July 2nd 2006 ~ The Attack Begins
I started the day with announcing I was extremely bitter towards Marcello Lippi and his code of conduct by injuring my players. Despite my wishes not to send them all out after they battled hard all season, they weren’t to be pushed as much as Lippi did. I started to question his abilities as a manager, and told him his days at top of the FA were numbered, and I was coming from behind to overtake him. A scathed attack towards the FA was sent out as well, questioning their integrity in first deliberately trying to ruin my chances in winning the Serie A with the shotty refereeing, and now not offering any form of discipline towards Lippi in injuring my players. I was furious, and went on for another 10 minutes voicing my concerns at the backwards thinking Italian FA and their ways. I left the podium, refusing to answer any media questions, and that our friendly against Milan to open the season will show how I’ve changed as a manager.
Once I returned to my office, I received some terrible news; Antonio Cassano’s deal to Juventus may be in jeopardy, as Milan refused my $35 million offer. I quickly faxed back an offer well worth over $70 million for Cassano, as I’m desperate to land him again, in order to jumpstart a falling offense.
However, there was some good news, as the new group of youngsters that have graduated from the academy arrived for their first day. My coaching staff was quick to point out that a young 15 year old defender by the name of Riccardo Di Pietro, a real rock in the defensive line who can also act as the last man. He’s the cream of the class, and maybe be the only player arriving who has a chance to play for Juventus next season.
With that, Italy have lost in the semi finals, and I felt some sort of poetic justice for Lippi, losing with his third stringers, and his job may now be in jeopardy, since the FA wanted the World Cup desperately.
July 8th 2006 ~ After losing the 3rd place game, Lippi was indeed sacked by the Italian FA. I immediately threw my name in the hat, along with the media’s speculation of Ancelotti, Tardelli and Del Neri all being seriously considered of Italy’s top honour. There have been a few roster moves by the Juventus brass, and now that most players have returned, I will be doing a roster update once all the moves are done by August.
Antonio Cassano’s offer had been accepted, but looks like he doesn’t want to return, as his agent informed me that he has no interest in coming back. That’s fine, I hope he crashes and burns in Milan, and soon he’ll be begging me for a return to the league champions. I may let him back, then again maybe not. Only time will tell.
My injury ridden side is starting to heal. De Sanctis is 100%, and Buffon is recovering nicely. Toni is still ways away, but I don’t think it will be the 3 months expected. I hope to see him heal up enough in time for the opening game of the year against Messina at home. The day ends with Marco Tardelli named as the new coach of the Italian national team.
July 20th 2006 ~ Friendly Beginnings
The Berlusconi Cup would see Milan vs. Juventus once again. I’m hoping for a win, and I’m looking to injure a few of their players, just because I feel like it, and to get some revenge on Kaka nearly ruining my season. A rather familiar looking starting XI will take part, with my nephew taking over for the injured Luca Toni.
Berlusconi Cup
Juventus vs. Milan
Stadio Delle Alpi, Turin
Starting XI:
GK – Buffon
DC – Cannavaro
DC – Nesta
WBR – Chiellini
WBL – Grosso
MC – Nedved
MC – Pirlo
AMC – Del Piero ©
FC – Gilardino
FC – Cardelli
FC – Pazzini
Subs: De Sanctis, C. Cioffi, P. Cioffi, Barzagli, Zambrotta, Pinzi, De Rossi, Aquilani, Fiore, Mazzotta, Tevez, Flachi
Juventus came out determined to stick it to Milan and their players. My nephew was determined to prove he’s worthy of a chance in the Serie A, and did he prove so. Off a Grosso corner kick, Cardelli out jumped former Juventus player Antonio Cassano and buried it past Dida for a 1-0 lead. Del Piero responded moments later with a wonderfully chipped ball over Dida’s head for a 2-0 lead. Gilardino burns his former team with a hard driven shot to make it 3-0, and Del Piero adds his 2nd of the game, a low shot to beat the now internationally retired Dida for a 4-0 lead at the break.
Half Time:
Juventus 4 (Cardelli 21’ Del Piero 24’ 43’ Gilardino 31’) Milan 0
The mass exodus begins, with Barzagli the odd man out, but will probably see time later on. Shevchenko put the Juventus defense to the sword by scoring two quick goals. Claudio Cioffi was then sent to mark Sheva, and with that, left Vieri wide open to make the score 4-3, but new signing Stefano Fiore drilled on from long range to end any chance of a Milan comeback, and a 5-3 victory and once again Berlusconi Cup champions.
Final Score:
Juventus 5 (Cardelli 21’ Del Piero 24’ 43’ Gilardino 31 Fiore 81’) Milan 3
MoM: Alessandro Del Piero.
The Super Cup draw saw us play Monaco, and the Messina clash has been moved to September. Juventus look to win the trophy since they last competed for it in 1996. I was set to leave for Australia tomorrow to prepare for our tour down under, and the next two exhibition games against Portsmouth and Fiorentina would be handled by the coaching staff. I’m looking forward to this trip.
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