THE LUCK of SAURO TOMA

As rain slammed like bullets, thunder crashed and lightning bolts slashed apart the Turin sky, II Grande Torino were returning home from a benefit match in Portugal. Through his mist-laden cockpit window Captain Pierluigi Meroni attempted to navigate the worst storm in living memory.

Unable through radio malfunction to confirm his exact position Meroni flew on a wing and a whispered prayer. Regarded by many as Italy's finest ever club side, Torino stood on the verge of a historical fifth successive Italian title. However as thick fog engulfed and ferocious winds rocked the aeroplane causing increasing panic amongst the passengers, such thoughts faded into insignificance compared to dying.

To escape severe turbulence Captain Meroni was left with no option but to drop lower. Italian Airline Fiat G212CP was now flying way off course and totally blind. A little after 5.00pm the aeroplane smashed horrifically into a lower wall of the Basilica of Superga. All on board were killed as a monstrous fireball ignited the surrounding hillside.

II Grande Torino were no more.

One spared this nightmare was Torino player Sauro Toma. A knee injury saw him officially excused from travelling, although fit enough to go the fact his wife Giavanna was pregnant with their first child meant Toma never boarded the aeroplane. When Sauro Toma heard the faraway bang and was told of what occurred he ran on foot to Superga.

There amongst the twisted wreckage lay the bloodied remnants of his teammates, scattered in an ungodly mess. Young men in their prime decimated. Unable to bare the sight he was led away in tears by a club official. But for the luck of Sauro Toma, there for the grace of God lay he. Toma lived to see his baby daughter.