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Lucas Perri finally wins over local media as 'redemption' arc underway for Leeds loanee
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- Lucas Perri finally wins over local media as 'redemption' arc underway for Leeds loanee
Lucas Perri finally appears to have turned a corner on loan at Torino from Leeds United.
The Brazilian joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Torino have an option to buy Perri at the end of the season, rather than an obligation.
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That means the 28-year-old's Elland Road future beyond this season remains unclear.
Perri made a difficult start to his loan spell in Italy, with the local press regularly criticising the goalkeeper's displays.
But it appears he has now won them over with his performance against Parma on Monday night.
What have local press said about Lucas Perri display vs Parma?
Perri has been putting in extra training sessions amid suggestions he was not match ready.
This was put down to his lack of action at Leeds last season, having lost his place in the side not long after joining from Lyon.
And it appears as though the additional work off the field is now starting to pay off.
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Perri made multiple notable saves in Torino's 3-0 win over Parma at Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Tuttosport gave Perri a seven out of 10 rating and noted how one save in particular, to deny David Romero, was a "redemption after a few too many errors [this season]".
Meanwhile, Parma Live said Perri was "decisive" in the contest as he kept a first clean sheet for Torino.
Further praise arrived from Toro News , which specialises in Torino coverage, as they said: "That it was a quality night for Torino is evident from their goalkeeper.
"He excelled in the first half with a reflex save near the left post on a dangerous Romero shot. In the second half, he showed his composure with a couple of saves.
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"A few lapses in concentration, especially with his feet, didn't mar a positive performance."
Speaking after the game, Torino boss Ignazio Abate explained why Perri may have taken a bit of time to get up to speed.
Lucas Perri: Things go from bad to worse for Leeds United loanee as 'many mistakes' continue Ignazio Abate explains Lucas Perri's slow start at Torino
In the view of Abate, it was always likely the Brazilian would need time due to the circumstances surrounding his arrival.
"Perri arrived in the last few days of the window," Abate told reporters. "He arrived after an injury and he wasn't in perfect shape.
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"He arrived in a new country and a new league - it's not easy. He's always had the utmost confidence and he's a serious guy who works hard."
Perri may not have been a success at Leeds, but that is not to say he is not a very capable goalkeeper.
If he can now build some momentum, that also works in Leeds' favour as they will then have a better chance of recouping the fee they paid for him come the end of the campaign.
