Only Andrea Belotti could make a simple tap-in look empathic.
The Torino captain may have been presented with the easiest of back-post chances by a pinpoint Wilfried Singo cross during the weekend’s 2-2 Serie A draw with Sampdoria but, attacking the ball with trademark bludgeoning bloodlust, Belotti almost ripped the net off its frame.
That, remarkably, was the Italy international’s seventh goal in the first eight games of 2020/21, finished in typically brutal fashion.
Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo have scored more this term with Belotti, already a living legend in Turin, scribing his name into ll Granata’s history books once more.
No-one in 44 years has started a season in such prolific fashion for Torino.
So, even if they would never dare admit it, Andrea Pirlo’s stuttering, stalling Juventus must be fearing a first defeat in five years against their local rivals this weekend.
Then again, don’t make the mistake of assuming Belotti’s blinding form has Torino flirting with the European places.
Remarkably, The Bulls are still stuck in the relegation zone despite boasting one of Italy’s most feared centre-forwards in their ranks. Whatever would they do without him?
Unfortunately for Torino fans, that’s a question that may need to be answered sooner rather than later.
The Times recently reported Tottenham Hotspur were planning to offer £40 million for Belotti at the end of this season. However, this appears to depend on how Benfica loanee Carlos Vinicius settles in north London.
Torino director Daniele Vagnati, meanwhile, confirmed, via Football Italia, the reported interest from the Premier League leaders was, indeed, true.
And with talks over a new contract stalling, the Serie A strugglers may have no choice but to cash in on a man who sits eighth in their all-time scoring charts (Calciomercato).
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