Abate Torino Won a Very Tough Game Now We Want to Spark the Magic with Our Fans

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | Ignazio Abate was beaming with pride after Torino secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Udinese on a Monday night at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The coach praised his team’s spirit and the unwavering support of the fans, declaring, “Abate Torino won a very tough game now we want to spark the magic with our fans.” The win, sealed by substitute Sandro Kulenovic‘s second-half strike, lifted the mood around the club and highlighted the depth and determination within the squad.

Abate thanked the supporters who turned out in large numbers despite it being a weeknight. “You could feel how much we wanted to win in front of our fans,” he said. “I thank them; there were so many of them even though it was a Monday night. Playing here is wonderful and important, it’s a special place and we need to spark the magic.” The coach emphasized that the victory was achieved by beating Udinese at their own game, without giving an inch. He noted that he couldn’t recall Udinese creating any big chances, a testament to Torino’s defensive discipline and tactical execution.

The match-winning goal came from Kulenovic, who replaced Che Adams and needed only three minutes to capitalize on a defensive mistake. It was his first goal of the season, and Abate was quick to highlight the importance of squad players. “I treat them all the same way. He has my full trust, and I have an honest relationship with everyone. You’ve seen it in my choices: I give everyone a chance. We need people like him, and there’s no letting up. We need everyone, that’s football.” The coach’s faith in his substitutes paid off, as the bench players made a significant impact.

Abate also explained Adams’ early exit, stating that he knew Adams would only last about an hour and that playing him longer would have been a risk. He singled out Giovanni Simeone for special praise, calling him the man of the match for his leadership and work rate, even though Simeone is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign. “When you play for the team, the wheel turns and the rewards will come,” Abate added. Simeone’s tireless performance embodied the spirit that Abate wants to see.

However, there was a concern as Emirhan Ilkhan had to come off after feeling something in his adductor. Abate confirmed the substitution was precautionary, and the medical staff will assess the midfielder’s condition in the coming days. Despite the injury setback, the coach remained focused on the bigger picture.

Abate admitted that his team started nervously, and finding the right balance remains a work in progress. “We started a bit tense and you could sense the nerves, but I didn’t see that in the second half,” he said. “We need to work, and today eight of the starting XI were new.” He pointed out that conceding the equaliser in the 43rd minute was a blow, but insisted that going into half-time in front is crucial. With five strikers and eight midfielders at his disposal, Abate faces the challenge of keeping everyone involved. “There’s a lot to improve, but what counts is the attitude. The fans saw that today we gave everything.”

The victory over Udinese was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent. Torino showed resilience, tactical flexibility, and a never-say-die attitude that resonated with the supporters. Abate’s men demonstrated that they can grind out results even when not at their best, a quality that will be vital as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Abate knows that consistency is key. The coach will need to manage his squad carefully, especially with injuries and the busy fixture list. The return of key players and the integration of new signings will be crucial. But for now, the focus is on building on this win and sparking the magic with the fans once again. As Abate said, “Abate Torino won a very tough game now we want to spark the magic with our fans.” That sentiment will drive the team forward as they aim for a successful campaign.

In conclusion, Torino’s victory over Udinese was a collective effort that highlighted the team’s character and the coach’s ability to motivate his players. The fans played their part, and the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino was electric. With Abate at the helm, the Granata will look to carry this momentum into their next fixtures, hoping to turn tough wins into a habit and create lasting memories for their supporters. As the season unfolds, the magic that Abate speaks of could very well become a regular occurrence.