retired_lorriann

September 3rd 2005 ~ Injury Crisis

The day started with two players going down inured. First, Antonio Cassano went down with a stubbed toe from the Scotland game, and will be out for a week. But the worse news came as GK Morgan De Sanctis is out for 3 weeks with a twisted knee. He is now forcing De Sanctis to relinquish the starting job to the young and inexperienced Carbonara. This may hurt our chances for the Serie A early domination. Let’s hope for the best.

Once again, Juventus are made the favourites, this time the odds on favourite to win the Champions’ League. Oddly enough at 5-1, I have a worse chance to win than the Serie A, but am the favourite ass opposed to Milan’s 9-1 chance. How are we co-favourites in Serie A, but I dominate Europe? It makes no sense to me. Anyways, Juventus have a few more days off and await our match against Chievo on September 10th. Young Carbonara will get the nod, and I can only hope that 3 goal letdown was just a one game thing.

September 10th 2005 ~ The Quest Continues.

We had arrived in Verona the day before. For a little paese it’s a beautiful town. Great scenery, beautiful women and a struggling soccer team nicknamed “The Donkeys” by their loyal supporters. Great fans they must have. I just hope the Donkeys don’t turn into a bunch of jack-…erm never mind, but I was planning to show the donkeys a thing or two about football, that’s for sure.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Chievo
Stadio Bentegodi, Verona

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

The game began with a typical Juve build up, with ball possession, movement and great support. The Old Lady of Turin broke the deadlock in the 7th minute when Hitman Luca Toni makes a great run and is sent clean through on goal by Baggio, and puts it in low. Toni responds 10 minutes later with his second, off a corner kick from Grosso, Toni get 2 chances to put the ball in the net, and gives Juventus a 2-0 lead. The, with probably one of the greatest goals I’ve experienced as a manager in my 20 years playing and coaching, Alessandro Del Piero picks up the ball from his own box, jinxes past 6 defenders, and hits a banana shot top corner from 25 yards out. Luca Toni could only bow at Del Piero’s feet, and Juventus seem relaxed and confident. Fabio Cannavaro rounds up the scoring with a 20 yard shot off a poorly cleared throw in and gives Juventus a 4-0 lead. However, Pavel Nedved came up hobbling after an attempted jink, and went down hard. I was worried, but Nedved said he’d handle the rest of the half. The half ended moments later, with Nedved barely able to walk off the field.

Half Time:
Juventus 4 (Toni 7’ 19’ Del Piero 25’ Cannavaro 42’)

The second half saw Juventus play a possession game. Toni was focused solely on the hat-trick and was determined to do so at all costs. Chievo saw this, and went after Toni hard, however, they decided to in the penalty area, and Del Piero was money in the bank and gives Juventus a 5-0 lead from the spot. Tevez came in for the tiring Baggio, and Pinzi enters the game for Zambrotta. The game ends 5-0, and the Juventus supporters go home happy once again.

Final Score
Juventus 5 (Toni 7’ 19’ Del Piero 25’ (pk 57’) Cannavaro 42’) Chievo Verona 0
MoM: Del Piero

retired_lorriann

September 14th 2005 ~ Conquest of Europe.

I woke up this morning with an extremely positive mindset. We begin our quest to take over Europe, and it begins at home in Turin. Romanian side Steaua were in for a tough battle, even though a vastly second XI squad would be playing this match.

Champion’s League
Juventus vs. Steaua
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin

Starting XI
GK – Carbonara
DC – Cannavaro ©
DC – Barzagli
WBR – Pinzi
WBL – Chiellini
MC – Kallstrom
MC – De Rossi
AMC – Lazzari
FC – Gilardino
FC – Toni
FC – Tevez
Subs: De Sanctis, Nesta, Pirlo, Nedved, D’Agostino, Del Piero, Cassano

The game had Juventus dominate from start to finish. Luca Toni opens the scoring 4 minutes in, and again in the 23 minute. Carlos Tevez added the insurance before the half ended, and gave Juve a 3-0 lead at the break. A slower tempo and more passes let the second half be an easy an uneventful one, giving Juventus a 3-0 win, and a valuable 3 points in the Champions’ League, not to mention a cool cash injection.

Our next big test was Sampdoria, but Juve have won 4-3, thanks to a late goal from Captain Alessandro Del Piero. 3-1 and 5-0 wins respectively against Livorno and Empoli kept Juve on top of the league, and we now face our next game in the Champions’ League.

Sorry about the half-hearted update, I’ve got an exam tomorrow, and these past games I just couldn’t get going, but our next game will be the usual game report.

retired_lorriann

September 27th 2005 ~ We’re Playing WHO Again?

We had landed in Serbia and Montenegro yesterday, and I must say, it’s a small place. Not saying Italy’s bigger, but it just felt extremely confined, but a friendly place nonetheless. And despite what many people have to say, we were treated well here. We arrived at the training facilities, and I felt almost at home. It was fairly cold, and wasn’t the grounds we had in Turin. I felt more comfortable here; it was the type of field I was accustomed to in Canada. In fact, this was a bit better than the great white north’s fields, since they don’t care for soccer. The Belgrade people were very anxious to face off, and knew coming in they’d have to work hard and get really lucky to not get blown out.

Champion’s League
Juventus vs. Partizan
Stadio FK Partizan, Belgrade

Starting XI

GK - De Sanctis
DC – Cannavaro ©
DC – Nesta
WBR – Pinzi
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – De Rossi
MC – D’Agostino
MC – Kallstrom
AMC – Lazzari
FC – Gilardino
FC – Tevez
Subs: Carbonara, Barzagli, Chiellini, Nedved, Pirlo, Del Piero, Toni
The game started off with Partizan tackling very hard. De Rossi picked up an injury on a late tackle, and Pavel Nedved, who I had hoped would get a rest today, came on in relief. De Sanctis then decided to take a run with the ball, only to forget he was a goalie, and gave up possession, and Partizan took a 1-0 lead. The fans celebrated as if they won the Champion’s League. However, Juventus were too strong a team to let that setback hold them down. Carlos Tevez took the ball in the area and drove one bottom right for an equalizer, and the two teams go in at half time level at 1 apiece.

Half Time
Juventus 1(Tevez 35’) Partizan 1

The second half saw Juventus go for the throat. Pavel Nedved heads home a lofted cross from Lazzari and Juve are up by a goal. The floodgates soon opened, as Alberto Gilardino scores his first goal for Juventus by getting on the end of another Lazzari cross to make it 3-1. Kim Kallstrom drew a penalty kick, and the Swede also scores his first for Juve and gives them a 5-1 lead. Alberto Gilardino scores his second after an unselfish play from Tevez gave Gilardino an open net, and an open look to score his second of the match for a 5-1 lead. Lazzari ends the scoring glut, by scoring his first off a free kick 20 yards out. All in all, and solid performance away from home, and another 3 points in CL.

Final Score:
Juventus 6 (Tevez 35’, Nedved 48’, Gilardino 53’ 71’, Kallstrom (pk 68’) Lazzari 88’) Partizan 1
MoM: Carlos Tevez.

After the game, just before we left for Italy, my uncle gave me the quick report on De Rossi. He has suffered a bruised rib and can either get a morphine injection to play against Fiorentina next week, or sit it out just to be safe. Seeing Pirlo is well rested, and we have a few days to wait for the game, I decided to let the kid heal. He’ll see his big profile games later on in the season anyway.

In a surprising move, Chairman Franzo Grande Stevens meet us at the airport to offer his congratulations after the game. We thanked him, and went right to work with my coaches and a few players, on our gameplan against Fiorentina. This was going to be a big game, especially since Fiorentina are still in the middle of the pack, and want to assert themselves as an above average squad. The game will be held in October, and before that, I’ll have a Serie A update on the awards and standings.

retired_workingmom77

Very well written, very enjoyable :thup:

retired_lorriann

Thanks for reading Xenon :thup:

October 2nd 2005 ~ A New Month

The day started with Giorgio Chiellini winning the goal of the month award with the brilliant goal he scored in the Empoli game. Juventus top the table with 15 points, followed by Inter and Udinese with 12 each, and Milan 4th with 10. Two Juve players lead the league in goals, with Luca Toni with 8, and Del Piero with 6. Our game with rivals Fiorentina is a homecoming of sorts for Baggio, who was snapped up by the Turin giants for a then record $16 million. The media were building the rivalry more than ever, and I was more than ready.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Fiorentina
Artemio Franchi, Florence

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

The game starts off with a chorus of boos towards the Juventus players, most notably towards Luca Toni. Toni then quieted the crowd by heading a Del Piero cross passed Frey and gave Juve a 1-0 lead. Juventus then controlled the game in the midfield, and attempted fairly little in terms of shots on goal. Del Piero deposited a 3rd chance rebound to give Juventus a 2-0 lead before the break. Juventus look unbeatable, although early in the season.

Half Time
Juventus 2 (Toni 5’ Del Piero 42’) Fiorentina

The second half saw Fiorentina come out flying, but De Sanctis was up to the task. Fiorentina were keen to equalize, but De Sanctis stood tall, until Nedved made a mistake, and De Sanctis was caught flat footed on a 25 yard strike to make the game interesting. Alessandro Del Piero was fouled hard in the area, and looked to put the game out of reach, but Del Piero hit the upright. Antonio Cassano however after the clearance puts the ball away in the 87’ minute for his first goal in a Juve uniform, and a 3-1 Juventus lead. The game ended with a mini scuffle between Zambrotta and a few other players, and all got yellows. However, Juventus walk away with the 3 points this day, and the fans are extremely happy.

Final Score
Juventus 3 (Toni 5’ Del Piero 42’ Cassano 87’) Fiorentina 1
MoM: Del Piero

Andrea Pirlo has picked up a twisted knee in the late minutes of the game, and will be out 3 weeks while healing up.

retired_lorriann

October 10th 2005 ~ Today Italy, Tomorrow The World

I woke up a bit later than usual this morning. I had a long night at the office, looking at player’s stats, scouting reports and injury reports from my physios. I was thinking about taking a few days off in the Alps to clear my head, get a little skiing done, and who knows, a night or two on the town would be nice. I haven’t had a vacation in 12 years, where I could just sit back, relax and have all the time to myself. My uncle came over to my half of the apartment, and told me I had a very important phone call. It turned out to be my nephew. He was ecstatic about his first international cap, for the Azzurrini, and wanted me to go watch him play. I was rather hesitant, but he assured me he was going to play, and really wanted me there, since his mother wouldn’t be. I agreed, and took the train to Messina, and sat in the stands, along with my uncle and our scouts to take in the U21 qualifier. Turns out there were a few of our players in the game, a total of 11 called up to the squad and 9 playing this game. My nephew had to have been nervous, but didn’t show it, as he literally dominated the Moldova U21 squad. His first international cap saw him score an incredible 4 goals. A rather large feat for a 15 year old. Every goal he scored, he turned to where I was sitting, and I couldn’t have been happier. The game ended with a merciless Italian squad running out 11-0 victors, and rightfully so, my nephew was chosen as Man of the Match. I decided to stay the extra day and watch the Azzurri play, so I can take a look at some more players more closely, and to just relax. I got a room at the hotel, when I saw the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She was standing in the lobby, with a suitcase, a pair of jeans, low cut top, and sunglasses. I was mesmerized. She smiled and checked in. Turns out she was on the same floor as I was. We took the elevator together, and I tried to make small talk, but couldn’t bring myself to it. We got off the elevator, and hadn’t said a word. She went off to the left, and I went right. I thought I’d never see her again, and at least could try to say something, but I was completely tongue tied. I walked off, defeated, and lay face down on my bed, and drifted off to sleep.

October 11th 2005 ~ This Is Football

I awoken to the thoughts of the girl I saw last night. She had long brown hair, typical of an Italian girl. He was fairly tall, and gorgeous. Too bad I couldn’t see her eye colour, I’m a sucker for a girl with brown eyes. Had she had them, and I was able to speak, I probably would’ve proposed that moment. I looked at the clock, and as it was still early, I called my nephew, and a few of my players, and wanted to go to lunch. All but 3 were able to join us, as Riccardo Montolivo, Alberto Aquilani and Gianpaolo Pazzini were due back at their club teams today, so my nephew and 7 other players found a little café just outside the hotel and had something to eat. Seeing as it was still early, I had a cornetto and an Arancia. They boys told me how proud they were of their first caps, some of them surprised since they were still unsure of their European background. Looks like the CSA has lucked out right now, as these star Canadians were snapped up by the Italian FA. Oh well, I have always considered myself an Italian first, and Canadian second, since I was born here. The boys were eager to stay and watch the senior splay, and we all managed to sit together, as my scouts decided they were going back to their assignments, while my uncle returned home because my aunt wasn’t feeling well. We stayed for the Italy game, and we weren’t disappointed. A well deserved 4-0 victory for the Azzurri occurred this day, with Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio in particular good form, each scoring twice, while Luca Toni struggled a bit. I was watching him closely, and saw he looked a little uncomfortable on the pitch. Turns out he was battling the flu during the contest, and was immediately told of this from my physio Sergio Giunta after the game. He received an email from the Italian physio staff and he in turned called me immediately. I decided to keep Luca in training, but quarantined from the team, since I don’t want this to become a pandemic. We returned back to Turin the following day, and were anxious to get back on the field, with Parma, Malmo FF and rivals Internazionale coming up in the next week.

retired_milla0225

Great story LeafFan. You like your team to have it's fair share of forwards don't you !

retired_lorriann

Thanks Chesterfan. You can't score goals without forwards Besides, I'm bringing a quick tempo game to Italy, and your forwards will burn out quickly if you don't rotate them.

October 16th 2005 ~ Return To Action

After a few days of relaxation, it was back to work at Delle Alpi. Our next match was against Parma, a team who has had some financial trouble, but look to be returning to being a European powerhouse once again. However, they still are in the early stages of that, and must first focus on my powerful Juventus squad. Having said that, Kim Kallstrom will not participate in today’s fixture, due to a sore quadriceps muscle.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Parma
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin

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

The game begins with Juventus taking control as per usual. Luca Toni had drawn the Parma defense’s attention, but was still able to score. 5 minutes in to be exact, on a good individual effort, to put the home team up 1-0. Parma had already conceited defeat, but Juventus just couldn’t get the ball in the net. Pirlo deposits a long range effort top corner to make it 2-0, and Captain Alessandro Del Piero leaves his mark on the scoresheet again, with a low driven shot inside the 18 yard box, to make it 3-0 at the break. No one will be able to stop this team, when they’re on this kind of run.

Half Time
Juventus 3 (Toni 5’ Pirlo 34’ Del Piero 45’) Parma 0

The second half saw Luca Toni get fouled in the early moments in Parma’s penalty area, resulting in a spot kick. Alessandro Del Piero puts it in again, to make the score 4-0. A scary moment in the 50’ as Alessandro Nesta was elbowed in the face on a 50/50 header, and didn’t get up. He was carried off the field, and Andrea Barzagli came on as his replacement. Roberto Baggio scored on the ensuing free kick, taking the long pass over the top, and rounded Lucarelli to make it 5-0. Parma got a late consolation goal, but Juventus once again win, and are still on top of the Serie A standings.

Final Score:
Juventus 5 (Toni 5’ Pirlo 34’ Del Piero 45 (pk47’) Baggio 51’) Parma 1
MoM: Alessandro Del Piero

October 18th 2005 ~ The Swedish Are Coming

Antonio Cassano came into my office, saying he wasn’t very happy. The injury, the fans talking and everyone around him watching him under a microscope and wasn’t able to handle it right now. I decided that maybe a leave of absence would help clear his mind, and let him go back to Bari.

In the meantime, I received the news Alessandro Nesta will only be out for a week, just in time to return for the Inter derby match. But right now, we were given the task of Malmo FF for Matchday 3 of the Champion’s League. Good news on the first team front, Gianluigi Buffon has returned to full fitness, and will take part in Juventus’ next match against, which is today against Malmo. Depending on how well he does, and feels after the game, he may get the start against Inter on Sunday.

Champion’s League
Juventus vs. Malmo
Stadio Delle Alpi

GK – Buffon ©
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Barzagli
WBR – Pinzi
WBL – Chiellini
MC – De Rossi
MC – Lazzari
AMC – D’Agostino
FC – Tevez
FC - Gilardino
FC – Baggio
Subs: Carbonara, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Nedved, Del Piero, Toni

Juventus begin the contest with a lot of early touches, but were content to not attack the goal….not yet anyway. They wanted to make Malmo run around and work for the ball. Roberto Baggio used his veteran instincts to make an undetected run behind the Malmo defense, and scores the opener 13’ in. 6 minutes later, Carlos Tevez scores off a header from D’Agostino’s cross to make it 2-0. The game was pretty much over after that. Juventus played a possession game, and didn’t look back.

Half Time
Juventus 2 (Baggio 13’ Tevez 18’) Malmo 0

The second half saw more possession game, and very little goal scoring opportunities. The dull second half came mercifully and seemed it took more than 3 hours for this game to end. I wasn’t too pleased in their lack of goal scoring chances, but am happy with the 3 points, and $425,000.

Final Score:
Juventus 2 (Baggio 13’ Tevez 18’) Malmo 0
MoM: Gianluca Zambrotta

retired_lorriann

October 23rd 2005 ~ Rivals

Roberto Mancini must be feeling the pressure. His Inter squad is vastly inferior of my mighty Juventus, so he figures he could use the media against me. By stating we had no chance to win the Serie A, just made my players want it more. I responded with hoping Inter crash and burn. Let’s see how the day’s game unfolds.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Inter
Giuseppe Meazza San Siro

Starting XI:
GK – Buffon
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Grosso
WBL – Zambrotta
MC – Pirlo
MC – Nedved
AMC – Del Piero ©
FC – Baggio
FC – Toni
FC – Gilardino

Subs: Carbonara, Barzagli, Chiellini, Kallstrom, Lazzari, Tevez, D’Agostino

The game started off with an interesting note. Walter Samuel decided to foul Toni early to get an advantage. Turns out, the ref felt it was a professional foul, and sent him off, 3 minutes into the game. To make matters worse for Inter, their goal Julio Cesar jumped with Toni, and received a knock. Considering they had only their U20 goalie dressed, they threw him in the fire, and with only 10 men and their backup in goal, Juventus look to take this one easily. To make matters even graver, Adriano was adjudged of diving in the area and received a yellow for his efforts. He argued with the official, and was given a second yellow, resulting in Inter being left with 9 men on the field. Juventus saw this opportunity, and at the 12’ mark, Luca Toni volleys home the opening goal. That opened the floodgates, as Juventus saw their opponents weakened, and went for the throat. Alberto Gilardino scores on an unselfish play from Luca Toni, as Toni drew two defenders, and the young keeper to him, and simply passed the ball to Prince Alberto, who had the goal at his mercy, giving Juve a 2-0 lead. Andrea Pirlo added another goal, from another unselfish play from Luca Toni, drilling a thunderous piledriver to make it 3-0 for the away squad. Luca Toni decides he wants to cash in on a scoring bonus or two, netting his second of the game off a perfect longball from Del Piero, and its suddenly 4-0. Baggio makes it 5-0 off a glorious head which may be a goal of the month candidate, and finally, Luca Toni nets the first Juventus hat-trick of the season with his 3rd of the game, on a wonderful dummy from Gilardino. The half ended mercifully, and Juve are coasting to victory, and a 7 point lead in Serie A.
Half Time:
Juventus 6 (Toni 12’ 28’ 39’ Gilardino 18’ Pirlo 26’ Baggio 37’) Inter 0

The second half saw more Juve ball control, and domination. However, to Inter’s credit, they came with some heated pressure in spurts, but not enough to mount any threat. I took the foot off the gas a little bit, so my players won’t be so tired, but Luca Toni really wants his scoring bonuses, as he drove a curling shot to beat the Inter keeper for an unprecedented 4th time today, and a 7-0 lead. And he wasn’t done there folks, Toni took an innocent looking cross and buried it for his 5th goal, and an 8-0 lead. I took the foot off the gas completely, but Alberto Gilardino scored his second of the game and turned out to be the final goal of the contest, another unselfish pass from Toni, and the game ended with Juve controlling the ball for a glorious 9-0 victory.

Final Score:
Juventus 9 (Toni 12’ 28’ 39’ 55’ 71’ Gilardino 18’ 73’ Pirlo 26’ Baggio 37’) Inter 0
MoM: Luca Toni

After the game, Mancini just looked at me, with an evil eye, I just smiled and waved. He was about to do some gesturing my way, but saw the Italian FA in the audience, and decided against it. As we walked through the tunnel, Del Piero stood alongside me. We spoke of the great joy of this victory, and it will definitely be one for me and the squad to remember.

retired_lorriann

October 27th 2005 ~ Business As Usual

I was just getting out of bed, when my phone rang. Only being semi-conscience and not fully awake, I wasn’t too sure as to what was going on. All I remember was someone in broken Italian telling me there was a package for me at the post office. I thanked the guy for calling me, and almost went back to bed. It was still early, about 645, and the game this afternoon wasn’t until 230. I got up, and went to the breakfast table, and my uncle and aunt were already awake, and my uncle was reading the morning paper. I let him know the post office called saying they had a package for me. He looked at me as if I just spoke English and told me the post office was closed today. I had completely forgotten it was Sunday, but the caller said it was waiting for me at the office. I decided to go at 10, just to see what was going on. So I showered and shaved, and was ready to leave, when my nephew called me, saying he wasn’t feeling to well. I decided maybe some fresh air would settle his stomach, and went to pick him up at the academy. We showed up at the Turin post office, Ferrari and all, with my 6’4 nephew and the 6’3 uncle. We went to the door, and sure enough, it was locked. However, we heard a door open in the alley, and we figured something was up. Turns out it was a middle aged man dressed in a white suit.

NS: Mr. Cardelli?
It was the man who phoned me earlier that morning.
CC: Yes, who are you?
NS: I’m sorry for bothering you, my name is Niccolo Sangezzi. I called you here because my daughter has a sort of a crush on you.
CC: Oh really, and who might your daughter be? And why does she have a crush on me?
Carlito: He’s messing with you zio, let’s just leave.
CC: Carlito, when will you ever learn? Stay quiet.
NS: My daughter is a very big Juventus fan. She’s been a fan since she was a baby. Anyways, she saw you on TV the night you were announced as manager, and was glued when you announced Roberto Baggio as your newest acquisition. She’s been to every single game at Delle Alpi, and has asked me to meet you, today after the game against Cagliari. She just wants to meet you.
CC: And your daughters’ name is?
NS: My daughter’s name is Lisa. Don’t be too shocked when you meet her. Good day.
With that, he went back through the door he came out from. I turned to my nephew, and he just shrugged his shoulders and we went back to Delle Alpi, and prepared for our Serie A contest.

As I returned to the office, my secretary informed me Antonio Cassano had returned and was waiting fro me in my office. I walked in, and shook his hand. He informed me that he was feeling better, and was ready to play again. I was really hoping he would sign a new deal. He informed me he was hoping for a Bosman move to a bigger club. I asked him to re-sign, and told him we would conquer Europe. He said he would think about it. I told him I would really appreciate him re-signing with us, but told him I would still play him. His first game back would be this afternoon.

Serie A
Juventus vs. Cagliari
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin

Starting XI:
GK – Carbonara
DC – Barzagli
DC – Nesta
WBR – Pinzi
WBL – Chiellini
MC – De Rossi
MC – Nedved
AMC – Cassano
FC – Tevez
FC – Toni
FC – Baggio

Subs: Buffon, Cannavaro, Grosso, Pirlo, Lazzari, Del Piero, Gilardino

The game started off with Cagliari sitting back, and waiting for Juve to overexert themselves early in the game, in order to counter quickly. However, Juventus played a very good ball moving game, and didn’t want to lose possession. Pavel Nedved opened the scoring with a 30 yard long range effort to make it 1-0. Luca Toni picked up a knock, and was subbed for Pirlo, and Pirlo moved to the midfield, and changed to a 4-3-1-2 as opposed to my usual 4-2-1-3. Antonio Cassano scored on his return, but depositing a Pirlo rebound in the 36’ minute to make it a 2-0 lead. The half ended with Nedved picking up another knock, and Lazzari came into the match just before the half time whistle.

Half Time
Juventus 2 (Nedved 12’ Cassano 26’) Cagliari 0

The second half saw more possession by Juventus, and very little work for young Carbonara. Andrea Pirlo takes the ball from his 18 yard box, and begins to weave his way through the Cagliari defense, only to be hauled down before he reached the Cagliari 18 yard box. He stepped up, and drove home a dipping free kick and makes the scoreline 3-0. The game ended with that play, and was just as dull, if not duller than watching ice freeze. The referee blew the whistle, and I walked through the tunnel with another 3 points, and remain on top of the Serie A.

Full Time
Juventus 3 (Nedved 12’ Cassano 36’ Pirlo 51’) Cagliari 0
MoM: Alessandro Nesta

After the match, I went back to my office, and my secretary informed me that Lisa Sangezzi was waiting for me in my office. I took a deep breath, and opened the door, and my jaw dropped. It was the girl I saw at the hotel in Messina. I nearly feinted

LS: Hello Mr. Cardelli, it’s nice to finally meet you.
CC: The pleasure is all mine Ms. Sangezzi. Please have a seat.
LS: Thank you. This is a really nice office. You must feel like you’re on top of the world.
Truth is I was. This girl was unbelievable. And guess what, she had those brown eyes. I was in love.
CC: Indeed I am, I mean, this was my dream growing up. Well, my dream was to actually play for this team, but coaching isn’t that bad.
LS: Well, my father did own a stake in the team once upon a time, and does own a measly 3% share in the team now. That’s how I was able to get into your office and how my dad was able to get in contact with you.
CC: Well, my contract did have stock options. Maybe I should cash them in, and help your dad’s investment.
LS: Well, you certainly will pay off, you’re heading towards European domination, and the stock is going to rise significantly.
CC: Well thank you Lisa. I’d love to stay and chat, but unfortunately we have a post game meeting and some video to review. But it was nice meeting you.

I stood up, and shook her hand. He left me her number, and let me know she would be interested in a night out or two. I knew that moment she would be the one. Things were finally looking up for me, and will be the girl to support me through god and bad. At least, I hope so.