zipman

14.04.06 - 16:00 - Sant'Abruzzese, Melfi - Serie C2/C

Melfi 3rd - Rieti 16th (Latium) 2:0 (0:0)

Dry 16°C
Attendance: 2235
Referee: Alessio Bertaso

Goals:
0:1 Rodio (87')
0:2 Lauria (89' - empty net)

MoM:
Gaetano Avolio (D RL, Melfi) our right defender was solid back and assisted the first goal lovely.

Another lowly opponent came to town and I was horrified of another Modica game. I went back to the standard defenders and moved Selvaggi back to central midfield. Loruso who spent most of the year at U 20 got his first start in right midfield and did surprisingly well. Sadly his fitness is not good enough for professional football.
Rieti played like we like to play, very defensively, destructive and on the counter. Thankfully we didn't allow them any counters, but it was hard to create chances against them. But at least we showed determination on this holiday infront of a sold out crowd. Rieti goalkeeper Bonaventura had three good saves before the whistle.
Even if the score was 0:0 I wasn't angry and felt we will win this game. The character ofo the match didn't change, we dominated but Bonaventura saved everything. After 87 minutes, when most of the audience was preparing for a sad Easter Rodio capped his 50th professional match with a lovely goal. Now Rieti opened up and when they had a throw in (!) their goalkeeper joined their attack. Anyway Fumagalli intercepted and passed to Lauria, who scored with a spectacular strike from 65 yards. Rumour has it that scouts of Green Bay Packers will watch him soon to draft him as their new kicker.
We are now level on points with Viterbo and Igea Virtus (one game on hand), while Rende and Taranto are five points back.

zipman

23.04.06 - 15:00 - Alberto De Cristofaro, Giugliano - Serie C2/C

Guigliano 8th (Campania) - Melfi 3rd 2:1 (1:1)

Dry 14°C
Attendance: 3728
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

Goals:
0:1 La Porta (3')
1:1 (21')
2:1 (89' - penalty)

Another trip to Campania which was certainly not going to be an easy one, as the hosts still had theoretical chances to reach the playoffs. We were optimistically travelling via Napoli to Guigliano still hoping to achieve direct promotion.
The game started perfectly and La Porta converted a lovely Fumagalli cross after only three minutes. Now I secretly thought about the two other games, because we could rely on our strengths: destroy the opponents game and play the counter. Sadly one of our most steady performers, defensive midfielder Selvaggi, had an awful day and more or less assisted Giugliano's equalizer. Now my guys were nervous and forgot what I told them before the match. Anyway the score was still 1:1 at the break.
I tried to restore confidence in the dressing room, but somehow the Melfisti were afraid of what they might achieve. Guigliano was the better team after the break, but it looked like we could escape with an important point. But Selvaggi's replacement Montano was as bad, committing a penalty one minute before fulltime. In extra time we had a final chance to tie the game, but Doumbia wasted it.
Even if we lost we qualified for the playoffs, trailing Igea Virtus for the league lead by four points.

zipman

27.04.06 - B A N

European Finals completed

Champions League
Juventus - INTER 1:2 (1:1 + 0:1)
Chelsea - LYON 0:0 (0:0 + 0:0)

Uefa Cup
Milan - PANATHINAIKOS 1:2 (1:0 + 0:2)
Newcastle - LIVERPOOL 2:3 (1:1 + 1:2)

zipman

30.04.06 - 15:00 - Domenico Franconi, Latina - Serie C2/2

Latina 12th (Lazio) - Melfi 3rd 0:3 (0:2)

Dry 18°C
Attendance:1256
Referee: Marco Bolano

Goals:
0:1 Roberto (19')
0:2 Rodio (32')
0:3 Roberto (80')

As we were already qualified for the playoffs (are they played like in England or like in the Netherlands?) we could take a relaxed train trip to Latina a town which was only founded in 1932. Latina on the other hand had to fight and win this match to avoid the relegation playoffs.
From the first minute the game went the way I hoped; Latina was nervous and afraid to lose and my guys played without any pressure. They seemed to be a step quicker on all key occasions, winning the ball in the right situations. Quite frustrating for the hosts. The first goal was again assisted by left defender Fumagalli, whose place in the first team was under threat just four weeks ago. Rodio capitalized from a big defensive error and we lead 2:0 after a half we completely dominated. I praised my guys during halftime and told them to continue in same fashion.
That was exactly what they did, and Latina quickly raised the white flag. We even scored a third goal after a very lousy clearance by Latina's goalkeeper. For the first time in his career Roberto scored a Doppelpack.
With a 3:1 over Gallipoli, Igea Virtus Barcellona won the league. The last match decides if we enter the playoffs as second, third or fourth placed team.

zipman

07.05.06 - 15:00 - Sant'Abruzzese, Melfi - Serie C2/C

Melfi 3rd - Pro Vasto 6th (Abruzzo) 4:4 (3:2)

Dry 25°C
Attendance: 2221
Referee: Fabrizio Ernetti

Goals:
1:0 Lauria (3')
1:1 (6')
1:2 (11')
2:2 Lauria (28')
3:2 La Porta (40')
4:2 Rodio (71')
4:3 (76')
4:4 (86')

MoM:
Gianmarco Rodio (DM AM C, Melfi) my mastermind in midfield, scored a pearl of a goal.

This game was supposed to become interesting, we were battle for second place, while Pro Vasto could reach fifth place and therefore the playoffs with a win. On the other hand this game became a typical season finale with both teams playing and forgetting about tactics completely. Rodio, La Porta and Lauria all had very good days, while my defense was below the normal standard.
Sadly my starting goalkeeper Nicoletti and starstriker were substituted with hopefully minor injuries. Backup goalkeeper has to get the blame for Pro Vasto's third and fourth goal. Anyway it's no use crying over spoilt milk, because a win wouldn't have give us 2nd place either.
After the game my physio Valvano tells me Lauria will be out between five days and two weeks and backup striker Rubino might miss the first playoff game (still aginst unknown opposition) as well.

Final Standings of Serie C2/2 2005/06

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D.| Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Igea Virtus | | 34 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 26 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 24 | 26 | +16 | 59 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Pl | Viterbo | | 34 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 23 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 22 | +10 | 58 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Pl | M E L F I | | 34 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 26 | 18 | +19 | 56 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Pl | Taranto | | 34 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 35 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 20 | +10 | 53 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Pl | Rende | | 34 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 24 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 22 | +4 | 50 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Giugliano | | 34 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 26 | 14 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 21 | +4 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Pro Vasto | | 34 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 25 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 16 | 27 | +1 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Cisco Roma | | 34 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 21 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 19 | 29 | +5 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Gallipoli | | 34 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 32 | 22 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 19 | 32 | -3 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th| | Vittoria | | 34 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 21 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 20 | +5 | 44 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th| | Real Marcianise | | 34 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 27 | 0 | 43 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th| | Potenza | | 34 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 23 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 21 | 38 | -9 | 41 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th| | Vigor Lamezia | | 34 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 17 | 22 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 19 | 21 | -7 | 40 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th| Pl | Latina | | 34 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 27 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 36 | -12 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th| Pl | Rieti | | 34 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 20 | 16 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 23 | -9 | 37 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th| Pl | Nocerina | | 34 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 24 | 21 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 24 | -8 | 37 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th| Pl | Andria Bat | | 34 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 23 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 19 | 22 | -7 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th| R | Modica | | 34 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 26 | 28 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 14 | 31 | -19 | 35 |</pre>

zipman

10.05.06 - 19:45 - Philips Stadion, Eindhoven - UEFA Cup Final

Panathinaikos - Liverpool 0:2 (0:2)

Dry 8°C
Attendance: 32982
Referee: Eduardo Iturralde González (Spain)

Goals:
0:1 Garcia (6' - penalty)
0:2 Crouch (16')

MoM:
José Manuel Reina (GK, Liverpool)

zipman

14.05.06 - B A N

Melfi vs. Taranto in Promotion Playoff Semifinal

Melfi was drawn against Taranto in the semi final promotion playoff. During regular season Melfi lost on the road 2:0 to Taranto, while the home game at Sant'Abruzzese was won 1:0.

The Melfi board provided also 110.000 € to help with the club's running costs. The deficit for the season is still at 549.000 € though.

zipman

17.05.06 - 19:45 - Stade de France, Saint-Denis - Champions League Final

Lyon - Inter 0:2 (0:0)

Dry 22°C
Attendance: 79990
Referee: Barry Knight (England)

Goals:
0:1 Martins (65')
0:2 Martins (90')

MoM:
Obafemi Martins (ST, Inter)

zipman

17.05.06 - B A N

On the tracks to Taranto

An almost full strength AS Melfi squad will today gather at Melfi Stazione around noon to head south for the first playoff semi final leg. Surprisingly Melfi coach ordered the train tickets already for Friday, two days before kickoff, whilst Melfi usually travelled on match day to save costs.

Fritsche added in a short press talk on Thursday that they plan to take regional instead of express trains to Taranto. The Melfi coach things that sitting in a slower train with less space will increase the team spirit. The squad will take ' tren regionale 3523' to Potenza where they switch to ' tren regionale 3587'. Arrival at Taranto is scheduled for 16:41. In Taranto Fritsche booked rooms at Grand Hotel Delfino where he plans to prepare the Melfisti for the big match. Thankfully Lauria and goalkeeper Nicoletti should be fit for the game, while utility midfielder Gaeta won't make the trip.

zipman

21.05.06 - 16:00 - Erasmo Iacovone, Taranto - Serie C2/C Playoff Semi Final Leg 1

Taranto (Puglia) - Melfi 1:2 (1:1)

Dry 34°C
Attendance: 16160
Referee: Emilio Ostinelli

Goals:
1:0 (12')
1:1 La Porta (17' - penalty)
1:2 (51' - own goal)

MoM:
Stefano Fumagalli (D LC, Melfi) ask the journalists why. My MoM was my goalkeeper Nicoletti.

The big match was approaching and we walked there from our Grand Hotel we were becoming nervous. We never ever saw so many people on their way to the stadium, even if it was more than two hours before the kickoff. Besides it was hot, very hot. Remember we are mountain people and this was the first really hot summer day this year. I began to worry as our game is intensive and not every starter is known for his high stamina.
It was easy to pick the first eleven, just picking Gravante over Doumbia was a close call. But Doumbia wasn't in from after his injury, so he went to the bench.
When we entered the arena I estimated that it was filled by 2/3 of the capacity. A lovely stadium and atmosphere indeed. But there were also 1500 people in yellow and green to support us. Who would win the match? Ocean or mountain?
We started slow and it looked as Taranto wanted to decide the semi final in the first 15 minutes. After 12 minutes I had to pay for the decision that my left and right defender should run forward sometimes. A Taranto player had all the time he needed for his cross and Catania scored easily as he was unmarked. We crossed the midline for the first time after 17 minutes. But we entered the penalty box dangerously, and Lauria drew a penalty. La Porta converted easily. Then it was Taranto time again, but with luck and Nicoletti we kept the draw. After 28 minutes we had a great chance through Roberto and Lauria, but they wasted it. Anyway we were lucky to escape with the 1:1 and would have accepted it as a good result for the return leg.
No changes were made and the second half started quieter. After 50 minutes we got a freekic, which didn't look like a threat: Lauria crossed but no striker was even close to convert. Anyway the Taranto goalkeeper fumbled the ball badly into his own goal when he tried catching it. Now the hosts and the crowd were furious and attacked with all they had. I was worried as Cuomo and Selvaggi my two keyplayers in defense looked very exhausted. In the 63 minutes there was turmoil in my box and Taranto had four shots alone, but we weathered the storm. I had to replace Selvaggi with Montano and Roberto with Rubino after 70 minutes as both could hardly run anymore. The Puglians tried again to equalize but once again Nicoletti was playing like a Buffon clone. Even if we didn't manage any counters we sailed home with a shocking 2:1 victory. The stats told 18 shots for Taranto and 3 for Melfi, but that's football.