Milan (AFP) – Adem Ljajic scored the only goal for Torino to ensure former club Inter Milan missed the chance to move third in Serie A on Sunday.
Inter could have overtaken AS Roma after the side from the capital lost 2-0 at home against Fiorentina on Saturday.
But Luciano Spalletti’s side now risk dropping out of the Champions League places with Lazio — two points behind in fifth — travelling to Udinese later on Sunday.
It was the first time that Torino coach Walter Mazzarri had faced his former club Inter since being fired in November 2014.
And Torino could thank their solid defence and goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu for pulling off some fine saves for a third consecutive win which keeps alive their push for Europa League football next season.
Torino are six points off the sixth position held by AC Milan who host Sassuolo later on Sunday.
“There are moments when it doesn’t go your way, no matter how you try, even if you push the ball,” said Spalletti, whose side were held to a goalless draw by AC Milan midweek.
“Inter tried to score every way they could and it didn’t go well for them, but you can’t say Torino didn’t earn these points,” said Sirigu.
Sirigu cleared early efforts from Antonio Candreva and Inter captain Mauro Icardi as the visitors threatened early.
Torino got the breakthrough with defender Lorenzo De Silvestri setting up Ljajic for the winner with their shot on goal after 36 minutes.
Sirigu again fingertipped a Icardi volley out, and kept out a Candreva effort following an Icardi assist, with the visitors also hitting the woodwork twice before falling to a fourth defeat this season.
