Mihajlovic: Hart gives Torino confidence

Torino has some swagger thanks to Joe Hart.

Manager Sinisa Mihajlovic praised the England goalkeeper for his positive effect on Il Toro, who fully deserved Sunday's 3-1 win over Scudetto challenger Roma.

Hart's first experience in Italian football didn't go so well - he was culpable in a 2-1 loss to Atalanta on Sept. 11 - but he has since displayed a sense of calm in goal.

He was particularly staunch Sunday against former Manchester City teammate Edin Dzeko, thwarting several of the Bosnian's chances and even embracing him in an apparent show of apology.

"We signed Hart for his enthusiasm, spirit, and experience," Mihajlovic said after the contest. "Before he arrived, I spoke to him to understand his spirit.

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"He is a great guy and a wonderful professional, an international-level goalkeeper with great charisma. His presence makes the rest of the team feel more confident."

Hart has already attempted speaking Italian, reading a few phrases from a sheet of paper at a recent press conference. It seems he wants to immerse himself in the peninsula during his season-long loan spell.

He's collected two clean sheets, as Torino creeps into the top half of the Serie A table. Francesco Totti converted a penalty Sunday to rob the 29-year-old of another shutout.