Why is Joe Hart signing for Torino? Sky in Italy help us explain...
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 30/08/16 4:16pm
England goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to leave Manchester City and sign for Torino on a season-long loan deal.
But why has Hart chosen to move to Serie A with Torino? Will he play every week? And what do the fans and the Italian media think of the move?
With the help of Sky in Italy's Paolo Aghemo, we take a look at some of the key questions behind Hart's move to Torino...
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Why did Hart choose Torino?
PA: "Hart was definitely convinced by the project at Torino but he is very keen to test himself in Serie A. He had the choice of Sunderland as well but Italian football, it's a new experience for him and with his situation at City under Pep Guardiola, he pushed for the move to Torino, and in particular Italian football.
"And it's a good choice because Torino are a good club and they are very well run. Mihajlovic has already said he wants the club back in Europe in two years so that challenge also attracted Hart to Torino."
Will he be first choice and play every week?
PA: "There's no doubt about it, he will play every week. The goalkeeping situation at Torino is very difficult. Mihajlovic has three goalkeepers in his squad for the start of the season but no-one was making a case to be the No. 1.
"They started with Alfred Gomis but he had a difficult start and the manager changed his mind. He then made Daniele Padelli, who played once for Liverpool in 2007, the new first choice but he also had difficulties.
"There wasn't a clear No 1 so Hart is a solution to a big problem."
How are Torino viewed in Italy?
PA: "Torino are a big club of Italian football. We had Grande Torino in the 1940s - a team that won five titles in a row. They also won the Coppa Italia in 1943 becoming the first side to win the coveted Scudetto and Coppa Italia double.
"In 1949, the plane carrying the Torino team home from a friendly in Lisbon against Benfica crashed, claiming the lives of 31 people. They were a legendary team and the legend of the Grande Torino lives on.
"It's a big club in terms of Italian football history and in terms of the supporters. You can liken them to the supporters of Liverpool. They are very close to the team and are an integral part of the club."
Are they still a big club?
PA: "In terms of history of course, however, the results have not been going in Torino's favour in recent years and the target for the club is not the Serie A title but to qualify for the Europa League.
"They last won the Scudetto in 1976 so it's 40 years since they won the league title. Last year they finished 12th in Serie A but with Sinisa Mihajlovic in charge, the target is European qualification.
"They are an improving side and they are building a new team with new players like Adem Ljajic and Iago Falque. Hart is another big player and is the symbol of this new project."
Torino v Juventus
PA: "Juventus are winning everything at the moment so it's very difficult for Torino. It's very difficult for the Torino supporters with Juventus in town, just as it was for Manchester City fans when Manchester United were at their most dominant.
"Hart obviously has experience of the Manchester derby and that will stand him in good stead for the Derby della Mole. It's a very passionate affair which Hart will be used to, but technically it could be a challenge with Juve much stronger than Torino at the moment.
"He could have a lot to do against the Serie A champions. Since 1999 Torino have beaten their city rivals just once and that was back in 2015 with Giampiero Ventura, who is now manager of the Italian national side, in charge."
What style of football do Torino play?
PA: "Mihajlovic plays a 4-3-3 formation and sets up his team to play attacking football. However, Mihajlovic is not concerned about his goalkeeper playing football from the back. He doesn't want his defence taking unnecessary risks and playing in dangerous areas. It's a good fit for Hart."
Is it a good move for England?
PA: "It's a good move for England as well. Sam Allardyce has already told Hart he needs to be playing regularly to stay in his plans and Torino will give Hart the game time he needs."
What do the fans think about Hart's move?
PA: "The Torino supporters are enthusiastic about Hart's move to the club. They are all talking about the move and many are saying it's unbelievable that England's No 1 is coming to Torino.
"Hart's a big player and it's been a long time since Torino have been able to attract the big players to the club. The fans also think it's a good deal because Torino will only pay a part of Hart's wages."
How are the Italian media reacting to Hart's move?
PA: "They think it's an excellent move for Torino. Let's be honest, Torino are a middle club in Serie A at the moment and they've managed to attract England's No 1 to Italy.
"It's a really big move for Serie A so it's very important news in the Italian media."
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