retired_deljo

4.4.07
Only a three day break before tonight's trip to Genoa. They're good - very good - but we have an amazing record in the Luigi Ferraris Stadium - having never lost there. Sbrizzo is suspended, so Simac replaces, and Chopra is dropped as the front three are too similar, so Batistuta makes a return.

Genoa 0

Varese 2
Gorini 40
Fuller 55
Batistuta injured 6

And we maintained the unbeaten record in the Luigi Ferraris. One of the few bright points in the season happened today, as we claimed an important three points to reach 40. Batistuta went off very early with a twisted knee, but Chopra wasn't the replacement. That honour went to Calaio, who gave us a great physical presence. Cristian Brocchi had a goal ruled out for offside, and Tomasson and Perotta both came very close. But we went ahead slightly before half time with an outswinging corner met by a thumping header from captain Edoardo Gorini, who was a colossus for ourselves today. Ten minutes into the second half we doubled the advantage crucially, as Genoa left Ricardo Fuller absolutely free, and the Jamaican wasn't going to turn down the chance of scoring his 5th of the season. Girardi had a wonderful game, as did the whole back three, and Calaio. A real team performance, and it showed in the eventual win.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Simac, Molinaro, Santi, Santos, Moroni, Fuller, Batistuta (Calaio 6)

8.4.07
We arrive in Modena in torrential rain, which did put a doubt on whether the match would take place. But referee Giancarlo Rubino has passed the pitch and conditions playable, and if we beat Modena we go above them. Calaio and Sbrizzo come back in for Batistuta and Simac respectively.

Modena 3
Kamara 2
Rostirolla 41 pen, 59
Camussi missed pen 22

Varese 3
Fuller 17
Moroni 48
Santos 90
Molinaro sent off 22

The match didn't teach me anything I didn't already know, but it was brilliant entertainment. Diomansy Kamara got the ball rolling on two minutes with a gliding header over Girardi. That, and the condtions, made me fear for us, but Ricardo Fuller started to play more assertively and was rewarded with the equaliser on 17. The Jamaican drove at the Modena defence and put the ball past Leandro Boninsegna. Then it became a little farcical. Referee Rubino gave a penalty to Modena for a foul by Molinaro. He mistimed it yes, but the conditions made it look far worse, and so the red card which followed was a little harsh. Calaio was the only suitable player to be replaced, coming off for Tcherevchenko. But Girardi pulled off a 2nd successive penalty stop to keep things in equilibrium. However, another penalty was given 20 minutes later for a Girardi foul on Kamara. Rostirolla took the kick this time, and beat Girardi. But for the second time we came back to equalise; Raffaele Moroni sent in his 13th of the season. Modena again went ahead, with a stunning strike from Matteo Rostirolla - fully 30 yards into the top corner. It looked for a time as if Modena would win, but for a change on we scored in injury time to steal something. Modena refused to close Santos down, and the Brazilian drilled high to make it 3-3 and cap a great game.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Molinaro, Santi, Santos, Moroni, Fuller, Calaio (Tcherevchenko 22)

15.4.07
Palermo are the latest team to visit the Franco Ossola. We've had one defeat in twelve, and Palermo are heading the wrong way in the table. But I'm under no false impressions - it'll be hard.

Varese 1
Calaio 90
Moroni injured 18

Palermo 2
Zauli 19
Lai 28

For the second game in a row I'm not at all happy with some of the officiating . Seven minutes in Ricardo Fuller was flagged offside, and so his goal was chalked off. It was debatable. Raffaele Moroni then went and tore his groin muscle, and is out for three months. Why didn't I accept the transfer request - if anyone wants him they'll have to wait a while. Whilst Chopra came on Lamberto Zauli drilled in the opener for the Sicilians. Valentino Lai then doubled the lead with a header. It was all set up for yet another home defeat, and it happened, although the referee had an important part to play. He disallowed another, adjudging Calaio offside when he clearly wasn't . Calaio scored a consolation at the end, but we drop to 13th. I really want to finish 12th or over so as to make an improvement on last season. It's looking altogether unlikely.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Tcherevchenko, Santi, Santos, Moroni (Chopra 18), Fuller, Calaio

Next: Running through to the end of the 2006-7 season

retired_deljo

getting this out of the way quicker than ever
---------------

22.4.07
Cagliari are top and have already achieved promotion. It really could be a walkover today. Martins replaces Moroni.

Cagliari 1
Diliso 68 pen

Varese 0

Only a penalty seperated us from the league leaders, and a debatable penalty at that. It was a really poor match - a foregone conclusion - and Nicola Diliso's penalty three quarters of the way though the game confirmed the result everyone saw coming. I'm at my lowest morale since arriving here almost six years ago - things are really getting me down. We're still not safe from relegation, and we can't defend. The summer (should I choose to stay) will definitely see a clearout, and a lot of work on defending. But we still have to avoid relegation yet.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Tobros, Sbrizzo, Tcherevchenko, Santi, Santos, Martins, Fuller, Calaio

29.4.07
Two wins at home out of 17 is totally unacceptable this season. Our away form has meant we're still in a midtable position. Empoli are the second last side to visit the Franco Ossola this campaign, and all I want is to reward the fans for their continued passion with a win to send them off, and to make sure of our Serie B status. Formation change means Sidwell returns, Zicu starts on the left, and Chopra gets a very late call to partner Calaio up front. Tobros and Sbrizzo are suspended. However, Empoli are fourth and looking for promotion.

Varese 5
Chopra 3, 10, 78, 90
Santos 23

Empoli 2
Tavano 34
Rocchi 58

Wow! . Where in the bluest of blue hells did this come from? We've wrecked Empoli's promotion hopes, as this sends them down to seventh and out of the promotion zone. Early goals are always the key to our game, and Michael Chopra it was who sent a scorching effort past Tardioli. Within 10 minutes of kickoff Chopra had already scored more than in his previous ten games for us. His second today was typically him - a swerve and scintillating shot. And then, much to my surprise and Mauro Nardini's chagrin, Santos scored his eleventh of the season to put us three ahead. :o But then reality clicked into place. Empoli recognised our defensive frailties, and pounced. Francesco Tavano, who scored in the reverse fixture, found a loose ball irresistible and cannoned past Girardi. A 3-1 lead then made us sit back a little - something we shouldn't be doing. Tomasso Rocchi pulled another back before the hour, giving Empoli a real chance of coming back. I knew this would happen, and was just waiting for the third. My assistant manager, Gabi Batistuta, urged us to get forward more, and to my delight we did and restored some advantage. Santos crossed, and Chopra's volley to complete a hattrick was quality all over. The loanee from Newcastle scored another in injury time to score four and take the match ball along with the man of the match award, just ahead of Tcherevchenko. By far and away our best home result of the season, and it rivals the win in Perugia for best win.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Simac, Tcherevchenko, Sidwell, Santi, Santos, Zicu, Chopra, Calaio

6.5.07
Bari are by far the best team in the League. A trip to the San Nicola is never easy, and I'm fully expecting a defeat. But then I did against Empoli too. The temptation to stay unchanged is tempered by Sbrizzo, who can return to replace Simac.

Bari 3
Mokas 11
Menezes Guimares 28, 90
Lafortezza missed pen 59

Varese 1
Chopra 9

The scoreline is a bit unfair on us, as we played well enough to warrant perhaps a point. We even took the lead, much to my shock, as Tcherevchenko crossed for Chopra to sweep home. Who knows what would have happened had Mokas not gone down the other end and equalised with a textbook header? He did, and we were ahead for a mere 90 seconds. Carlos Menezes Guimares is his partner in crime, and put Bari ahead 15 or so minutes later with a routine tap in. Chopra hit the post, but once we were behind we never looked like coming back. Shy of the hour mark Bari were given a penalty, but Antonio Lafortezza had the attempt saved by Girardi. Girardi's saved four and conceded six of ten penalties given against us this season, whilst none have gone for us . Very late on Menezes Guimares scored again to make the scoreline an inaccurate portrayal of events.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Simac, Tcherevchenko, Sidwell, Santi, Santos, Zicu, Chopra, Calaio

The defeat means we can only finish a highest of 13th, so we have made no improvement on last season.

retired_deljo

13.5.07
And so to the last game of an ultimately disappointing season, at home to Torino. I'd hope we can build on the Empoli game and make it 2 straight home wins. No changes.

Varese 1
Mantovani 5 og
Tcherevchenko injured 79

Torino 0

Quite amazingly this was our first clean sheet in seven, and only our 2nd in 31, :eek: . But we deserved it. Andrea Mantovani put past his own keeper early on after Santos caused havoc from a corner. Torino exerted unimaginable pressure, with Uruguayan Fabian O'Neill pulling the strings. But try as they might nothing was going to take this win away from us. Girardi was excellent, and Sbrizzo continued a fine renaissance after missing out until the new year. I'm pleased with the win, but mainly the clean sheet.

Team: Girardi, Gresko, Gorini(c), Simac, Tcherevchenko (Tobros 79), Sidwell, Santi, Santos, Zicu, Chopra, Calaio

and so the final Serie B placings...

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Italian Serie B - Sunday 13th May 2007********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2006/7 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st P Cagliari 38 11 7 1 28 9 11 6 2 24 12 79 2nd P Bari 38 11 6 2 41 26 12 3 4 31 19 78 3rd Perugia 38 11 5 3 39 18 9 6 4 33 24 71 4th Venezia 38 11 4 4 39 15 10 3 6 24 22 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5th Empoli 38 12 5 2 37 20 9 1 9 28 27 69 6th Sampdoria 38 12 4 3 36 13 4 12 3 27 25 64 7th Udinese 38 11 5 3 25 15 7 5 7 22 21 64 8th Palermo 38 11 3 5 33 17 7 3 9 28 27 60 9th Genoa 38 10 6 3 27 15 7 3 9 26 33 60 10th Torino 38 8 9 2 27 15 8 2 9 27 27 59 11th Avellino 38 9 4 6 37 33 5 6 8 30 37 52 12th Modena 38 7 4 8 26 28 7 4 8 29 34 50 13th Como 38 9 6 4 37 22 3 6 10 19 31 48 14th VARESE 38 4 8 7 26 28 7 6 6 34 28 47 15th Spal 38 7 3 9 21 30 6 4 9 23 35 46 16th Ascoli 38 6 2 11 24 32 5 1 13 20 42 36 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17th R Ancona 38 6 3 10 15 19 2 8 9 16 29 35 18th R Pescara 38 5 3 11 31 41 1 6 12 12 31 27 19th R Spezia 38 3 1 15 17 43 3 2 14 20 39 21 20th R Cosenza 38 2 2 15 20 48 1 3 15 14 43 14 </pre>

14th place is disappointing, but more on that in my season review.

retired_deljo

2.6.07
Taking a look around Europe again....

.....and here in Italy Lo Scudetto went to Inter, who in the process complete a hat-trick of title victories. Cuper's men had the title won before the last day, as a draw with Lazio was enough to see off the team from the other side of Rome - Roma. Parma and Bologna are in the Champions League spots, then a gap widens to 5th where Lazio head a list of three formerly great sides - followed in the table by Juventus and Milan. Fiorentina, Chievo, Vicenza and Reggina all found Serie A a little too tough, and are duly replaced by Serie B promoteers Cagliari, Bari, Perugia, and Venezia.
The title in England continues to be passed between Man Utd and Liverpool like a hot potato. For the sixth straight season the Premiership crown has moved from Old Trafford to Anfield and back, this time ending up at Liverpool. But only just this time. Liverpool's superior goal difference of +51 compared to Man Utd's +47 was the deciding factor in the race. Ipswich and Millwall upset the pundits and qualify for the Champions League qualifying phases. Blackburn, Southampton and Wolves are all relegated, Southampton only just, as Bojan Djordjic's 88th minute strike for Millwall sent the South Coast side down. Promoted sides come from Coventry, Bradford, and Crystal Palace.
Spain had no surprises as a rampant Barcelona made it five straight; equalling the achievements of bitter rivals Real Madrid in the 1960's and late 1980's. Madrid are only good enough for a UEFA Cup spot, as Betis and the two Galician sides Deportivo and Celta Vigo look forward to campaigns in Europe's greatest club competition. Sporting de Gijon, Valladolid, and Santander are the sides going down, and on the way in the opposite direction return Mallorca, Cordoba, and Osasuna.
Lorient return to th summit in France after four years away, taking the French title in comfortable fashion, leaving Nantes languishing in second. Bordeaux take the remaining ECL spot, and the teams who just couldn't do enough were Martigues, Nice, and Sochaux. Attempting to make a better showing next year will be Metz, Caen, and Amiens.
Latly to Germany where Hertha broke the Westfalen domination with their 4th Bundesliga success. Englishman Alan Smith lead the charge with 23 goals, giving them a 2 point advantage from 1860 Munchen. FC Bayern, Leverkusen, Hamburg and Dortmund make up the chasing pack, in that order. Stuttgart, Unterhaching, and Darmstadt will be replaced by Saarbrucken, Babelsburg, and Mannheim.

My own season review;

I suppose I should be happy with another season of consolidation in Serie B. Realistically we aren't ready for the next step quite yet, and showed enough quality this season to prove we can mix it here. But I can't help but feel we didn't play to our best. I felt a top eight place was a realistic expectation for the campaign, and until November that looked a possibility. Then came Avellino and Milan, and it was downhill from there. Our home form failed to help us like previous years, and if that had been better we would be looking at a Serie A place now, as we were good away from home.
Sergio Girardi was ever present in goal, and had another mixed season. Defiantly brilliant but infuriatingly inconsistent - and it's this that has made me look for a second quality keeper. As for the back three or four, depending on formation, some were nothing special - Molinaro, Gresko, Tobros - but then some played pretty well in the face of adversity. Igor Tcherevchenko was consistently good, Gorini lead like a warrior, and Alessandro Sbrizzo had a brilliant second half of the season.
As for the midfield, I feel my carelessness has been detrimental for the club. I've always considered it strong, but when the first choice four of Santi, Sidwell, Moroni, and Benachour went missing, we had very little to fall back on. The signing of Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos on loan was inspired, as he scored over ten goals in little more than 15 games. Having him permanently may be a good move. The backups of Zicu, Fuoco, and the like weren't special, but enough.
We have a vast array of strikers, none of which really showed enough. Gabi Batistuta's 10 goals in as many games was the sign of a team in form, but as soon as we went cold so did he, and his age is now showing. Calaio impressed in fits and starts, but only three goals is really poor from someone expected to hit 15 at minimum. What makes it look worse was Michael Chopra's four against Empoli - more in 90 mins than a whole season. The diminutive loanee from Newcastle did OK when the formation suited him, but like the other loan star Riccy Fuller, didn't shoot us to the higher echelons. Martins, Vieri, Dobek, Frankowski, and Conti also all had chances, but 5 goals between them tells all.

So what now? A clearout will happen, so we can get some needed funds, and to focus on a squad of 30 or so to get us to where we want to be. The defence and midfield need sorting, and a striker who can actually hit 15-20 goals is a must. How much of this planning will become reality is another question altogether.

6.6.07
Once again it's the time where Awards are given out

FIFA World Player of the Year - Vincenzo Montella (Roma)
World Footballer of the Year - Vincenzo Montella (Roma)
Serie B Manager of the Year - Andrea Agostinelli (Venezia)
Serie A Player of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Young Player of the Year - Angelo Schembri (Salernitana)
Serie A Defender of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Top Goalscorer - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan, 19 goals)
Serie A Italian Player of the Year - Filippo Inzaghi (Milan)
Serie A Foreign Player of the Year - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan)
Serie B Player of the Year - Mokas (Bari)
Serie B Top Goalscorer - Mokas (Bari), 29 goals)

And rather surprisingly, Sergio Girardi was considered the best keeper in the Division this season :o :cool:

retired_deljo

last update for about week...

16.6.07
More Awards;

European Footballer of the Year - Vincenzo Montella (Roma)
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Gianluigi Buffon (Barcelona)
European Defender of the Year - Fabio Cannavaro (Inter)
European Midfielder of the Year - Oliver Neuville (Inter)
European Striker of the Year - Vincenzo Montella (Roma)

19.6.07
Raffaele Moroni is presented with the Supporters Player of the Year Award today, at our end of season club gathering. He's just about the only person to deserve it in truth.

1.7.07
I've been busy over the last few weeks wheeling and dealing in the quagmire of the free transfer market. Below I explain a few of my acquisitions....

Maarten Stekelenburg - ex-Ajax goalkeeper, and challenger to Girardi's throne as number one. He looks the part - imposing, loud, but overall a technically sound stopper.

Gonzalo Martinez - Colombian defender recommended by Roberto Trevisan - my chief scout. He's comfortable in a 3 or 4, and has a decent shot, so attackingly he's of use.

Nicola Legrottaglie - former Chievo defender, joins having already had two loans in our C1/A campaigns. He's another strong defender, and boosts our shape at the back.

Carlos Albero Viera Dos Santos - I know a lot already, with the Brazilian kid on loan last season. He loves to jink and run, and has a mean shot. Also has a good games-to-goals ratio.

Juho Makela - Finnish striker who failed to achieve at Anderlecht. Undoubted talent - he's lightning fast, and can finish with the best. My main hope.

Rory Allen - three great scoring seasons in England's Second Division has lead to me taking a gamble on bringing Allen in. He accepted a shorter and cheaper contract than he desired, but could be one of those inspired deals.

Out

Piotr Frankowski - very talented, but we haven't a use for him, and £300,000 frok Crotone is good business for us, as we're severely in red.

I would also have rid Vratislav Gresko to Aalen, but the prjected £700k fee is too much for the club to produce. Still, I harbour hopes of selling him and four or five others in an effort to raise funds and cut the wage bill.

6.7.07
I am the receiver of a well needed £1.2m today, as R Antwerp pick up Selim Benachour off me for that fee - great business considering I paid nothing for him. It alleviates our financial worries, and justifies my 6 signings.

9.7.07
More players leave. Simone Loria has left on a Bosman free, and I also expect Marijan Buljat to in the next few days. Stefano Presotto has joined Latina for £275k, and Martins has joined Bristol Rovers for £575k - meaning I've made £2.3m profit from sales recently

24.7.07
Former Sampdoria midfielder Roberto Franzese joins our group today, after I was able to negotiate a deal lower than his estimations - he's very good at sitting in his role and pulling the strings.

4.8.07
Today, over 6 years since joining, I finally spend my first transfer fee on a player :o . Our financial position is secure for the time being, and £45,000 went towards the signing of young Argentinian midfielder Pablo Acensio. The ex-Platense man seems to be in the mould of Redondo, and his arrival signals an ever-strengthening midfield. I feel that is the last signing this summer - 8 have arrived, 11 left - and we're in the black financially.

retired_Camellia

Cracking stuff, well done so far ... staying up in Serie B anyway. Well done, I'll have a look in a week!

retired_deljo

cheers Jonny - best of luck with Fidelis Andria

this one needs a kick...

12.8.07
A new era dawns at Varese, with the Coppa Italia kicks off our season, and a new look 3-3-1-3 shape takes place in our side. No less than six players make their debuts, including all the midfielders, so it may take a while to gel, but a trip to Catania may not be too tricky.

Catania 0

Varese 1
Makela 18

Not the worst showing at all. Stekelenburg will have more confidence after a clean sheet debut, as will the back three. The midfield linked well, and kept us in shape. We only scored the one, but it was all that was required. Finnish international Juho Makela scored on his debut, as he turned his marker and slammed past the otherwise faultless Marchetti. Rory Allen had a good game too - able to hold up the ball, but also dribble to some effect. It's a positive sign at least, that a new look side are able to play so well already. If we can improve as we gel, it should make for a good season.

Team: Stekelenburg, Sbrizzo, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Allen

19.8.07
Roberto Franzese is injured for the visit of Vicenza, who are going to be there or thereabouts come May. Ianis Zicu plays in his place.

Varese 1
Allen 3
Legrottaglie injured 26
Sbrizzo sent off 76

Vicenza 1
Leon 76 pen

A draw against Vicenza shows improvement, as ordinarily they would have beaten us. The fact their only goal came from Julio Cesar Leon's penalty shows how strong our defence was, and it was without Legrottaglie, who went off injured with strained knee ligaments. We drew first blood, as a great cross from Moroni was headed past Da Re by Allen. Vicenza were actually dominated by ourselves, and we couldn't get a second, but it wasn't proving a problem. That is, until Sbrizzo was sent off for a wild tackle on Leon, who scored the resulting penalty. We're still improving with time.

Team: Stekelenburg, Sbrizzo, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie (Tcherevchenko 26), Asencio, Zicu, Martinez, Santos (Molinaro 76), Moroni, Makela, Allen

24.8.07
The League season for us gets underway early as we are live on television against Monza. I don't have my whole first choice defence available - Gorini, Sbrizzo and Legrottaglie are all out, so Molinaro, Tobros, and Tcherevchenko line up. Franzese returns, and Moroni captains the side.

Varese 3
Santos 6, 18
Allen 22

Monza 0

For the first time in Serie B, we win our first game of the season. It was all over pretty early, with three goals in the first 22 minutes. Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos didn't take too long to find his shooting boots again, with the first on six minutes finishing a great team move. The second was a fierce first time shot from a tackle on Allen. And the third was Allen himself, again heading home a delicious Moroni cross. That was pretty much it, although we could have had a couple more. Allen headed over in the second half when the goal was gaping, and Makela forced a decent save. Our defence held up well, Stekelenburg making a couple of nice saves. Another nice thing was that Asencio forced himself upon the game, and dictated play in that sort of role where you sit and pull the strings. I get the sense he's good at that, and the 3-0 win shows we're getting better all the time.

Team: Stekelenburg, Molinaro, Tobros, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni(c), Makela, Allen

retired_deljo

29.8.07
Back we go to the Coppa Italia, and a visit to Cosenza. We're certainly looking to make the next phase again. Gorini is set to return ahead of Molinaro.

Cosenza 1
Oshadogan 17

Varese 1
Santos 20

The point puts us top of the table on 5 points, level with Vicenza and Cosenza. But our superior goal difference and head to head record sees us finish in the qualifying position (it's all really complicated). For the first time this season we fell a goal down, as Joseph Dayo Oshadogan headed past Stekelenburg. Fortunately we were able to counter-strike immediately, as Santos climbed well to head the equaliser. Not much more than that happened. Allen ran and drove straight at Giancotti, and both sides had fairly decent penalty calls turned down. Santos had a great match, running the show, ans could have had a hat-trick but for some good keeping. And we've qualified.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Tobros, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Allen

The draw for the first round proper has paired us with Southern powerhouses Napoli. The Neapolitans are one of Serie A's strongest, and will be a tough proposition.

9.9.07
A very tough league match at home to Reggina. They don't have Leon or Di Michele, who shot them to promotion two years ago, but they do have Cozza and Kosowski, who will be a threat.

Varese 2
Santos 30
Makela 66

Reggina 2
Zanini 34
Di Giovanni 78

Not the worst result, but I'd have hoped going ahead twice would've meant a win. The first half was ours - everything clicked, except putting the ball in the back of the net. The team was purring, and Reggina couldn't cope. Santos headed in Moroni's crossed free kick to put us ahead, but although we dominated, Nicola Zanini managed to head in a sneaky equaliser. Reggina were more adventurous in the second half, but it cost them a goal, as we broke dangerously, and as Allen's shot was saved, Makela was there to sweep into an unguarded goal from 2 yards. But again it was too much to hold out, because impressive sub Massimiliano Di Giovanni volleyed in a second equaliser. But you see, in previous years we have lost to Reggina, so it's still an improvement. Another point of note is that I had a striker here as the Varese match guest. He agreed to a deal yesterday, and we'll unveil him in the next couple of days. He's definitely a talented young goalscorer.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Allen

11.9.07
Christos Alexiou is presented to the media as our latest signing. He's impressed in the Greek Leagues, and has arrived on reccomendation of my scouts, my video watching, and personally from Greek Under-21 teammate Niko Tobros. The fee is £14k up front to Serres, and a further £22k after 50 games for Varese. It seems I have a bargain. It's now up to Christos to prove himself at a much tougher level. I have confidence that he'll do it.

retired_deljo

16.9.07
Rory Allen doesn't really deserve demotion, but someone has to make way for Alexiou's debut, and Allen is the most similar in style to Alexiou. Spal reserves beat my reserves 5-4 on Friday - the neutral will want similar entertainment, but I want a win and a clean sheet.

Spal 3
Vasari 31
Izzillo 73, 90

Varese 4
Alexiou 2, 5
Asencio 62, 69

We won, no clean sheet , but major entertainment. And what a start by Christos Alexiou. I've been after him for about 8 months, and within the first five minutes of competitive Varese football, he showed why I considered him hot property. The first goal came from Asencio's beautiful chipped pass, and the young Greek drilled past Pinheiro. On five minutes Santos' cross was headed in by Alexiou for 2-0. He had two more chances before Vasari drilled one back, but both headers were well saved. The fact Spal had come back had me a bit more worried, but the worries were tempered when Pablo Asencio scored his first Varese goals. The Argentinian managed to somehow outjump Pinheiro to meet Moroni's corner. And one wasn't enough - he wanted more. Seven minutes later Pinheiro spilled Santos' effort, and Asencio was there to wrap up the points, as the Portugues 'keeper realised the full extent of his errors. Giovanni Izzillo headed two consolations to make things look tighter than they were, but I'm happy with the performance, and especially Alexiou and Asencio's games.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Alexiou

19.7.07
From one extreme to another. Struggling Spal were one thing, but the match today is altogether another proposition. Napoli, in the San Paolo, are a very dangerous side. They're a consistent Serie A side, and in Antonio Cassano, Femi Opabunmi, and Julio Cruz, they have world class attacking individuals. With over 35000 in attendance, it's one of the biggest games I've been involved in. Legrottaglie replaces the suspended Sbrizzo.

Napoli 1
Francheschini 58

Varese 3
Asencio 7
Santos 47
Moroni 72

:eek: &lt;---- This sums it up. This is, without a doubt, the best 90 minutes football we've played in over six years. We were absolutely magnificent in every position, and it showed. Moroni set up the first goal, a bobbling cross drilled past Bartoli by Asencio, who's found an eye for goal. Napoli, as expected, tried to dominate, and although they had most of the play, it didn't translate into the scoresheet. In fact, it was Makela who came closest with two decent headers. And then, lo and behold, after half time the lead was doubled :o . Alexiou held the ball up well, and came up with an imaginative flick to create space for Santos, who slammed in the second. Ivan Franceschini bundled home Napoli's first goal, and then Cassano wasted a golden chance for 2-2. And how he paid. Raffaele Moroni still harbours dreams of playing in Serie A, but it isn't affecting his Varese performance. His goal on 72 minutes was sublime. He took on and beat the whole Napoli defence, to score one of the greatest goals of all time. Brilliant :cool: (although we have to remember it's only the first leg).

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Alexiou

23.9.07
Technically we can't lose to Catania. It's not possible, according to my scouting team. We have enough in the team to walk this. And I can't seriously change the side after Wednesday's win, can I?

Varese 3
Makela 18
Santos 36, 45

Catania 0

Ceccarelli and Co. were right - we won, but not with the ease I might have expected. We were all over them in the first half, and there was nowhere for the side with a 100% defeat record to go. Alexiou put one over the bar before Moroni fed Makela, and the Finn curled in his third of the season. Alexiou contined to be a threat, but it wasn't he who scored our second. That honour went to Santos, who dribbled bast Bruni and Pessia before finishing with some aplomb. And on the stroke of half time he added another, beating two more men to secure the win. But Catania, sensing they had nothing to lose and everything to gain, roared out at us in the second half, and Stekelenburg had to be at his best to preserve his clean sheet. Overall, another satisfying win.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Alexiou

retired_deljo

30.9.07
Palermo has always been a tricky negotiation for us, and even though the Sicilians are struggling, it's still early in the season. Unchanged again.

Palermo 2
Grieco 31, 48

Varese 0

And so goes our unbeaten run of eight games Not that we deserved to lose. Gaetano Grieco (who I tried to buy in the summer) scored twice from left wing crosses to clinch the points for the pink and black. We had four penalty appeals rejected, and at least two of them had an element of conviction to them. A few players weren't looking themselves, and weren't good enough. Hopefully it's only a very minor blip on the radar - and not the start of a bad run.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Alexiou

3.10.07
A second consecutive tough away game. Como are again, on ther day, a proposition to beat anyone. The wet weather in the region won't help either. I still haven't changed the side.

Como 1
Arena 45

Varese 0

One minor lapse and a whole lot of bad luck cost us today. Cristian Arena found space after losing Legrottaglie, and headed past Stekelenburg. And that was that. We had more penalty appeals rejected, and Nuzzo and Bertotto in the opposing defence were just too good today. Alexiou disappointed, as did the majority - we didn't hit peak form at the right times. Two defeats signal something may be wrong, so getting back to winning is imperative.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie, Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Moroni, Makela, Alexiou (Allen 72)

7.10.07
Moroni and Makela are away on international duty this weekend, so they miss out on the visit of lowly Crotone. Rory Allen leads the line, and Mateusz Dobek gets the other berth up front, in an attack with little time played with each other.

Varese 2
Franzese 26 pen
Dobek 43
Legrottaglie injured 45

Crotone 0
Turci sent off 26

It was nice to get back to winning ways, with a match we always looked like winning. The new front three were buzzing around with energy, and it was always only a matter of time until something happened. On 26 minutes it happened. Santos went on a typical run, and was taken out by goalkeeper Luigi Turci. Turci was then sent off, following FIFA rules, and Roberto Franzese converted the penalty to put us ahead. We needed the second, and it came crucially before half time. Asencio's corner was flicked by Allen and Dobek finished the move off. Crotone's replacement keeper Lorenzini was brilliant, to give him his dues. He kept out numerous attempts from Asencio, Dobek, and Alexiou. But Crotone never attacked, and we had a nice return to winning ways.

Team: Stekelenburg, Gorini(c), Legrottaglie (Sbrizzo 45), Tcherevchenko, Asencio, Franzese, Martinez, Santos, Dobek, Alexiou, Allen