retired_lorriann

July 18th 2005 ~ The Secret Meeting.

I held a team meeting this morning. Mainly to iron out some minor issues I saw last game. Namely, I saw some golden goal scoring chances pass us by due to too much fancy passing in the 18 yard box, and the defense were able to react. I wasn’t overly upset with out first game, but was annoyed at the fact we should have won by a larger margin. We watched key videotape, and let the boys know I was going to alter our formation for the next game. I was planning on playing a 4-2-1-3, with Toni, Del Piero and Baggio up top, and Cassano hanging just behind them. This will drastically change my subs for the next game. Lupoli, Rossi, Carlito and Mazzotta will get a taste of former European powerhouse Leeds in the next game in a few days. In the meantime, after out meeting, I held another meeting with club officials, my captain Alex Del Piero, and the Italian FA representative in England. We were discussing the national team, and I wanted to let Marcello Lippi know, my players would make up the bulk of the team for qualification, as well as the tournament itself. The officals weren’t too pleased with “my team” being the Azzurri team, but I had mentioned before this will help chemistry greatly, especially since Italy haven’t won the World Cup in 24 years. I was hoping Lippi would retire after the tournament, allowing me to take over the squad, and keep my Juventus squad as one operation. I know I could lead the Azzurri to glory, and I would prove it.

That afternoon, David Trezeguet moved to Stamford Bridge for a whopping $41 million. Worth every penny if you ask me. He’s a tad injury prone, and that shoulder doesn’t look like it’s going to heal properly. Although some fans were upset Trezegol was gone, when they see that his was replaced with Toni, Gilardino, Cassano and Tevez, it made it all worth while.

July 19th 2005 ~ The Next Generation.
More youngsters got the call to dress for this game. All but Giuseppe Rossi in fact, as they replaced Kallstrom, the Cioffi brothers and Camoranesi.

Friendly Match
Juventus vs. Leeds Utd
Elland Road, Leeds.

Starting Lineup:
GK – De Sanctis
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Chiellini
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – Nedved
MC – Pirlo
AMC – Cassano
FC – Baggio
FC – Del Piero ©
FC – Toni
Subs: Carbonara, Rinaudo, Barzagli, Pinzi, Grosso, Lazzari, Montolivo, Tevez, Lupoli, Cardelli, Mazzotta, Pietro Cioffi

More Juventus domination, as La Vecchia Signora pours the pressure on early and often. Toni had 2 chances to open the scoring, but missed both. They’re passing some more, which wasn’t making me happy, and then Toni decided to take matters into his hands. He got in a dangerous area of the 18, and was brought down from behind. The ref immediately pointed to the spot, and at the half hour mark exactly, Del Piero scores to put the visitors up 1-0. Moments later, Toni chips a shot 17 yards out (it may have been offside, but I won’t complain) to make it 2-0. Juventus end the half with a glorious chance to make it 3, but Cassano puts it just wide.

Half Time
Juventus 2 (Del Piero (p) 30’, Toni 32)

The second half saw another exodus, as Pietro Cioffi was the odd man out this time around. Juve came out flat, and paid dearly. Leeds clawed one back on a goal used on the old adage; play short passes back and forth, and catch them with a ball over the top. Then tempers flared.
My nephew made a run with the ball, and was hauled down from behind. He got up and kicked the player back. Both players got reds and sent off. Tevez however made it a good situation for us, scoring off the free kick to make it 3-1. The rest of the game was uneventful, and all in all, a good win.

Final Score:
Juventus 3 (Del Piero (p) 30’, Toni 32’, Tevez 68’) Leeds 1
MOM: Alessadro Del Piero

I immediately called my nephew over after the game. He was still upset about the foul, and I tried to calm him down.

Carlo: Whey, Lil C. Come here.
Carlito: What zio?
Carlo: Look, what the hell happened out there? How many times have I told you not to retaliate?
Carlito: He tripped me. I was gonna fight back.
Carlo: We’re not back in Canada kiddo. This isn’t hockey. What’s your mom going to say when she calls me after the game? You know she was watching. She’s going to kill me. And kill you too.
Carlito: I’m just defending myself. I know I’m this young kid who’s better than most….
Carlo: Stop it RIGHT THERE! You’re talented, but your ego is getting the better of you. Look, you’re being fined a week’s wages. You’ll dress for the game against Sheffield, but you’re not playing, unless someone gets injured. Capisce?
Carlito: Yea, yeah yea.
Carlo: Listen to me. Smarten up, or you won’t play period. Get It?
Carlito: Yes zio. I’m sorry.
Carlo: It’s ok zi zi. Now get changed, we leave for Sheffield in an hour. I’ll save you a seat on the bus.
Carlito: OK bye zio.

These kids are going to drive me nuts. My own nephew retaliating. I had no choice but to fine him. He’s blood, but I’ve got to set an example here. If I let him off for this, I’ll never keep control.

retired_jgirl87

Excellent start - I'm looking forward to seeing how your season progresses. :thup:

retired_lorriann

Thanks Spav. I'm looking forward to see how we get on as well. Let's hope for the best.

July 22nd 2005 ~ The Last Call

I had made my way to a local pub in Sheffield with a few of my players. We had decided upon a bit of a bonding experience, and since most of them couldn’t speak English very well, I decided this would benefit the boys. I was so glad my parents decided to keep my Italian heritage and forced me to keep my Italian language skills sharp as ever over the years. Anyways, the boys and I had a few drinks, and we discussed any topic the boys felt they needed to get off their chest. We spoke of life, love, glory and our futures. I had learned a lot about the superstars and they learned much about me. This form of “team bonding” will have to wait until our return to Turin because our final game of our England tour was about to come to an end as our match with Sheffield was due in an hour.

Friendly Match
Juventus vs. Sheffield Utd
Bramall Lane, Sheffield

Starting Lineup:
GK – De Sanctis
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Chiellini
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – Nedved
MC – Pirlo
AMC – Cassano
FC – Baggio
FC – Del Piero ©
FC – Toni
Subs: Carbonara, Rinaudo, Barzagli, Pinzi, Grosso, Lazzari, Montolivo, Tevez, Lupoli, Cardelli, Mazzotta, Rossi

The match started with Juventus piling on the pressure and missing another golden chance to score early. Luca Toni was fouled in the penalty area, and Juve were awarded with a penalty kick. Del Piero stepped up, and smashed it low right, but the keeper guessed the right way and parried the shot. Alex held his head in his hands, knowing full well he should’ve scored from there. However, he soon forgot about it, and at the 13th minute, Del Piero set up Luca Toni for a diving header to open the scoring. The 25th minute saw Toni score on a 4th chance rebound to make it 2-0. Roberto Baggio added a trademark dead ball shot to make it 3-0 before the half. Juventus showed up to play this day.

Half Time
Juventus 3 (Toni 13’, 25’ Baggio 32’)

The second half saw another exodus, as Mazzotta sat.
Juventus seemed content to just pass the ball around and kill the remaining time. Arturo took a heavy knock at the 64th minute, and was subbed off for Mazzotta. My nephew then took the free kick, which struck the upright, but Tevez potted the rebound to make it 4-0. The game ended without any more scoring, or any excitement.

Final Score
Juventus 4 (Toni 13’, 25’ Baggio 32’ Tevez 65’)
MOM: Luca Toni

We headed back home just after the game. I wanted the team to have a team bonding exercise, and frankly all the travel has been hell on me. I was still debating whether to return to Canada and take a few days away, until our game against our reserves. I walked to Mr. Grande Stevens’s office, and asked him for his advice. But, I learned that he had arranged a few friendlies, mainly against Besitkas and Rapid Vienna prior to our tilt against the reserves in August. So, my vacation plans were cut, and decided this would be the best time to bond with the team, before we left for Turkey tomorrow afternoon. I decided to take a trip to the Alps and bring the team together for our first unified bonding session, as a few players were set to leave on loan soon. We booked a hotel floor for the team, and we all ate together, trained together, and had fun that night together. We held a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, and all in all had a great time. We even got into a little late night game pf keep away from the coaching staff. Alessandro Del Piero then stood up, and gave a speech on how we must be focused to win the treble, and it would take one thing for us to win it all, and it was teamwork. The journey to win the Serie A, Champion’s League and Italian Cup had begun the day I was hired, and Alex gave me a vote of confidence, and the team was fired up for the trophies. This was looking better and better each day.

retired_lorriann

God how I hate it over here in Toronto.

Due to a freak power failure thanks to an unplanned snowfall while saving, my game has been officially corrupted. I will start again w/ the players I signed to already be on the Juventus team,a nd those shipped out will re-try to sell them. I'll re-do a squad update, and continue on from my story from the Juve Reserves game which is still slated to be August 5th, just like in the old story.

Thanks all, and sorry once again

retired_aurie

Maybe it's time to get your hands on a UPS device, to make sure you don't have a crash like that again when nature calls.

retired_lorriann

August 5th 2005 ~ The Return to Form

Beginning the day, a few players have left the Juventus squad on loan. They are:
Leandro Rinaudo – Sampdoria
Riccardo Montolivo – Monaco
Giuseppe Rossi – Schalke
Gainpaolo Pazzini – Monaco

The boys had enjoyed a brief few days off and were ready to face their youth brethren in the next game against each other. The seniors and reserves had anxiously awaited this game, and the youth knew this was a chance to show their stuff against the pros. Either way, I’ll be a happy man at the end.

Assistant Manager Italo Galbiati came into my office just moments before I was going to head down to the field for the match.

IG: Hey boss. I just received the instructions for the game. Are you sure you want me to do it this way?
CC: Absolutely. I want the reserves to play the EXACT same tactics I’m using for the senior squad. Believe me; it’s for the right reasons. I want to see a high powered offense against itself, see how our defenders are able to cope.
IG: OK boss, but the kids will get hammered out there.
CC: I don’t think so. Come on, we’d better get to the field.

Friendly Game
Juventus vs. Juventus Reserves
Stadio Delle Alpi Turin

Juventus Starting Lineup:
GK - De Sanctis
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Zambrotta
WBL – Grosso
MC – Nedved
MC – Pirlo
AMC – Cassano
FC – Toni
FC – Del Piero ©
FC – Baggio

Subs: Chiementi, Barzagli, De Rossi, Giannicheddia, Gilardino

Juventus Reserves Starting Lineup
GK – Carbonara
DC – C. Cioffi
DC – P. Cioffi ©
WBR – Pinzi
WBL – Chiellini
MC – Daponte
MC – Del Zotto
AMC – Lazzari
FC – Mazzotta
FC – Cardelli
FC – Lupoli

Subs: Bonnefoi, Pessotto, D’Agostino, Tevez, Kallstrom

The game started off with Roberto Baggio capitalizing on a mistake by the young defense and slots one past GK Carbonara for an early 1-0 lead. The reserves woke up, and began to play much smarter and dare I say better than the senior squad for a few minutes, piling on the pressure, but was shut down by Nesta and Cannavaro. The half ended at 1-0, and I was expecting a much more entertaining second half.

Half Time
Juventus 1 (Baggio 1’) Juventus Reserves 0

The second half saw the Juventus seniors put on a passing clinic for the first 10 minutes. That was until Claudio Cioffi decided to end that by fouling Luca Toni in the area. Del Piero drives a low shot to Carbonara’s left to make it 2-0. But the Reserves woke up again, and this time took control. Carlos Tevez takes a shot on De Sanctis, and is pushed away, but goes right back to Tevez and puts it into the open net to make it 2-1. Then, 10 minutes later, Marco Mazzotta on a brilliant individual effort chip sit over De Sanctis to draw level, and finally, Arturo Lupoli drives a header off a corner kick makes it 3-2 reserves. Pirlo decides he would then control the game, and drives a 25 yard shot top corner to draw level. This was a very entertaining match, and will get interesting in the extra time.

End of 90 minutes:
Juventus 3 (Baggio 1’ Del Piero (pk 55’) Pirlo 73’) Juventus Reserves 3 (Tevez 57’ Mazzotta 68’ Lupoli 71’)

The first half of extra time was a dull one, and one to forget. However, the second half saw an interesting substitution, Carbonara comes off for a under played Landry Bonnefoi. Roberto Baggio took immediate advantage of the unfit goalie as Juve hit the reserves on the counter and Baggio scores to make it 4-3. However, speedy Marco Mazzotta counters mere seconds later to draw level at 4. Seeing the game looks to be going to penalties, I subbed off Alessandro Nesta for Daniele De Rossi and Cannavaro for Aquilani, who both have better penalty taking stats than the defenders, and for obvious reasons.

Full Time
Juventus 4 (Baggio 1’ 111’, Del Piero (pk 55’) Pirlo 73’) Juventus Reserves 4 (Tevez 57’ Mazzotta 68’ 112’ Lupoli 71’)

And in dramatic fashion, Roberto puts the winning penalty kick to give Juve the 5-4 shootout win. Although slightly disheartened that it had to be won in penalties, but ecstatic that the youth was able to hold their own, and look to be ready to face the challenge against the big guys. This was a great day for many young players, and the future of Juventus FC.

retired_lorriann

August 8th 2005 ~ A Test For Time

The day began with Alberto Aquilani moving to Lyon on loan for the season. He’s most likely going to get more first team experience there, but has a recall clause in case I don’t see him playing often enough for my liking. Later in the afternoon, Arturo Lupoli moved to Modena on loan for the season. I also received some bad news as Antonio Cassano will be out a month with an injured ankle which he picked up in training. This is not good.

August 9th 2005
Pietro Zammutto has moved to AlbinoLeffe on loan for the season. He’ll be re-signed as soon as possible, as he has a good future ahead of him.

A few U20’s also moved on loan, but they aren’t well known nor will they be re-signed. They didn’t show any potential, and will be looking for a new club in June.

The next few days sees us off, until we play Madrid on the 20th. In the meantime, I’m most likely going to sit in my home, chat it up with my uncle and aunt, and maybe spend a night or two on the town with a few of my players, in order to better adapt myself to this beautiful city. But before that, here’s my take on our squad.

Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon – The world’s most expensive keeper is probably hands down the best goalie on the planet. However, a shoulder injury in the Berlusconi cup against Milan will keep him out until about October/November. Will immediately regain his number 1 spot upon his return.
Morgan De Sanctis – A great backup, and the most underrated goalie in Italy. Is looking to split the time in goal with my youngster Joe Carbs.
Giuseppe Carbonara – A future superstar in goal, Joe Carbs has done well since I took him under my wing 7 years ago. He’s really developed so far, and I’m hoping for many more years of development from him. Future most expensive goalie on the planet.

Defense
Alessandro Nesta – Arguably the top defender on earth, Nesta will hold the back line with his excellent tackling and heading. A rock of the Juve and Italian defense.
Fabio Cannavaro – Another great Italian defender, Cannavaro along with his national partner in crime will try to lead Juve’s backline to another Serie A title.
Andrea Barzagli – A future solid centre back, Barzagli made the move from Palermo to Juve hoping for a call for Italy in Euro 2008. Will see many late minutes action and some starting time in Coppa Italia.
Leandro Rinaudo – Another promising center back, he has moved to Sampdoria on loan. Let’s hope he gets some playing time, and develops into a core defender someday.
Pietro Cioffi – A small defender with a big heart. Pietro will hopefully show the potential he did in Canada here in Italy.
Claudio Cioffi – Pietro’s younger brother, he’s the power defender who’ll outmuscle and outwork the opposition.
Gianluca Zambrotta – Italy’s best wingback, he will lead the drive up the flank in order to set up the goals for Juventus. The 4th choice captain on the team.
Fabio Grosso – Has finally made the big time. For years he’s been under appreciated, and after Palermo’s run last season got a call up to the national squad. Is hoping for a strong campaign in order to go to Germany in 2006.
Giorgio Chiellini – Italy’s future wingback, Chiellini will see many minutes than I originally planned for him, with his great progression during the pre-season. Looks to be the man to succeed Zambrotta in the Azzurri setup.
Giampiero Pinzi – At 24 years old, he’s being groomed to replace Zambrotta and Grosso for Italy, and may get his chance in 2008. Will also see some more games than planned due to his great crossing ability and work rate.

Midfield
Daniele De Rossi – The tenacious shut down midfielder had made his mark on the Serie A last season with a strong performance for the Roman squad. Is hoping to build on that to get more time for his country.
Andrea Pirlo – Another underrated player, Pirlo is arguably the best playmaker in Italy, and probably the 3rd best playmaker in the World. Will be the centerpiece of my offense, and will get as many touches as humanly possible in order to build our attack.
Alberto Aquilani – Another Roma standout, Aquilani has gone to Lyon on loan for the season. Has a recall clause in case Lyon decides not to use him, but is better off there anyway in order to develop himself further.
Riccardo Montolivo – Italy’s future playmaker, Montolivo has also been sent out on loan. He will be playing against Aquilani when Lyon plays Monaco. A good creator of offense, he will hopefully help the U21 side win the tournament.
Andrea Lazzari – Another U21 national, he will see Coppa Italia matches and a few Serie A games this season. Will definitely play more than he did in Atalanta, where he was limited to 34 appearances in 4 seasons.
Carlos Tevez – The 22 year old from Argentina will be groomed to replace the aging Pavel Nedved in the attacking midfielder role. Has a very bright future in Italy, just as long as he can control himself.
Gaetano D’Agostino – Another young Roma player, Dagon may get sent on loan to aid his development. Is a tenacious player who will fight to the end for his team. Let’s hope he does well.
Pavel Nedved – The ageless Czech international will bring much needed experience to the Juventus first team. The 33 year old is the second choice captain on the squad, and can still score a goal or two when asked to.
Kim Kallstrom – He is a personal favourite. A few years ago, I watched him play and immediately saw potential. Will be a mainstay for the Swedish national team until he decides to hand up his boots.

Strikers
Alberto Gilardino – Prince Albert has been dubbed as the savior of the Italian strikers. He proved his merit at the Olympics, and will look to dominate the world. Will be subbed in and played as often as possible, because he’s a goal scoring machine.
Alessandro Del Piero – The club’s captain, and my personal favourite player. He’s been hampered by injuries and didn’t reach the heights he was projected to hit a few years ago, but with a fan of his coaching the team, and another fan of his coaching the national team, look for Pinturicchio to conquer the world.
Antonio Cassano – The hot headed player from the south lists Juve as one of his all time favourite clubs. Being he’s from just outside my hometown, we understand each other very well, and have the same quick temper. An extremely gifted player, Tony Cass will definitely shine in the eyes of the footballing world.
Arturo Lupoli – A former Parma youth prospect who was snapped up because of their troubled finances, Lupoli is destined to become a great striker. Currently on loan at Modena, Lupoli will make a huge push for the U19 and U21 side this year.
Carlito Cardelli - My hot headed nephew, he will definately need to calm down a tad if he's ever going to make it to the big times. At just 15, he's going to spend the year in the U20's and hopefully, he can dominate them with his size and scoring ability.
Giampaolo Pazzini – Another young gun, Pazzini is currently on loan at Monaco with teammate Riccardo Montolivo. Pazzini is another great young striker and can hopefully learn from his loan spell.
Giuseppe Rossi – Another Parma youth product stolen from Parma, Rossi is extremely happy to return home. Is another player out on loan, playing in Germany. Another player who will make a push for the primavera national team. A good playmaker, he can create chances as easy as he can finish them off. A bright future is ahead of him.
Luca Toni – The Italian hitman. Toni can score goals in bunches. At 6’4, he’s a big man who can score off the headers, close range and chip it over the keeper. Will have the 05/06 season as his coming out party, and has also booked his ticket to Germany for the World Cup.
Marco Mazzotta - The 15 year old Canadian wonder has a very bright future ahead of him. Marco is a coach's dream. He can score, he can pass, he can play from box to box and not look out of place, and is an extremely humble person. The future of Canadian soccer.
Roberto Baggio – What can I say about him? Arguably Italy’s greatest international player, Roby will look to win the two trophies that have eluded him at Juventus, the Champions League and the World Cup. Let’s hope for a strong season and that he can make Lippi’s squad of Italian greats.

retired_lorriann

2005 ~ Quickie

It’s very early in Toronto and seeing I’m too tired to write a full update on the final friendly of the season, here’s a synopsis of the pre season finale against Madrid

Juventus fell behind early 1-0, but Roberto Baggio before the half time whistle drew level, and Del Piero in the final minutes of the 2nd half won it for a Juve squad who had deflated Madrid’s hopes for an Italian domination, as Juventus beats them yet again. Next up is Inter on August 24th 2005, for the Italian SuperCup.

retired_lorriann

August 24th 2005 ~ Super Cup

The day began with a meeting with my captain Alessandro Del Piero. I was a bit concerned about his ineffectiveness during the friendlies, and just wanted to voice my concern about it, trying to see if something was wrong.

CC: Alex thanks for coming by.
ADP: No problem, what’s up boss?
CC: Well Alex, the season as you know is about to begin. And after your last few games in the pre season, you haven’t been playing to your ability. Don’t get me wrong I’m not calling you out or anything, I’m just concerned something may be wrong.
ADP: No boss. Everything’s fine. I think it may be just me getting used to playing all the time again after sitting most of last season under Capello. Just give me a few weeks, I’ll bounce back.
CC: OK Alex. I was just making sure it wasn’t your calf acting up again or anything. We’re going to need you this year.
ADP: I know, thanks Carlo. I really appreciate you pulling me aside for this rather than what Capello used to do. I’ll see you at the game.

With that, we shook hands, and went to the dressing room to get ready for our Super Cup match.

Super Cup Final
Juventus vs. Inter
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin

Starting XI
GK – Carbonara
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Grosso
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – Pirlo
MC – Nedved
AMC – Del Piero ©
FC – Gilardino
FC – Toni
FC – Baggio
Subs: De Sanctis, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Rossi, Kallstrom, Lazzari, Tevez

The game opened with a series of passes, and Juventus getting an early chance, but Gilardino puts it just wide. After the play, Cannavaro pushed Adriano and received a yellow card. Moments later, Luca Toni scores on his debut with a powerful header to give Juventus a 1-0. However, Cannavaro was the victim of another stupid incident, and gets sent off, putting Juve down to 10 men after only 12 minutes of play. Inter began to take advantage of the numbers game, and Adriano scored off a rebound to draw level at 1. 3 minutes later, Captain Alex to the rescue, as the skipper puts a trademark dead ball top right and restores the 1 goal advantage for the home team. The half ended with a few more yellow cards for both teams, but more importantly a 2-1 Juventus lead.

Half Time
Juventus 2 (Toni 11’ Del Piero 29’) Inter 1

The second half saw Inter resort to their dirty tactics and come out hard against Juventus, and them taking out Andrea Pirlo. He was immediately subbed for De Rossi, and on the ensuing free kick, Martins fouled De Rossi hard, also resulting for the physio to come on. Neither play drew a card, and I was furious. Chiellini came on for De Rossi, and Mancini will hear from me, and not to mention the Italian FA. Inter equalized when Carbonara showed his jitters and gave up a huge rebound for Inter to draw level again. The 90 minutes ended with the score tied at 2. We need a strong effort from the 10 men on the pitch to claw a victory.

90 Minutes
Juventus 2 (Toni 11’ Del Piero 29’) Inter 2

The opening half of extra time saw nothing, but the second half was more for the dramatic. Del Piero scored in the 111’ minute to what had to be the winner, but hold your horses Inter drew level again on a rare mistake from Nesta. But Luca Toni would be the hero this day, scoring in the 4th minute of extra time of extra time to win the Super Cup for La Vecchia Signora. I was ecstatic and Juventus celebrated through the night for this important victory.

Final Score
Juventus 4 (Luca Toni 11’ 120’ Alessandro Del Piero 29’ 111’)
MoM: Luca Toni

retired_lorriann

August 25th 2005 ~ The Intervention of Fate

I woke up this morning with some great news. I was given my groupings from my assistant manager Italo Galbiati.

We were drawn with Partizan of Serbia and Montenegro, Malmo FF of Sweden, and Steaua of Romania. The soccer gods were truly smiling down on me during the draw, but this could backfire if I take them too lightly, and I may get drawn with a heavyweight or two in the knockout stage. Oh well, I’ll just take the $5.25 million and focus ahead of the minnow teams. The “Group of Death” this time around consists of Liverpool, Villareal, Schalke and Basel, which is hardly a group of death. The fun begins in September, after two Serie A games; I may just play my second XI in the Champions League opener. I’m just going to take it one game at a time, firstly with Ascoli on August 29th. Let’s do this.

August 29th 2005 ~ Scudetto Defense.

The Serie A season begins now. Our defense of the title sees us pitted against Ascoli at home. I told the team this is where we start, and where it finishes. We set the tone today for the rest of the season, and an experienced team would start this game, minus the suspended Cannavaro.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Ascoli
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin

Starting XI
GK – De Sanctis
DC – Barzagli
DC – Nesta
WBR – Grosso
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – Pirlo
MC – Nedved
AMC – Del Piero ©
FC – Baggio
FC – Toni
FC – Gilardino
Subs: Carbonara, Blasi, Chiellini, De Rossi, Kallstrom, Tevez, Cassano (who had just been cleared to play this morning. May get in, but will most likely wait until the next match)

The game starts off with Juventus dominating. The Ascoli keeper knew he had a rough day ahead of him. Juventus seemed hell bent on scoring goals today, and even I was surprised from the drive shown to open the game. Ascoli’s defense held their own, until my captain Alessandro Del Piero scored a 25 yard cracker at 22’ to give Juventus an early 1-0 lead. That talk I had with him before our Super Cup game seemed to have worked wonders for his confidence, as he immediately came over to the sidelines and celebrated the goal with me. I hugged him, and sent him out for more goals. Roberto Baggio took control of the game, and was unlucky to not get credit for the next Juventus goal, and the Ascoli keeper was adjudged to mishandle the shot, and was credited with an own goal. 2 minutes Later, Luca Toni lobs a shot over the Ascoli keeper to make it 3-0. My Juventus squad was already walking away with the 3 points, and it was only in the 26’. Gianluca Zambrotta scored a highlight reel drive, with a hard dipping shot from the area to make it 4-0. Luca Toni added another to make it 5-0 at the half. I don’t think anyone can stop this team.

Half Time
Juventus 5 (Del Piero 22’ Coppola (og 25’) Toni 26’ 34’ Zambrotta 28’) Ascoli 0

The second half wasn’t as entertaining as the first, I had slowed the team’s attack, and Ascoli were completely deflated. However, Roberto Baggio finally got what he was waiting for, and deposited a Luca Toni rebound to score his first goal for Juventus since 1993. He went to the stands, and the fans were barely being held back, and Baggio saluted them appropriately, and applauded them for their support. Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino came off for Daniele De Rossi and Carlos Tevez respectively at the 75’. Kim Kallstrom then came on for Nedved at the 81’, and the unselfish Baggio sent Tevez in all alone, and capped a wonderful Juventus move by scoring his first in a bianconero uniform to finish the day’s scoring. All in all, a dominant performance from the boys of Turin, and a 7-0 win to open the campaign.

Final Score
Juventus 7 (Del Piero 22’ Coppola (og 25’) Toni 26’ 34’ Zambrotta 28’ Baggio 58’ Tevez 88’) Ascoli 0
MoM: Alessandro Del Piero