Afriyie Acquah strike earns Torino draw at Hellas Verona

Torino's have maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season after rescuing a draw against Hellas Verona.

The Gialloblu twice led at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, but Afriyie Acquah's 72nd-minute goal ensured that Il Toro remain in touch with leaders Chievo, who lead on goal difference.

After a cagey opening, ex-Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez almost gave the hosts a 12th-minute lead, but his close-range effort was too high to trouble Daniele Padelli.

Bruno Peres was then denied by Rafael before Luca Toni's header was saved by Padelli as neither side could break the deadlock.

However, the Gialloblu were awarded a penalty when Pontus Jansson was adjudged to have fouled Juanito in the area, although replays suggest that the contact was minimal.

Toni stepped up and tucked the spot kick beyond the reach of Padelli as Torino's unbeaten record looked to be in peril.

Il Toro did get back on level terms after Daniele Baselli's close-range shot beat Rafael at his near post.

On 71 minutes, the Gialloblu restored their lead when Juanito's header beat the despairing dive of Padelli before nestling in the bottom corner of the net.

However, the lead lasted only two minutes as Acquah's low shot caught the Verona defence cold and trickled into the corner to preserve Torino's unbeaten start.