Giampiero Ventura said Torino deserve “the right tribute” from fans for their remarkable season, despite defeat to Milan.

The Granata were beaten 3-0 at San Siro and are now mathematically ruled out of the race for a Europa League spot.

“I don’t smile for tonight’s result, but for what this team was able to do throughout the entire season,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Giampiero Ventura said Torino deserve “the right tribute” from fans for their remarkable season, despite defeat to Milan.

The Granata were beaten 3-0 at San Siro and are now mathematically ruled out of the race for a Europa League spot.

“I don’t smile for tonight’s result, but for what this team was able to do throughout the entire season,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had many absentees, but the game was decided by the Samuel Eto’o goal for Sampdoria. If Samp had lost, we’d have been in with a chance, but that equaliser took away all our remaining hopes and our heads dropped.

“This game felt hugely important this morning, but by the afternoon it had become relatively futile. Motivation makes a big difference when there is fatigue.

“The first half was dignified, but we ran out of steam after the red card. I hope we still have the strength to play a great game next Sunday. I hope the fans can give the right tribute to these players for all they’ve done and recognise their efforts.

“This team played 53 games this season. The second goal definitively finished us off, just look at the way we conceded the third with everyone standing there.”

Ventura was asked whether the season highlight was beating arch rivals Juventus or securing a shock Europa League victory away to Athletic Bilbao?

“Both were great for completely different reasons. I know that many of the Granata fans were moved to tears by that victory over Juventus, as it hadn’t happened for so many years.

“Bilbao was a real turning point for our mentality, maturity and the growth of this team in knowing its capabilities.

“It is evident that in four years we moved from Serie B to Europe. We have gained valuable experience and with some long-term planning we can open up a mini-era, though of course a lot depends on the market.

“I had four years with Massimo Cellino and two with Maurizio Zamparini, so I’m made of stern stuff!” he joked.

“People always ask me why I haven’t gone to a big club and one of the reasons is that nobody looked for me, not with any real determination.

“I am of the age now where all I should do is help Torino grow and launch talented young players.”

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