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Hart warming

Joe Hart’s howler on Torino debut overshadows some impressive stats from on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper

England No.1 completed 17 passes in Serie A debut defeat, which is most since 2010-11 — with accuracy of 83 per cent

BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 11: Goalkeeper of FC Torino Joe Hart looks during the Serie a match between Atalanta BC and FC Torino at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on September 11, 2016 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

ON THE face of it, Joe Hart had a Torino debut to forget as his mistake lead to Atalanta’s equaliser.

However, a closer look may paint a slightly different picture.

Pep Guardiola didn’t fancy Hart at Manchester City, because of concerns the England No1’s comfort levels with the ball at his feet.

 Joe Hart's Torino passing stats would have made for interesting reading for Pep Guardiola
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Joe Hart's Torino passing stats would have made for interesting reading for Pep GuardiolaCredit: ANSA

But, at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium he completed 17 passes — which is more than in any league game since 2010-11.

Hart’s accuracy on his Serie A bow was an impressive 83 per cent.

However, Guardiola will point to the fact his replacement at the Etihad, Claudio Bravo, made 28 passes in his Premier League debut, against Manchester United — with a 93 per cent accuracy rating.

The Italian press were critical without being overly harsh.

joked on the Italian word ‘Bravo’ — meaning ‘good’, before adding ‘but not too good’.

While — which is based in Turin — insisted he “made an omelette”, which is an Italian saying for when someone drops a clanger.

Italy’s other sporting newspaper, just described it as an “error”.

Hart joined Torino on loan on the final day of the transfer window after ten years as a City.

He made 348 appearances an FA Cup, two league titles and a League Cup.