retired_greengirl31

Excellent story! Would you please tell me how the heck do you get 25+ goals outta both of these players... Ibra and Adriano? I mean the first thing they do is they get injured and the average rating of the club players is 6.98 something.

retired_romafo

Thought I'd be another to pop my head in and say I really have enjoyed reading this and hope you carry on.

Looking forward to how you go with a revitalised Serie A, especially if Juve managed to get up.

retired_teju

Thanks guys, user comments are the lifeblood of these stories. Without them I start to wonder if anyone is reading this inane drivel Ibrahimovic and Adriano were amazing this year. Unfortunately problems with fitness do crop up later on. In addition to which Serie A gets a lot harder in the coming season!


Our new signings, Alex and Chiellini officially arrived on the 1st, with Cruz and Materazzi officially sodding off. I was expecting to be at the centre of a lot more action. Nothing happened until the 9th, when I disposed of Maicon to Milan for 4.4M. He'd done a passable job for us, however he was hardly Bobby Moore, so I had little trepidation in selling him to our rivals. On the following day, I farmed keeper Julio Cesar out to Palermo for an identical fee, 4.4M. There were some raised eyebrows amongst the coaching staff. That didn't bother me, since I simply didn't rate him all that much. The problem arose when Adriano complained in the press. I took him aside in pre-season training (I decided to grace them with my presence for the first few weeks of this pre-season too) and gave him a very thorough bo****king, explaining in no uncertain terms that I wasn't going to tolerate that kind of s***e. He apologised in the media next day, and without me having to make a public comment on the whole thing, I had got my message across loud and clear.

The 18th was a busy day, beginning with my granting Romanian international midfielder Ianis Zicu, (a handy player who had been loaned out last season before I arrived), a month of leave for personal problems. I'm not sure what the whole thing was about, though homesickness was mentioned by one of the coaching staff. I wasn't too bothered what it was. I just wanted to kick the problem into the long grass, since something slightly more momentous was occuring.

At my instigation, Javier Zanetti was joining Chievo on a free transfer, and an era was coming to an end. I wouldn't say he was shocked, since he was the same age as me, but he was definitely shaken. I doubt he was too pleased with me deep down either. We had a long chat, and he was very professional. It was difficult though, and I had no doubt that he felt awkward being bombed out of the club by a former team-mate. I felt that too. I had been very loyal to him when he didn't play well last season, probably too loyal, and I told him that straight to his face. He was both saddened and realistic.

"Look, I could have kept you here as some sort of figurehead," I told him. "But you aren't going to play this term. And that's not what you're about, is it?"

"No you're right. I'm not at the level I was."

"Maybe just a little bit down. You can still do a job for Chievo, or someone else. And you'll always be welcome here. Especially if you want to coach when you pack it in. Give me a call then for sure."

He just nodded and I could tell it was a difficult time for him. Now he knew how I felt 8 years ago. Though on that occasion I was the author of my own misfortune. He was leaving becuase he didn't quite have it anymore.

As with Figo, we gave him a good send-off. I was relieved to close that chapter, and get on with the makeover.

Just before the end of the month, it continued with the sale of Santiago Hernan Solari to Lazio for 2.4M. Nice player that he was, Recoba had been playing a blinder, and I wanted to include Grosso on the left now and then, since he had no chance of playing left back for us anymore.

This late sale helped to inflate our monthly profit to 7.61M. The board were very pleased with everything. I'd have been vexed if they weren't.

retired_teju

Knowing that August was always a busy month, I escaped for a few days to the lakes with Carla. Coinciding with the fact that we'd moved in together, stories began appearing in gossip columns that we were back together again. Since we both refused to go into details about our private lives in the media, the stories went away pretty quickly, without the oxygen of any nauseating "Hello" style photo sets or seamy bedroom revelations. I was angered by some photos of us leaving my apartment in the morning, and irritated by some "entertainment" journalists who turned up once or twice at our respective places of work. I had learned to let that stuff slide, to blow up in public only made things ten times worse.

Of similar irritation to me was the contract saga involving Dejan Stankovic. It was finally resolved on the 3rd, a three year extension at 55k/week, a 1.2M signing on fee, and a host of bonuses. He and his agent had really p***ed me off throughout the negotiations, making it clear that they thought we needed him more than he needed us. The agreement was reached because I didn't want to lose him for free, but I made sure that I would take my revenge at a later date, because he wasn't half as important as the way he was prancing about.

On the 9th, our other anonymous full back, Maxwell, joined Bayern Munich for 3.8M. Not much to say about that. Two days later, I signed up Vincenzo Iaquinta, the Udinese striker for 10.8M, with a 40k/week contract, 1.2M signing on fee and the usual list of bonuses. He'd had a terrific season, interrupted by injury, was an Italian international, and was a nice fit for us.

Another Italian international followed on the 15th. I had been trailing Christian Zaccardo for a while, lost him when Moratti meddled and signed Abidal (who turned out to be a very good signing), and now was able to tie him up for 15M. 40 grand a week and a 1M signing bonus seemed to be what everyone was asking for these days, and I was happy to give it.

On the 18th, we did some contract renewal work, inking Recoba and Tudor to two year deals on the same money. The squad, and its rejuvenation, was coming together well.

Our first test came on the 25th, the "Super Cup" at home to Roma. The following side was run out: Toldo Zaccardo Abidal Cordoba Samuel Cambiasso Camoranesi Stankovic Ibrahimovic Adriano Recoba. We had a tonne of chances and pressure without scoring. Our prospects were enhanced when they had a man sent off after 51 minutes. Just after the hour, Ibrahimovic headed in a corner, and then on 77 minutes the same man made it a headed double, nodding in a cross. Due to a farcical series of injuries, both sides ended up with only 9 men. They scored on 87 minutes, however were never really in it, and I felt it was an easy win.

Digesting the press the next morning, I was surprised to hear that everyone was "jubilant" at the win, which I found slightly strange, unless the Super Cup had suddenly become more important and no-one had told me about it. Still it was a trophy and that was all that mattered. I was less pleased to hear that Adriano had sprained his ankle and would miss a month. Camoranesi had suffered a leg injury, and he would be gone for 3 weeks. I moved to shore up our attacking options.

I kind of stumbled upon Dean Ashton, who many people might think was not the sort of player that Internazionale Milan would be signing. My answer would be, "why not?". He'd been very successful for West Ham, had broken through for England, so he was now in the big leaue. He had asked for a transfer, and I was happy to meet the fee of 8.25M for a player this young and promising. I'd have given him more than 30k/week, but that was all he asked for.

With the window set to close, I felt we still needed a goalkeeper. I had been chasing Buffon for ever. Juve wouldn't budge, even after I offered close to 30M. As a fallback position, I signed another Englishman who had requested a move, Chris Kirkland. Our scouts didn't exactly rave about him, though I felt I knew a lot more about English players than they did. I secured his services for 6.75M at 25k/week until 2012, with a 750K signing on fee. That brought my spending to 47.5M for the current transfer window, and I thought it was high time I backed off. The board were very pleased, despite a loss of 25M for the month.

retired_teju

I decided against any pre-season friendlies. I couldn't be bothered with them, and I felt that the players would be fresher for it at the end of the season. The President wasn't pleased, only for the money aspect I thought. After all, it wasn't as if he could tell me anything about football, though that didn't stop him from trying.

So our next assignment was a Champions League game at home to Bordeaux. We were badly hampered by international call-ups. That made for an unfamiliar line-up, with Grosso and Cassano on the flanks, and Iaquinta up front. We started poorly, and they scored after 14 minutes, when our lot were badly disorganised at a free kick.

Three minutes later we hit back, Vieira drilling in a superb 30 yard curler. 7 minutes after that, a lovely passing move culminated with Stankovic slipping in Iaquinta, who put us in front with a tremendous snap low finish. We really kicked on just after the half hour, Ibrahimovic streaking through and providing a good finish. I was satisfied at half time, even though we seemed sluggish. A minute after the break they scored an own goal to finish things off. Despite a late "consolation", we had won well, however I was a little concerned about the quality of our defending, which wasn't exactly s**t hot.

It would have to be better for our opener at Roma. We fielded a strong side despite the injuries and unavailability, featuring: Kirkland Zaccardo Abidal Cordoba Samuel Vieira Camoranesi Stankovic Ibrahimovic Iaquinta Recoba. We started strongly, so I was less than impressed when we went behind after 37 minutes. I didn't go nuts at half time, but made it clear that I expected much better. It didn't come, and we looked badly disjointed. At full time I took the opportunity to lay into the players, as documented in the media by Vieira afterwards.

I felt my tantrum would have the desired effect three days later at Napoli. Instead, we were even worse. Dreadful defending allowed them to take the lead after 9 minutes, even more shocking play saw them double it after 24. As we went all out attack, another ridiculous goal was conceded and there was no way I was going into the dressing room to waste breath on that shower. Sub Dean Ashton got us back into it with a tap in after (59), but the only other scoring of the game came via an Ibrahimovic volley four minutes from time. I took no comfort from the fact that we outshot them 21-7, and was so furious that I refused to speak to them or even travel home on the same plane. This was just totally unacceptable.

The players did not see me again until the day before our home fixture against Ascoli on the 22nd. I had cooled down, yet pretended I was still livid, storming into Appiano Gentile to announce an unchanged side, then storming out again. I didn't see the point of chopping and changing. These players had got us into this, now they would have to get us out of it. The players seemed to have the message, judging by the start. Camoranesi laid on Iaquinta for an easy one after 7 minutes. I was expecting floodgates to open. They didn't. We were still well in charge, but nervy. In the 71st minute, supersub Ashton broke down the left, cut inside, and smashed in a terrific finish. Three minutes later, a great reverse ball from Stankovic set the same player in for another excellent finish. It was comfortable without being comfortable, if you know what I mean.

Iaquinta fractured his ribs during the game and would miss 2 months, which was offset with the return to training of Adriano next day.

He wasn't available for anything more than the bench for our trip to Ajax. They were all over us and scored in the 38th minute, an incredibly long shot that Kirkland should have saved. I didn't see any point in fannying around, and my all out attack approach was rewarded in the 72nd minute, when Camoranesi headed in a Stankovic cross. Adriano rose from the bench to slam in a terrific top corner drive (81), and to show us how much we had missed his world class striking. Vieira credited my team talk for the comeback. I gave credit to the players, though they didn't play very well.

Our last engagement of the month was on the 30th, at home to Torino. I dropped Zaccardo, who had made an incredibly average start to his career with us, and replaced him with Andreolli. We started like garbage, and they scored after 14 minutes. Ashton continued his stellar start in our colours, smashing in a savage right footed shot (32). I was furious at the interval yet again. Stankovic showed some fury too, in the shot that he blasted us in front with right on the hour. The lead only lasted 4 minutes, which had me boiling on the sidelines, as did a disallowed goal, for what reason I have still to ascertain. I stormed out of the ground in a huff at the end, seriously considering my position. The board seemed blissfully unaware of the dreadful start, when they reported the next day that they were pleased with everything, although they might have been referring more to the 5.2M profit they reaped in for the month.

retired_teju

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Inter| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Milan | | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 12 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Roma | | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 10 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Udinese | | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 10 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Napoli | | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 10 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Lazio | | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Empoli | | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Chievo | | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 6 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Juventus | | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 6 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Catania | | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 5 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Fiorentina | | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 5 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Livorno | | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 5 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Inter | | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 4 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Atalanta | | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Ascoli | | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Siena | | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Sampdoria | | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 3 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Mantova | | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 2 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Palermo | | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 2 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Torino | | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 2 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Parma | | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_teju

I was getting really infuriated with the players. On the 3rd, we entertained Parma, and we were certainly gracious hosts. Despite the return to full time duty of Adriano, we were still rubbish, conceding after 9 minutes. Ten minutes before half time, more out of desperation than anything else, Cordoba hammered in a 30 yard shot. A minute after another half time tantrum from me, Adriano broke through and gave us the lead with a brilliant cross shot finish.

There was grim inevitability about the poor defensive goal we conceded after 82, and I was starting to think that the players had stopped playing for me. Our league form couldn't get much worse.

Lucky then that our next run out was in Europe, against AEK Athens. I decided to put Toldo in net. Kirkland just wasn't doing it. We dominated the game and of course the goal wouldn't come. I told the players to relax. We were going to qualify from this group anyway, so a turgid draw wouldn't be terrible. Instead, Adriano nipped in with 3 minutes left to tap in our winner. It was satisfying to win, though we were still playing absolute s***e.

We would have to do way better on the 20th, visiting Fiorentina. Cambiasso and Cassano came in for the injured Vieira and Stankovic. Ibrahimovic headed in a Recoba cross to give us the lead 4 minutes in, then Adriano tipped in another cross from the Uruguayan 2 minutes later. Zaccardo made a terrible error that allowed them to pull one back after 18. Our chances were enhanced when they had a man sent off 7 minutes later. Of course it was no surprise with our form that they scored on 32, but Ibrahimovic put us back in charge 10 minutes later, slamming in a Camoranesi cross. Two minutes after the break, Cordoba headed in a corner. Then just before the hour, the Swedish striker played in his Brazilian partner for a neat finish. Alex finished the scoring on 89, unfortunately into his own net. It didn't detract from a terrific performance. I was too long in the tooth though to think that all was suddenly rosy.

Our home date with Siena was a must win, given how far we had fallen behind the leaders. Vieira and Stankovic were back on the bench. Adriano gave us the lead from the spot 2 minutes in. We dominated, but didn't get a second until 60 minutes later, Stankovic playing in Ibrahimovic. Every win was a relief right now.

I expected another one away to Mantova on the 28th. Unfortunately they had other ideas, and scored after 3 minutes. Ibrahimovic equalised from the spot 9 minutes later, then just before the half hour, Adriano burst through to score. The Brazilian added a late penalty (80), before firing in low and hard with four minutes left, to complete an unusual hat-trick. It was a comprehensive win, outshooting them 19-2, and much more like it from our lot.

When AEK Athens arrived for the midweek Champions League game, all the reserves stepped in. We dominated a dull 1st half, and I spared the tantrum. Five minutes later, Vieira gave it to Ashton, who made a great turn and shot. It was hailed as a "sublime finish" and "stunning strike" from the left corner of the box to the top corner (77). Nine minutes from time, Vieira was sent off. They scored in injury time, and despite the paucity of this home draw, we qualified for the next round. Now we could rest people with confidence, although the way the first choice guys had played this season, they probably needed the practice.

Our usual profit rolled in, this time 2.9M, and due to our financial prowess, the board raised the remaining transfer budget by 2M to 8.75M.

retired_brianrt

Excellent so far Irish. Having gone a few seasons with Juve I know just how hard Serie A can be, so well done and I hope the success continues :thup:

retired_teju

Thanks Sherm. You're right Serie A is harder than people think. It's a bit like Scotland. If you slip up and get behind it's a hell of a job catching up. The leaders don't lose that many. Will just go and check out your new offering. Hope you keep it up for a long time (hint hint!)

The regulars returned for our home fixture with Empoli, and we looked more comfortable from the start. Adriano headed in a 5th minute corner, the 100th league goal of his career. Alex added a penalty after 25, and we were really motoring when they got a man sent off after 36. Stankovic beautifully finished a low cross two minutes later, then a minute later, Camoranesi's cross found Adriano all alone. Recoba added a free kick shortly after the interval, for a 5-0 win that made us look like we were back to our best. I wasn't ready to get complacent just yet, however we certainly looked a lot more like our usual selves. Camoranesi had picked up an injury and would be out 2 weeks.

With the reserves in for a midweek Italian Cup game with Cesena we looked rubbishy again, labouring to a 3-1 win. The regulars were well rested for the next game in the Champions League, at Bordeaux. I took the players who weren't playing in the cup game out to France early, which had nothing to do with me sampling the wines of the region for a few days! The only problem for team selection was that we were ravaged by international call-ups. Due to the registration situation in Europe, we couldn't fill up the subs bench. Still I expected us to win. Grosso gave us the lead with a lovely free kick ten minutes in. They had a man sent off 13 minutes later for a pro foul, and it was very relaxed for us now. Grosso converted a penalty three minutes after the re-start, and that was more than we needed. If only our league form could be this productive.

With a long international break I thought we could re-group and get ready for a renewed assault on Serie A. Instead, there was a sudden and ridiculous rash of injuries. Tudor broke his leg horribly in training (so I was told since I was lolling around at home when it happened). He would be out nearly 6 months. The international games were a complete disaster. Adriano dislocated his shoulder in a meaningless game for Brazil, and would be gone for 2 months. Cordoba had a toe injury which would cost him a week. To top it all off, Zicu broke his toe and would miss two months as well. The killer was Adriano of course. At least Ashton had been a pleasant surprise, so the cover would be at least adequate.

The home game with Chievo would be far from easy, the way we were playing. Thankfully, we got a good start, Ibrahimovic heading in an Abidal free kick. The big Swede then forced in a corner in the 27th minute, and I could see us winning now. Chaos in the visitors defence following an Ibrahimovic rebound allowed Ashton to pass it into the net from 20 yards on 32 minutes. The Swede completed his hat-trick with a superb finish, latching on to a through ball right on the hour. Still the goals kept coming. Sub Iaquinta raced on to a through ball, squeezing in from a tight angle (68), and finally that was the end of the eruption. It seemed like we were suddenly taking out the frustrations of the last few months. I certainly felt a release. They weren't a bad side either, so I was well pleased.

All that remained for the month was the straightforward task of knocking Cesena out of the Italian Cup, which we did with a 1-0 win in a very dull game. I was still in good odour with the board, according to our President, who was also delighted with the usual hefty profit, this time 3.7M.

retired_teju

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Inter| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Roma | | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 6 | +15 | 28 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Milan | | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 10 | +8 | 22 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Inter | | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 30 | 12 | +18 | 20 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Juventus | | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 20 | 14 | +6 | 18 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Udinese | | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 17 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Sampdoria | | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 17 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Lazio | | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 13 | +3 | 16 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Empoli | | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -4 | 16 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Napoli | | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 13 | +1 | 15 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Fiorentina | | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 15 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Chievo | | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 15 | -3 | 15 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Torino | | 10 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 13 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Parma | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 12 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Palermo | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 13 | -6 | 9 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Catania | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 9 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Livorno | | 10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 8 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Ascoli | | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 8 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Siena | | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Atalanta | | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 6 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Mantova | | 10 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 19 | -11 | 3 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>