bologna may turn to Manolo Gabbiadini if they fail to restore parity early in the second half.
Both sides are back out for the second period, with Bologna greeted by a lukewarm reception from a disappointed home crowd. Can the experienced heads in attack Diamanti and Gilardino inspire the Rossoblu to a rousing comeback? We are just moments away from finding out!
Torino get the match back underway, but almost immediately concee possession with a sloppy pass across midfield. Bologna quickly attack down the right as Diamanti whips a cross towards the far post. Christodoulopoulos times his tun to perfection but can only head wide from close range. What a chance missed for the home side to draw level!
Cerci has space on the counter down the right wing and attempts a difficult through ball after spotting the late run of Barreto. His smart pass just evades the striker as Curci comes off his line to claim. Action at both ends and the second half is just a few minutes old!
CHANCE! Gilardino shows a predator's instinct to meet a deep diagonal cross at the near post. Under pressure from his marker the veteran sends a direct header towards goal, which Giller has covered as it dips just over the crossbar.
Bologna are starting to enjoy a sustained spell of pressure, which is temporarily interrupted by a poor first touch from Morleo as he attempts to meet Diamanti's switch of play. Torino look relatively comfortable defending from deep, but are playing a dangerous game to sit on this narrow advantage for nearly 40 minutes.
Diamanti drops deeper and picks out a fine forward burst from Taider. He is driven wide in the box but still manages to send a powerful cross into the six-yard box. Gilardino is at full stretch to make contact but is flagged offside, which at first glance looks a harsh call.
Gazzi offers the Torino defence a welcome rest after driving forward to swap passes with Santana in a neat interchange. He eventually tires and launches a speculative strike towards goal, which is gathered by Curci with a routine save.
SUBSTITUTION: Bologna boss Pioli decides to make his first change, swapping Christodoulopoulos for loan striker Manolo Gabbiadini. He has 30 minutes to make an impact and heads straight into the final third to play alongside Gilardino.
Diamanti gets a rare moment without pressure out wide, but sends in a powerful effort that is neither a shot or cross. At the other end Torino break as Meggiorini's deflected drive scoops up and over the bar by a few yards.
GOAL! Bologna 1-1 Torino (Kone)
Bologna are level after finally delivering a quality cross and meeting it with runners in the penalty area. Morleo's clever curling pass found Kone unmarked at the far post, with the Greek midfielder making no mistake to level the scores. What a relief for the home side, who definitely deserve that goal after a strong start to the second half.
The home side go right back down the left wing as Morleo continues to bomb on in the space left by Curci, who stubbornly refuses to track back with any conviction. Diamanti's attempt to find the full-back is misplaced and allows Torino to clear, but Barreto is stopped during a stepover by Taider.
SUBSTITUTION: Torino have made their first change of the evening and it is a conservative one. Cerci has been withdrawn in favour of talented young full-back Danilo D'Ambrosio, who will provide much-needed help for Darmian at right-back.
SUBSTITUTION: Ventura decides he wants fresh legs in attack as Bianchi comes on for Meggiorini. The former Man City forward has just over 15 minutes to impress as he occupies a wide-left berth just off Barreto.
Bologna win a corner kick thanks to a late block from Santana, but Diamanti's delivery is nothing short of woeful and heads flying out of play before it reaches the penalty area. The Italian international has been some way short of his potent best so far this evening in a disappointing display.
SHOT! Masiello is given far too much room as he enters the Bologna half, with two defenders in succession backing off and inviting the full-back to shoot. He takes the chance to fire at goal and stings Curci's gloves with a swerving effort.
SUBSTITUTION: Torino make their final change of the evening and its the goalscorer Barreto that is withdrawn. Former Pescara forward Jonathas comes on. The Brazilian scored from the penalty spot after coming on against Napoli last week and will provide a target for Torino to hit on the counter in the final few minutes.
Diamanti finds Garics out wide, who in turn plays a conservative pass inside to Taider. Gilardino drops deep to collect and pass back to Garcis, who breaks the patient buil-up by crashing well wide from nearly 40 yards. That was extremely rash from the full-back, with Pioli off the bench to let his defender know exactly how poor that decision was.
CHANCE! Jonathas has just missed a gilt-edged opportunity on the counter to put Torino ahead in the closing stages. With time and space in the box the forward scuffs wide from close range as his miscue drifts wide of the far post. What a chance for Torino to claim all three points and the striker knows he had to do better!
SUBSTITUTION: Bologna attempt to freshen things up in midfield as Krhin is replaced by Guarente. In the last five minutes Torino have shown signs of promise on the counter and the home side may be content to settle for a point and extend their unbeaten run.
GOAL! Bologna 2-1 Torino (Guarente)
Just as I write this match off as a hard-fought draw Guarente comes off the bench to smash home with his first touch. The midfielder stayed patient and waited for Gilardino's cutback on the edge of the area before hammering an unstoppable drive into the top corner. What a moment for the former Sevilla man to put Pioli's side ahead late on!
SUBSTITUTION: Bologna throw on young defender Sorenson to protect their lead as we head towards stoppage time. Torino defender Glik is booked soon after the sub as his frustration shows in a late challenge on Gilardino.
Torino throw everything forward and work final effort towards goal, but Bianchi's header from range is well wide of the target as Bologna clear their lines and choose to defend from their own penalty area.
GOAL! Bologna 2-2 Torino (Bianchi)
With probably the last kick of the match Torino have somehow salvaged a late point. Bianchi was well placed at the far post to tap home after a forceful run inside from D'Ambrosio and quite remarkably Bologna have let their advantage slip in the dying seconds.
FULL-TIME Bologna 2-2 Torino
What a dramatic end to the match as Torino score a last-gasp goal to grab a vital point. The visitors definitely deserved parity but had only fallen behind five minutes earlier. Bologna manager Piolo will be furious with a draw after his side switched off in stoppage time.
Well that just about does it for Sports Mole's Saturday night offering from Serie A. I hope you enjoyed that end-to-end counter and please join us tomorrow for coverage of six games from Italy. Goodnight!
