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Old 02-09-2003, 10:50 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #91
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cheers Nick and Spooky

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22.5.05
As winners of C1/A we are obliged to play the winners of C1/B in the C1 Super Cup. That means a game at the Franco Ossola against Chieti today. Santi and Gorini return.

Varese 2
Alberio 69, 83

Chieti 0

The difference in quality was evident, as we swamped Chieti with ease. Alberio reached 30 goals with a brace to give us another trophy for Gorini to lift It took a while to come, but Alberio found the net with a rebound into an open goal. The second was later, but it merely put the cherry on top of the icing on the cake of our season. Sidwell sent him clear, and he chipped the advancing Landolfo to give us the spoils.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Manzoni, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Sergio Paez

5.6.05
What's been going on in Europe?

Here on the Italian peninsula Inter won their first scudetto for 16 years by a comprehensive 5 point margin from Lazio. The 27 goal partnership of Crespo and Vieri was too much for the Serie A defences to handle. Roma end up in 3rd place, followed by Parma, Milan and Juventus. Making the drop to Serie B are Fiorentina, Udinese, Como, and Reggina. Returning to the top flight are Verona, Torino, Chievo, and Venezia.
England saw Liverpool win the Barclaycard Premiership by just as comprehensive a margin, 9 points from Manchester United's grasp. Just 15 goals conceded led to Hyypia and Henchoz receiving 1st and 2nd place in the Footballer of the Year prizes. Leeds take 3rd and Chelsea 4th, with Sunderland in 5th place - their best Premiership finish. Three big sides experienced relegation, as Man City, West Ham and Tottenham all found the 38 games too tough. Achieving promotion from Division One are Nottingham Forest as Champions, Everton as runners up, and Watford through the playoffs.
Barcelona continue to dominate in Spain, taking the title crown by a whopping 22 points, leaving Betis floundering in second spot. Van Gaal's men are simply unstoppable, as the Catalan club took a 3rd consecutive top spot. Athletic Bilbao achieved 3rd place, with Real Madrid just pipping neighbours Atletico into 4th. Cordoba, Rayo and Oviedo all go straight down after one season of return, replaced by Salamanca, Las Palmas and Recreativo Huelva.
Lyon won their first French title in 4 seasons with a dramatic draw at Marseille on the penultimate game. Alberto Luque's last minute strike gave them the title, as one of an amazing 40 goals for the ex Mallorca attacker. Bordeaux finish in 3rd place behind Lyon and Marseille, whilt PSG disappoint in 8th. The relegated side are Sedan, Nancy, and Niort. Their replacements will be three sides used to top level French football - Metz, Bastia and Cannes.
And in Germany Dortmund continued their recent success with a 2nd successive Bundesliga title. A 3 point margin over Leverkusen allowed Sammer's men to even lose the final game. Schalke and Hertha occupy the next two places, meaning Bayern Munchen are way back in 5th. Werder Bremen as one of the relegated sides is a huge shock, but MGB and Cottbus joining them aren't. The sides gaining promotion are also surprising; seeing Unterhaching, Osnabruck, and Union Berlin finishing above the dotted line.
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Old 02-09-2003, 10:51 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #92
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And the Varese manager's (me ) season review.

Well, we finally did it. At the 4th time of trying we escaped from the hellhole that is Serie C1/A. It's been hard, but now we can look forward to a testing but not over-awing Serie B campaign for the first time in decades for the club. That itself speaks volumes of the players who have made this possible. Sergio Girardi only conceded 30 goals in his 34 league games, which shows just how improved the defence was. Also a contributing factor is that for most of the season my back four were intact and playing well regularly. Alessandro Sbrizzo was regularly great at left back, and Cristian Molinaro made the right back spot his own, linking well down the wing. My centre backs were outstanding. My captain Edoardo Gorini finally got his hands on some silverware, and nobody deserves that more than he does. He was immense when needed, and 4 vital goals signalled his best ever goalscoring season. His new coaching role alongside his playing obligations will help improve the club. And young loanee from Brescia, Dario Manzoni, made the defence so much more solid, and watertight, as he and Gorini built up a tight understanding. Special mention to the backup - Legrottaglie, Bandirali, and Loria, who all performed brilliantly when needed.

The midfield has, for a long time, been the best part of the side. But one addition last summer, in my opinion, helped this club no end in achieving these feats. When Stevie Sidwell signed for free from Arsenal, I knew we had a bargain. He and Christian Santi have a partnership which would not look out of place in Serie A. And hopefully they'll get the chance to prove it. They kept the side in shape, a key feature for a team playing the type of football we do. That involves wingers, and I had two of the better ones. Laurent Plaquet and Luca Matteassi contributed 10 goals and 15 assists between them, showing how important they are. Matteassi will go back to Verona, but if I can get him back for a 3rd season I will. Marijan Buljat and Marco Fuoco
scored at important times during the injury crisis, a spell we came through unscathed because of this.

And then the attack. For the second season in a row a striker scored a goal per game. Following in Marcello Campolonghi's wake, Marco Agatino Alberio scored 30 goals in 30 games, and through his firepower we stormed to the top of the league and didn't look back. Gabi Batistuta chipped in with 9 goals, but the role he plays is far more important. But they were regularly injured, so Sergio Paez is also worthy of praise for his 4 goals, again a majority of them vital.

And so we won the League. We have to remember that it is only C1/A, not Serie A, but it's still an achievement. Survival in Serie B is next on the agenda, but also to enjoy it. I have a few signings to reveal, but not quite yet And with those we could have a real chance of consolidating in Serie B. But for now we'll enjoy the euphoria around the Franco Ossola!

6.60.5
It's once again the time where Awards are given out

FIFA World Player of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
World Footballer of the Year - Giovane Elber (Bayern Munchen)
Italian Serie C1/A Manager of the Year - Philip Rolfe (Varese) :cool:
Serie A Player of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Young Player of the Year - Adriano (Parma)
Serie A Defender of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Top Goalscorer - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan, 16 goals)
Serie A Italian Player of the Year - Christian Vieri (Inter)
Serie A Foreign Player of the Year - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan)
Serie B Player of the Year - Cristiano Lucarelli (Torino)
Serie B Top Goalscorer - Adailton (Verona, 28 goals)
Serie C1/A Player of the Year - Fabio Ciccola (Fermana)
Serie C1/A Top Goalscorer - Vittorio Torino (Spezia, 23 goals)

Sergio Girardi was named in goal for Team of the Season, and Sbrizzo and Goroni are named amongst the substitutes

16.6.05
Another deal is agreed today, but not to be revealed just yet

More Awards;

European Footballer of the Year - Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munchen)
European Defender of the Year - Fabio Cannavaro (Inter)
European Midfielder of the Year - Luis Figo (Roma)
European Striker of the Year - Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)

Gabi Batistuta wins the Fans Player of the Year Award again
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Old 02-09-2003, 10:53 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #93
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21.6.05
The draw for a Cup competition comes around today, only it's not the Serie C Cup anymore. We are entered into the Group Phase of the Italian Cup in Group A, alongside Fermana, Vicenza and Piacenza. Hard, but not impossible.

Later in the day the Serie B Fixture list is published. We are handed a hard start home to Fiorentina, before travelling to Catania and then visited by Pescara. Time will tell how equipped we are for them

1.7.05
I can reveal my signings now. As the transfer deadline lifted today, I have brought in a number of players, mainly attacking. First up is ex-Liverpool youngster Neil Mellor, who has the quality to shine in Serie B. Two prolific young strikers join Mellor, as we finally sign Mateusz Dobek, the Polish striker from Elana, and Sebastian Conti from Lavagnese. Both could be important in the future season, as they've showed they can score. But scoring is nothing without a defence, and Greek 18 year old Nikolaos Tobros joins, all 4 on a Bosman Free. Tobros is very talented, and we're all excited at his arrival.

6.7.05
Another defender is brought in today by myself, as Tajikistan international Igor Tcherevchenko joins for free. He is an experienced international, able to play at right or centre back. He's a strong tackler, and a very determined individual, all qualities that we'll need to succeed.

30.7.05
My summer shopping should be finished now, as I finally, after about 3 weeks of trying, am able to complete the signing of Tunisian winger Selim Benachour. He is an extremely talented youngster, released by PSG last season. He can dribble, sprint, cross and has a mean shot. Undoubtedly he will be a major asset, especially as he's a right winger.

8.8.05
For the first time I have to choose squad numbers for my squad The players are quite excited, some of them having never had their name on the back of a shirt in competitive action. Batistuta gets the number 9 shirt, whilst the apparently 'unlucky' number 17 belongs to Simone Cocco. Another positive is the merchandising possibilities - which means money

Next Up: Italian Cup
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Old 02-10-2003, 02:30 AM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #94
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Congratulations on the club's promotion to Serie B, Junichi! Hopefully the gradual evolution of the club's playing resources and your concentration particularly on tightening the defence will pay off in terms of the club's survival in a higher league, and hopefully soon we'll be reading Varese's adventures in Serie A and Europe!

Keep up the good work, mate!

Dixie
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Old 02-13-2003, 11:35 AM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #95
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Hehe, Im more into your game than my own now
How are you doing in Serie B, c'mon give us the next episode, Go Varese!!!
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Old 02-17-2003, 06:14 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #96
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Cheers Dixie - that's my aim - slow but steady wins the race

Spooky - I'm glad you like it

---------------------
Lets get this one moving again!

14.8.05
The trip to the Leonardo Garilli stadium in Piacenza will show how far the team has come, and how we may fare in the coming season. Piacenza were a regular side in Serie A, up against world class players weekly. Now we share a division with them, but play them first in the Coppa Italia, as our season opens. Debuts are given to Tobros, Tcherevchenko, Benachour, and Mellor.

Piacenza 1
Tibussi 61

Varese 2
Batistuta 48
Mellor 58

You can throw around the arguments that teams don't take the Coppa Italia seriously, but it won't take anything away from a great win The pressure we were under in the first half was immense, yet we escaped unscathed. Girardi made a few saves of top drawer quality, and the new look defence stood up well. The 2nd half started badly, as Riccio curled into the top corner. Unfortunately for him, he was offside. Whilst Piacenza were busy complaining, we got on with business, and put a move together which was finished by Gabriel Batistuta. The Argentine headed in Sidwell's cross. Ten minutes later we extended the advantage, through Englishman Neil Mellor, heading in a Sidwell free kick. Sidwell was brilliant - deserved his man of the match award. Piacenza sub Michele Tibussi finished Montano's good approach play to give us something to think about for the last half an hour, but we got what we deserved - a win.

Team: Girardi, Tcherevchenko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Plaquet, Benachour, Mellor, Batistuta

21.8.05
San Marino International Raffaele Moroni has joined on loan from Venezia until the end of the season. Spotter's badge to anyone who notices I tried to sign him 3 years ago He's a gifted left winger, and goes into the side for the visit of our old friends, Fermana.

Varese 0

Fermana 0

So, we have identical records, bar goal difference, and that's what keeps them top of the group. Not the best of games, but we were far from outclassed, and showed more encouraging signs. Our attack was limited to probing efforts from distance by way of Benachour and Batistuta, but we didn't get a goal. The defence again was top notch, Gorini and Tobros starting to build a real understanding. As for Moroni, he slotted in seamlessly, made a lot of passes, and tested Mauro Chiodini in the Fermana goal. A promising result, as we are starting to show that the forthcoming Serie B season may be very positive.

Team: Girardi, Tcherevchenko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Mellor, Batistuta

The League season starts next weekend, and then the final Cup group game against Vicenza is played

2.8.05
The league season starts on my birthday Fiorentina are going to be one hell of a hard opening game. Internationals are everywhere on the park, and then some on the bench too.

Varese 0
Tcherevchenko sent off 60

Fiorentina 2
Emerson 22
Filippini 52
Gera missed pen 60

We won't have a harder game this season. Fiorentina are on another level, and totally deserved to win, but the fact we worried them on numerous occasions shows that maybe we have something to show people. Young striker Emerson was always a potent threat, and his curling effort from 15 yards opened the scoring Batistuta, against his old club, was poor, and it showed in our lack of attacking threat. Emanuele Filippini doubled the advantage with a volley from a Gera corner, and it could have even been worse. Igor Tcherevchenko was sent off for a lunge, and as the last man he had to go. But Girardi saved Zoltan Gera's spot kick to keep us in with a glimmer of hope. I made a few switches, and Mellor, and late on Mateusz Dobek, were quite impressive and showed some talent. A loss isn't the best way to start the season, but the performance was OK.

Team: Girardi, Tcherevchenko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour (Dobek 73), Mellor, Batistuta (Molinaro 60)
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Old 02-17-2003, 06:15 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #97
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31.8.05
I bring Dobek in for a full debut in place of Batistuta for 2 reasons. Batigol is 36, and can't go on forever, so I have to consider my options. Also, since the Italian Cup is least of my priorities, I can experiment against Vicenza.

Varese 1
Dal Canto og 51

Vicenza 2
Colacone 53
Verlato 85

Again, I'm disappointed in defeat, but we played well. The lead we took on 51 minutes was fully deserved, as Dal Canto sent Morini's free kick past his own keeper. We weren't ahead for long, because Robero Colacone headed home almost straight away Alessio Verlato had already had a goal chalked off before he stole in for a winner late on, but we didn't deserve to lose. Dobek was average at best, he needs acclimatisation. We need a goalscorer, like Alberio and Campolonghi before him. Have I got one, or do I go to the transfer market?

Team: Girardi, Tcherevchenko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Mellor, Dobek

2.9.05
I found someone Andorran striker Yuri Rodriguez comes in on loan from Milan until the end of the season. He's a top class addition, and someone who can score a goal or two. Result!

2.9.05
The match away to Catania has positives and negatives; on the bad side we miss Tobros, Dobek and Rodriguez to international duty, and Tcherevchenko to suspension, but conversely the match is live on TV

Catania 1
Donato 44

Varese 4
Batistuta 60
Moroni 63, 67
Gorini 72

A real match of two halves We were outclassed in the first half, as we looked a real shambles. And when Salvatore Donato converted on the stroke of half time, Catania had just reward. I didn't change anything at half time, instead I berated the team for the performance - something I don't like, or normally do. It had an effect though. We were a different side for a period in the second half. Out of nowhere we blitzed four goals in 12 minutes. It started with Moroni's square pass to Batistuta, who showed he still has what it takes with a clinical shot. Moroni then came into his own. Three minutes later Mellor rolled him a pass, and he struck the ball off the outside of his left boot into the far corner past Marchetti for an absolute wonder goal He scored again just 4 minutes later, as he went dribbling before shooting low to the keeper's right. Then a fourth, to my disbelief, as Moroni crossed a free kick to be headed in by Gorini. A great return to form, and on TV too, so hopefully people will start talking about us. Moroni was irresistable - 2 goals and 2 assists - not much better than that

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Mellor, Batistuta

3.9.05
In their 6-1 defeat to the Netherlands, Andorra also dealt me a blow, in that Yuri Rodrigues picked up an injury and is out for three weeks, Thanks a lot

11.9.05
After a nine day rest, we can come back refreshed for the tough visit of Pescara. It won't be esy - Iaquinta and and Artico are a dangerous pairing for Francesco Monaco's side, and my defence will have a job on their hands keeping them out.

Varese 1
Marchionni og 66

Pescara 1
Bertani 39

A draw is my no means a bad result. Again, we were outplayed for most of the first half, but played better in the second. Early goals are the key to our game - get one and we're in good stead to get something. Cristian Bertani opened the scoring on 39 minutes with a salmon-like leap to head high over Girardi's hand. It was what they deserved in truth - we were far from firing on all cylinders. But we did improve, and Mellor tested Concetti on two occasions with headers. Christian Santi struck a few sighters that rarely hit the target, but we did eventually equalise, through Fabrizio Marchionni's own goal. Moroni delivered a free kick, and the defender sent it past his own goalkeeper to give us a share of the spoils. Not bad, but we can do better.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Mellor, Batistuta
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Old 02-17-2003, 06:16 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #98
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18.9.05
Vicenza have already done us over in the Cup, and have made a good start to the season. They are an even tougher outfit at the Romeo Menti, and without Rodriguez and now Santi it becomes harder. Plaquet comes in for Santi.

Vicenza 3
Rivalta 52
Colacone 57 pen
Warley 78

Varese 1
Batistuta 3

3-1 is a little harsh on us. Vicenza dominated again, and we missed Santi's control in the centre of the park. Batistuta gave us a shock early lead when Sidwell put him away and clear, and he obliged by driving past Da Re. But Vicenza wouldn't stop attacking - we were strong enough to hold out until half time, but then we collapsed. First, Claudio Rivalta sent a shot spinning into the roof of the net to equalise, then Colacone was brought down by Tobros. He got up, dusted himself down, and scored the penalty. Warley was dangerous throughout, and he deserved the goal he scored, a fine spin and venomous shot, to clinch the game. We need Rodriguez now, but he's still not fit.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Mellor, Batistuta

23.9.05
Ascoli are likely to be another hard game away from the Franco Ossola. Sebastian Conti, my Argentinian/Italian acquisition in the summer, replaces Mellor to give us some balance up front, and a natural left foot to partner Batistuta. Fuoco replaces Plaquet as well. Oh, it's also on TV :cool:

Ascoli 2
Montesano 50
Lavecchia 61

Varese 2
Gorini 13
Conti 71

I consider this an achievement - 1 point gained rather than 2 lost. Once again we went ahead in an away game, as Moroni's free kick ended up at the feet of Gorini, and my captain stabbed in the opener. Similarly to the game against Vicenza, Ascoli were a very aggressive and dangerous force, but we still held out to half time, through luck and good judgement. But as ever, we conceded early in the second half, as first Cataldo Montesano scored the equaliser from Piludu's cross, and then Luigi Lavecchia beat Girardi to La Vista's cross to put Ascoli ahead. Tobros was struggling in defence, so Bandirali came on, and we scored almost straight away - Conti firing into an empty net on his debut to score the goal which gave us a point, and preserve our unbeaten TV record.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros (Bandirali 63), Sbrizzo, Fuoco, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Conti, Batistuta

3.10.05
Our home game against Messina is televised, maybe as the media are aware that Yuri Rodriguez is finally fit to play his first game since joining on loan from Milan. The return of Santi enables me to name a full strength eleven.

Varese 4
Benachour 5 pen
Rodriguez 22, 44
Tobros 78

Messina 0
Cremaschini sent off 5

Another win on live TV, and a very comprehensive one, aided in particular by Yuri Rodriguez's brilliance, but also the early dismissal of Alessandro Cremaschini for Messina. Rodriguez used some brilliant trickery to evade everyone, until Cremaschini was left as the last man. A small trip was definitely a penalty, but not sure about the red card too. Still, Selim Benachour took the responsibility, and slotted into the bottom corner to give us the lead. Rodriguez was proving a revelation, and his first goal for the club was fantastic. Santi and Batistuta linked well, before the Andorran went dribbling again before unleashing a spectacular shot that left Manitta dumbfounded. His 2nd wasn't bad either, as he collected Santi's header and drove across the goal and in off the post with a venomous effort It was over by now, and we simply consolidated in the second half, all the while probing for another goal. It came 12 minutes from time, as Moroni claimed another assist - Tobros heading in his corner kick. I'm happy enough with this

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Rodriguez, Batistuta
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Old 02-17-2003, 06:18 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #99
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7.10.05
Hopefully we can continue the form from Monday night in tonight's televised game at Modena. Tobros and Moroni are out on international duty.

Modena 2
Salvi 17
Taldo 33

Varese 1
Rodriguez 47

We weren't the same side that demolished Messina for some reason. Maybe it was just that Modena were more motivated. Claudio Salvi drove in the opener, after 15 minutes of incessant running. It was doubled 15 or so minutes later, this time through the impressive Carlo Taldo. The closest we came were a few headers from Rodriguez just over the goal. Rodriguez got one back after half time, with a run and shot across Pagotto. But it was the only note of interest in the second half, and we lost. Unfortunate yes, but we have to start putting 2 or 3 wins together.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Plaquet, Benachour, Rodriguez, Batistuta

16.10.05
Back to Sunday afternoon kickoffs, and the visit of Udinese. The Bianconeri have become a perennial yo-yo club in recent times, and as a result have a squad of Serie A quality in areas. The little and large combination of Pinga and Jancker are going to be hard to shut out. Tobros and Moroni are back.

Varese 2
Moroni 79
Batistuta 90

Udinese 0

This is what I've been harping on about Turning potential draws into wins, or potential defeats into draws. Both really apply to the game today. It had everything - end to end, shots everywhere, and some shades of brilliance. Udinese had the better of the first half, and in particular Pinga was causing us no end of problems. He had a goal disallowed on 47 minutes for a highly debatable offside decision, but linesman Stefano Gragnaniello adjudged him off, to my relief. We started to grow in confidence, and the left sided combination of Rodriguez and Moroni started to take over. A draw looked on the cards until Moroni took the ball, ran into space, nutmegged Jorgensen, and lashed in a 20 yard drive. Batistuta confirmed the win in injury time to end a fantastic team move, as once again Moroni dribbled and tricked his way along the left perimetre. His cross was a bit deep, but Molinaro met it with a cushioned header perfect for Batistuta to finish. Home form is starting to become consistently good, which is a very good thing.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Rodriguez, Batistuta

23.10.05
We look to continue playing as well as we have recently with the trip to the Giuseppe Sinigaglia, and to Como. Selim Benachour played in Tunisia's 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone yesterday, and so Marijan Buljat replaces him in an otherwise unchanged lineup.

Como 0

Varese 0

A poor game by Serie B standards, but I'll take heart in the fact we didn't lose, and didn't concede. Como were far more adventurous, through the strikeforce of Chianese and Bonazzoli, but they weren't dangerous enough to penetrate our defensive unit, once again under great control from Gorini. Veteran Dutchman Jean-Paul Van Gastel was another who caused us problems, and his long range drive on 56 minutes saw Girardi make the save of the game. Our best chance was a first half header from Rodriguez, cleared off the line by Man of the Match Cristante, and he also hit the post midway through the second half. Overall I'm satisfied with a draw, as we didn't lose away - something we have to keep up.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Buljat, Rodriguez, Batistuta

30.10.05
We host Palermo today, and the islanders bring a very impressive side, still unbeaten away from home. Benachour returns from international duty to resume on the right wing.

Varese 3
Santi 15
Benachour 30 pen
Rodriguez 43

Palermo 2
Mariani 67
Morrone 70

Palermo didn't deserve one goal, let alone two. We handled the wet conditions perfectly, as our visitors were blown away in the first half. Christian Santi opened his account for the season with a finish to cap a great move. Sbrizzo hit a long ball out to Benachour, who proceeded to lay the ball off first time to the onrunning Santi, who slapped in the opener. On the half hour referee Fabrizio Brunialti adjudged that Batistuta had been tripped by Sicignano. Benachour converted the penalty. The Tunisian was on fire by now, and his involvement in Rodriguez's third was sublime. Rodriguez knocked the loose ball back to Gorini, who passed it back to the Andorran in space. A fabulous one-two followed, as the Tunisian's deft flick allowed the loanee from Milan to hammer in his 4th in 5 games We had it in the bag. Or so I thought. Vincetzo Guerini's men scored twice in three minutes through Mattia Mariani and Stefano Morrone to make things very nervous, but we got the three points we deserved.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, Benachour, Rodriguez, Batistuta

Next: A trip to one of Italy's leading cities - Genoa.
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Old 02-17-2003, 07:32 PM   I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #100
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Excellent Stuff Junichi, I'm sure you'll be in Turin in no time

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