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14.10.07
We are, as I've previously mentioned, unbeaten in the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. Our record against Genoa in particular is good - two wins in two at their home. But they've been in brilliant form, and we've lost our last two away games. Makela, Moroni and Sbrizzo come in for Dobek, Allen, and Legrottaglie.
Genoa 1
Tomasson 7
Varese 3
Asencio 16
Moroni 81
Alexiou 87
The feeling you get when your side has played as good as they can is great. Genoa played well themselves, but we defended magnificently, and then had the cutting edge to boot. Admittedly, things looked bleak early doors, as Tomasson was left free to slap past Stekelenburg. Fortunately, we realised the longer we spent behind, the worse the situation would become. Moroni went dribbling, and his lofty cross was headed in on the run by Asencio. Genoa, being the home side, dominated, and hit the woodwork twice through Perotta and Tomasson. But when we were able to break, Makela was superb. He was able to hold the ball up and give us much needed recovery time, which in the end proved vital. On the break short of ten minutes from time, Moroni found a clear patch of grass. His rapier-like drive beat Ripa all ends up. And to make things look more emphatic, Alexiou found the net for the first time since the opening five minutes of his debut with a cracker. This was our best.
23.10.07
Pablo Asencio is suspended for the game at home to Ascoli, so Steven Sidwell comes in for the first time this season. Ascoli have a decent attack, and could prove tough.
Varese 1
Franzese 69 pen
Ascoli 1
Rantier 18 Scarlato sent off 69
Despite their moderate league placing, Ascoli are a pretty decent side. They scored their goal - an 18th minute Julien Rantier header - and stuck to the part they do best - defending. Ex-Roma keeper Carlo Zotti kept us at bay with a mixture of luck and brilliance, as did his woodwork. Makela forced one world class save, and Santos worried the scorers with a shot that crashed against the bar. Eventually we found the net, as Franzese converted once again from the spot, after Scarlato was sent off for a brutal looking lunge. Alexiou had the one remaining chance, but wasted it. But nonetheless this wasn't the worst game we've played.
24.10.07
The second leg against Napoli rolls around this evening. Despite them being a Serie A side, I'd hope we can take the 3-1 advantage through to help us progress. Tobros replaces the suspended Sbrizzo, and Asencio returns to the fold.
Varese 0
Napoli 0
As I expected, we were much on the back foot, and so to keep a clean sheet against such a quality attacking side is a real plus point. Maarten Stekelenburg excelled - Napoli had fifteen attempts on goal, and Stekelenburg was there, as solid as a rock, to keep us in the Cup, and the chance of progressing. Artem Kosovsky and Julio Cruz were the Biancocelesti's main protagonists, as each should have scored more than once. For ourselves, Moroni came close, but Tcherevchenko was the best of our outfield selection. Still, we're through, and have that much more of a chance of winning the Coppa Italia.
25.10.07
The draw for the next round throws us up against Bologna - now a consistent Champions League outfit. They're much better than Napoli, and will be a very very very hard match.
28.10.07
Today pits us against Carrarese - one of those matches you know you really should be winning if you harbour promotion hopes, but there's always an element of doubt over the outcome. Mateusz Dobek has done enough to warrant a start ahead of Moroni.
Carrarese 2
M.Mari 20
Sanz 81
Varese 2
Asencio 29
Franzese 86 pen Asencio sent off 54
I told you it wouldn't work out as expected. Carrarese put up one hell of a fight, but we managed to sneak something late in the game. Mirko Mari gave the home side the shock lead with a leaping header past Stekelenburg. However, we were not down for long. Dobek's effort was spilled by an otherwise faultless Alejandro Saccone, and Asencio was there to prod in his fifth of the season. But his day was about to get more interesting, but for the wrong reasons. He became embroiled in a personal battle with opposite number Omar Milanetto, and one particular tackle was too much for referee Fabrizio Brunialti, and the Argentinian was dismissed for the sixth time in his 113 game career. And as it looked like there would be no further additions to the score, Spanish schoolboy Jose Miguel Sanz, just 16, drilled home his first career goal. But our spirit lead us to a needed point. Dobek's hard work earned him a penalty after a slight trip from Marino, and Franzese was there to make it three successful spot kicks this season. Another point snatched from out of nothing, and we're doing well.
4.11.07
Asencio starts a three match ban with the home game against Torino, and so Christian Santi makes his first appearance since May. Otherwise, Dobek is again preferred to Moroni.
Varese 2
Dobek 41
Santos 79
Torino 2
Varalli 51
Lucarelli 59
Yet another draw, but at least we're recovering points as opposed to losing them. The football on exhibition was really good - some of the moves drawn out were executed perfectly. Makela and Dobek worried Torino's captain-keeper Sorrentino before the Pole opened the scoring with a towering leap to finish Santos' cross. Torino though came out freshened and lively, and it showed when a neat and slick move was completed when Matteo Varalli beat Stekelenburg. And within little time at all, Cristiano Lucarelli - one of the most reknowned Italian scorers - had headed in his eleventh of a good season. Makela hit the post before we again scored an equaliser to make it 2-2. In recent weeks I've noticed a name disappear from the scoresheet. That of Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos. The Brazilian rediscovered his scoring touch just in time to cap a wonderful personal display, and a decent team performance.
11.11.07
Bologna visit in the Cup. I'm fully expecting to be comprehensively beaten by a side containing Pizarro, Ronaldinho, Cipriani, Colucci, and can leave out the likes of Recoba. They beat Fenerbahce 4-0 in midweek. Asencio returns in place of Santi.
Varese 0
Bologna 4
Colucci 10
Pizarro 17, 86
Cipriani 66
Hopefully the result won't have the same effect Milan's 4-0 win did last season. After that game we couldn't win a game for ages, and our good form this season wouldn't deserve that. Bologna are a different gravy - they can finish and defend to a level we aren't at yet. But it's only to be expected. Colucci drilled the first past Stekelenburg., and then Makela had an effort chalked off for shirt pulling. Pizarro curled in a 25 yard free kick, and once they had a two goal lead it was secure. Santos was lively and continuously worried Abbondanzieri, but when we looked at our best Bologna broke and Cipriani clipped in number three. Pizarro headed the fourth and his second late on to make sure we knew who the Serie A side were. I'm not really disappointed because I'm a realist, but we can't let this effect our league form in the slightest.
18.11.07
The visit of Empoli is an absolute must win match. They've pushed us out of the promotion zone, but we have games in hand. If we win today we jump them and continue on our quest for success. Santi covers for the suspended Asencio.
Nine goals in an afternoon :o - but the only thing that truly matters is the three points which stay at the Franco Ossola. After three straight defeats to Empoli we've stuck ten past them in two games. But it was Empoli who struck first today, with a towering header from Giancarlo Cipriani, the sixteen year old's first career goal. It wasn't looking particularly good, but we did get the leveller. Mateusz Dobek swung the cross deep and Alexiou rose to nod in. Then, almost instantly, we went ahead. Mandelli tackled Alexiou perfectly, but it rolled into Franzese's path, and the tall midfielder stroked into the corner to score his 4th of the season but his first in open play. But then Antonio Di Natale struck, and how. His first of a treble was a simple rebound from a blocked header. The score was 2-2 at half time, and my instructions were clear. Score the first goal of the half - the fifth of the match would be pivotal. And we did. Gorini slung the ball into the mix, and Juho Makela let his size and strength dominate as it was his head that got to the ball first and beat Tardioli. Yet it didn't stop there. Di Natale took the ball and went on a run the home fans are used to seeing from Moroni. The Empoli man scored as good a goal as he could have - leaving Stekelenburg with no chance. The third goal in as many minutes looked to have had us killed off, as a devastating Villanueva cross caused havoc and Di Natale completed a hat-trick, all his goals in the season coming in 68 minutes. The unbelievable continued, as the scoreline became 4-4 as Makela chucked everything at Franzese's cross, and was rewarded with the goal. One more would do it, and it was Mateusz Dobek who prevailed above all. Santos fed the youngster, who had a speculative pop from 25 yards. It screamed into the top corner. My faith in him over Moroni is paying off, as he scored the winning goal in one of the strangest yet most entertaining matches ever. :cool:
25.11.07
Next up is the trip to the Artemio Franchi and Fiorentina. Despite their poor league position, I know they are a dangerous side, and without Asencio and now Dobek it's harder.
Fiorentina 2
Ponzio 5
Niculescu 28
Vugrinec 55
Varese 1
Alexiou 45
And we still cannot beat I Viola Our third defeat of the season came at a canter for Fiorentina, who once they had the lead, never looked back. Leonardo Ponzio headed in number one, and a spell of pressure told when Romanian Claudio Niculescu dropped in the second. We had a lifeline thrown to us by way of Alexiou's drive from a tight angle, but Davor Vugrinec's free kick restored the lead to two goals and gave Fiorentina a 3-1 win. It worries me we've conceded 11 goals in three games - hopefully it isn't a permanent thing.
28.11.07
And now the return leg in Bologna. I have to go in unchanged, which means Asencio is rested so he is 100% to return for the more important league match against Avellino at the weekend.
Bologna 1
Bojinov 89
Varese 2
Santos 52
Alexiou 61
It serves the Rossoblu right that we embarrassed them in their own back yard. From the very start they sat back, thinking the goals would come easily. They even had the audacity to rest their stars. If they thought it was easy they had another thing coming. We may have been 4-0 down, but we were going out with a fight. We held out well in the first half, with Stekelenburg making a couple of good saves and Moroni looking good on the break. Then we got going. Makela's ferocious attempt was parried by Pompei, and there was Santos to execute the goal. We didn't sit on our laurels and looked for another. Alexiou and Moroni played a one-two which left the Greek clear, and he scored for the third game in succession. Bologna then realised the situation - that we had time to recover the impossible 4-0 deficit. They played better, had one disallowed before Valeri Bojinov smashed in a late consolation. We proved, quote shockingly, we can beat one of the Champions League's strongest :eek:
2.12.07
Time for a little revenge, methinks. Avellino inflicted a defeat on us last season that halted our form and sent us tumbling way down the hill. Today is the perfect chance to show them our wrath. We're bolstered by the return of Asencio, whose suspension proved decent recuperation time.
Varese 4
Santos 41
Makela 48, 69
Franzese 66 pen
Avellino 1
Caracciolo 62 Pecorari sent off 65
One year ago today we had lost at Palermo, and were in the midst of a crisis. Today showed the turnaround the club made in the summer and the months since. It was tough, make that clear, but we were tougher. It took a while to break Avellino down, but crucially the goal arrived before half time. Viera Dos Santos gathered the loose ball and cannoned in his tenth of the season. Taking the lead was crucial, but building on it even moreso, and that also arrived at an important time. Less than five minutes of the second half had passed before Santos' trickery gave Makela the chance to score. The Finn still had much to do, but did it well and gave us the two goal advantage. But Avellino then gave us reason to worry, as Andrea Caracciolo (again ) headed in to give them a way back. There was to be no way back though. Pecorari went in very high on Alexiou, and was rightfully dismissed for the shocking lunge. Franzese buried the penalty. Then Makela scored his second, collecting Moroni's chip and scoring with comfort. Raffaele Moroni was magnificent - the perfect performance. How I drop him for Dobek is a decision I need to ponder. But for now I'll enjoy the 4-1 win that moves us back into the promotion zone.
9.12.07
Our promotion credentials will be tested to their fullest with the trip to Vicenza, who have similar aspirations. Moroni may have played well against Avellino, but Dobek earned his spot before his injury, and so replaces the San Marinese.
Vicenza 2
Bernardini 56
Grieco 82
Varese 2
Asencio 8
Santos 13
The only thing wrong is that we lead too early. The fact Vicenza had 77 minutes to get two back meant that a two goal lead was always doubtful. Not to say the start wasn't good. Pablo Asencio continues to prove his quality, as his quick instinct lead him to his sixth of the season. Santos made it eleven for the campaign after Alexiou fed him. The Brazilian went on yet another fall-inducing run before scoring . But as I said, Vicenza knew how long they had left. Although it did take them until 56 minutes to get one back. Stekelenburg could not hold onto Leon's shot, and Bernardini just beat Legrottaglie to the loose ball. And eventually substitute Francesco Grieco found the net for the equaliser, and the fourth time we've relinquished a lead to a 2-2 draw . Maybe if Alexiou had one of his 5 attempts on target beat Carnevali we would have won, but at least it's a point and we're still in a strong position.
12.12.07
Again, if we are to gain promotion, games against the likes of Chievo are must wins. As a game in hand, we can consolidate the position. But we musn't lose.
Chievo 2
Fatello 63, 72 Breviario missed pen 42
Varese 1
Franzese 79 pen
This was quite a harsh defeat on us. We tested Chievo to their very limitations, but Chievo's strong defence, backed up by English goalkeeper Adam Cole, put up a brilliant show. The first half was only notable for Maarten Stekelenburg's brlliant save from Breviario's penalty kick. Santos came closer than was believable on 56 minutes - how his shot didn't go in, well, I'm still trying to figure that out! Umberto Fatello came on, and had an impact which won the game for Chievo. He opened the scoring on 63 with a low close range drive. His account was doubled nine minutes later with a header than eluded Stekelenburg. We then got a penalty for a foul on Alexiou, and Franzese gave us hope. Dobek forced three saves from Cole in the remaining time, but it's a deafeat which may eventually prove costly. But only if we don't win our next matches.
15.12.07
I keep the bank manager happy with the incoming £300,000 for Steven Sidwell. He was very homesick, and I thought better to cash in than keep an unhappy player. If I can get another midfielder in cheap before the window closes I'll be happy.
17.12.07
The Monday night televised game away at Udinese could prove to be the most important in our season. Again we line up unchanged as we face another side in the promotion zone.
Udinese 1
Vignaroli 72
Varese 2
Makela 18
Dobek 90
With the clock at 92:43, Mateusz Dobek struck the goal which could prove, at the end of the season, the most important ball kicked in Varese's history. The match in the Friuli was one of the tightest and most desperate we've had, but ultimately one of the most satisfying. Brazilian striker Warley had a goal ruled out very early, but Udinese had set out their intentions. So it would be an understatement to say that when Juho Makela scored a great individual goal on eighteen it was a little against the run of play . It was real backs-to-the-wall stuff for us then. Udinese bombed forwards almost incessantly, but we were coping, and also proving potent on the break. Stekelenburg made one fantastic save on the hour from Vignaroli, as the ball seared towards the top corner. Udinese did eventually equalise, through Vignaroli, after a scramble from a corner. They seemed happy with the point, but I wasn't. We set about winning the game, but it looked like it wouldn't come. But then Makela found Dobek on the left side corner of the area. The Pole jinked inside, and the rest you know . It could be a defining moment in the season.
3.1.08
2008 for us commences with Sampdoria at home. We may have got the important win at Udinese, but to beat Sampdoria would put us in great stead. Santi is in for the suspended Asencio, and Alexiou's injury means the only feasible replacement is Moroni, as Allen won't cause the Samp defence the problems Moroni will.
Varese 1
Makela 7
Sampdoria 0
With other results going our way today, we're up to second. But that doesn't mean a whole lot, as only two points separate us from Vicenza. Anyway, the win today puts us in that position, and we certainly deserved it. Makela consistently performs magnificently, and doesn't always get the credit as he doesn't score a whole lot. But it was his goal today, and of course all round performance, which sealed the win. Santos created the opening, and Makela beat Cigolini to the ball and score the only goal. Later the first half the Finn also hit the crossbar with a stunning drive with the ball coming across him - a strike which deserved a goal. Moroni was also a hit once again, and although he isn't a regular because the balance of our play isn't right, when he's required he brings us that something extra.
6.1.08
For the trip to Modena, I differ from my usual selection policy (probably because I have the quality to pick from now ). Moroni stays in ahead of Alexiou, and Asencio returns from suspension, as I pick what I consider the side that is in the best form.
Modena 2
Kamara 53, 76
Varese 3
Makela 16, 80
Santos 19
We very nearly chucked this one away. After nineteen minutes we had the cushion of a two goal lead, and Modena were never ever in it until Kamara pulled back one goal. Makela made it double figures in his first season in Italy on sixteen minutes, applying the finish to Santos' approach play. Santos was there to score himself three minutes later, following up a saved Moroni shot. Nothing was evident to worry us until eight minutes into the second half, when Diomansy Kamara exchanged passes with Brienza and strolled in for a goal. Now the worry set in to both myself and the team, and we couldn't play our usual football. Kamara was able to equalise with a header from Rebecchi's cross. Sensing my anger at throwing a two goal lead away (again ) the side went for the winner, to perhaps save them from my wrath. Thankfully for them, Dobek (who previously had a goal disallowed) sent Makela in, and the Finn scored to get the points. I'm not sure how many points he's rescued, but it has to be pretty high. And other results see us make sure of a small gap between us and the chasing pack.
13.1.08
If we can beat Monza, one place below us, in their own back yard, then there will be a decent points gap between ourselves and them. Once again, the eleven playing so well start, as again we're unchanged.
Monza 3
Allocca 6, 10
Sanetti 20
Varese 3
Moroni 21
Asencio 35
Alexiou 70
We showed great desire and drive to come back from a 3-0 deficit that our early defending deserved. Fabio Allocca's early double were his first goals of the season, each one finished consumnately into the corner of Stekelenburg's net. It became worse and frankly embarrassing when Francesco Sanetti (whom keen eyed readers will remember flopping at Sheffield Wednesday ) scored his first goal for Monza. To be 3-0 down after twenty minutes is better than 3-0 down after seventy, and it became a little easier just a minute after Sanetti's goal because Moroni headed in the first of our lot. And then we relieved some more pressure 15 minutes later through Pablo Asencio's header, as the Argentinian converted his seventh of the season. But then we went a little flat, and time was ticking away for us to get another. It took a brave decision to replace Makela with Alexiou, considering the Finn's recent form, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Santos delivered the perfect cross for the Greek sub to thump in the goal to complete the comeback - and he could have the winner, but for a fantastic stop by Doardo. In context this is a great point, but we should have played better earlier on.
20.1.08
For the second week in a row we play the side in third place. Como are another very dangerous side, and we'll have to be at our very best to get the maximum rewards. Again, the side that started the last match starts today.
It was tough, but the three points are so important, as althoug we've won, there's still no space to relax in. Makela came back to form at the right time, as on six minutes the big man was on hand to put us ahead. Como, and Benito Carbone, equalised before twenty minutes had passed with a 25 yard free kick. We had a perfect opportunity to lead early in the second half, as for the umpteenth time this season Alexiou won a penalty. We were all expecting Franzese to convert, but Nuzzo clawed it away, as Franzese missed a penalty for the first time in his career. It wasn't a hinderance for long, because Makela restored the lead with a half volley from Alexiou's cushioned header. Alexiou scored himself three minutes later, on the end of a sweeping counter attack. Carbone rescused another back near the end, but the points are crucial not only for now, but for the end of the season too.
23.11.08
The consecutive games against very good sides continues as we make the trip down to Reggio Calabria and face Reggina at the Garilli. They aren't the force of two years ago, but can still be a threat on their day. Asencio's injury brings Alexiou back, and the reshuffle means Franzese comes inside, so Moroni gets the left side more or less to himself.
Reggina 3
Campolonghi 41, 45
D'Agostino 58
Varese 5
Santos 17, 67, 75
Alexiou 27
Franzese 33
We recovered a three goal deficit at Monza two weeks back, and today we were nearly in trouble as a result of losing one. We had a good start which led to a goal shortly after the quarter hour mark, when Santos slammed in a loose ball. Alexiou doubled our lead with a cracking shot high into the roof of the net. Six minutes later the lead became three-nil. Dobek rose to head home, but his effort hit the bar. Franzese was there to complete the formalities and leave Belardi pondering three goals past him. So we decided to sit back, which was not the thing to do. Massimo Campolonghi - scorer of 32 goals for us three and a half seasons ago - headed twice in four minutes to give Reggina something to work on over half time. And then they drew level with another header from Roma reject Gaetano D'Agostino. . I really wasn't happy at losing the three goal lead, but we still found time to score two more - both from Viera Dos Santos. His second, which put us 4-3 ahead, came at the end of a team move that ripped Reggina apart. Santos' first hat-trick of his career arrived fifteen minutes from time, as he followed up Makela's saved effort. Eventually it was comfortable, but for a while things got hairy. :o
27.1.08
With Chievo's surprise defeat yesterday, we can take a real step forwards with what looks an easy game on paper against Spal. We ran them down 4-3 back in September, and I really expect a win.
It appears we follow the 'you score three, we'll score more' approach. Our aggregate over the last six games is 20-13 in our favour, and we're averaging a whole load of goals. We showed no sign of letting up today either, as Spal saw our defensive weaknesses and exploited them. We did the same to them, but with more potency. We went ahead first again, and early too. Moroni swung the deep ball over, and Franzese brought it down chest first before striking in his eighth of the season. Juho Makela made the next one three minutes later, as it was his drive which Samuele Olivi sent into his own goal. Egyptian Ibrahim Ali Maher scored his third Spal goal 3 minutes later, and suddenly Spal were back in it. The early flurry of goals were all the 9000 in attendance saw until the 57th minute (although not through a lack of trying), when Pirri drilled low and hard past Stekelenburg for the equaliser. It was Christos Alexiou who regained the lead for us with his tenth of the season; Santos leaving the Greek with an unmissable opportunity. And yet again we relinquished the advantage, as Konan finished easily to make it 3-3. As with the match in Reggina, we were able to seize the initiative for 3-3 and win the game, and again it was Santos who was the key. First off he was involved in a move with Franzese and Moroni which lead to Makela giving us the lead for the third time. This one we weren't letting go of, and the Brazilian made sure of that. This time Dobek did the hard work, and although Santos had some left to do, he made it look easy. Scoring five is great, conceding three not so. But at least, for the time being (and only on goal difference) we're back on top of Serie B for the first time since Week Nine. :cool:
3.2.08
We really should be beating Catania today. They are the last team in the table, and I think we'll have enough to beat them. Asencio isn't 100% yet, so he sits on the bench. Tobros replaced the injured Tcherevchenko.
Catania 4
Fava Passaro 18, 25, 36
Mazzi 84
Varese 2
Moroni 7
Santos 40
What an embarrassment :o - I'm still attempting to work out how we did this. Raffaele Moroni put us ahead with his fourth of the season after only seven minutes, and we had full control. Then Dino Fava Passaro took over. He equalised with a header, and then put Catania ahead on 25 with a lethal strike. He completed an eighteen minute hat-trick on 36 with a beautiful free kick, which was the finishing touch of the 'perfect' hat-trick (right, left, head). But Santos' goal 5 before the break put us in a situation where we could get back into the lead. That never arrived, as our finishing was woeful for the best part, and Marchetti was good when needed. Giovanni Mazzi completed the win for Catania to inflict our fifth defeat of the season, which puts us down to third, although everything is still so tight.
10.2.08
Asencio returns in place of Moroni, and Sbrizzo in for Tobros after the shambles of Catania away. If we don't beat Palermo we'll be in danger of falling off the pace.
Varese 3
Makela 5
Alexiou 32
Legrottaglie 87
Palermo 2
Grieco 22
Walsh 77
Just about. We won by the tightest of margins, but that doesn't matter as long as the winning column in the league table keeps improving. Juho Makela's fifteenth of the season arrived a mere 300 seconds into the game, as the Finnish international lost his man and buried the opportunity. Cortes came close for Palermo three minutes later, and the Sicilians were proving that they can be highly dangerous. This theory was proved further on 22 when Gaetano Grieco scored against us again, following up his double in La Favorita earlier this campaign. The visitors were only on terms for ten minutes, because Christos Alexiou put us ahead again with a neat drive which cannoned in off the post. We were then subject to much pressure from Vincentzo Guerini's men, with Mattia Captiani pulling all the strings. Maarten Stekelenburg - after a few games out of touch - was back to his unbeatable best. He was only beaten eventually on 77 by young Englishman Les Walsh, who stooped to conquer with a header. We looked set to drop further points, but we scored the winner through the unlikeliest of sources. A penalty box scramble was slammed in by Nicola Legrottaglie, who last scored for us way back in Serie C. We're still very much in touch with the two sides above us - Fiorentina and Chievo.
17.2.08
I stay with the same side that beat Palermo last time out for the trip to Crotone. It could wind up being similar to the Catania loss a few weeks back, so I make sure the team know that is definitely a possibility.
And so we continue with the goalscoring exploits. Five more today takes the tally to 67 in 26 league games. Verona hold the record with 94, and that could be in our sights. But I think we need the goals, as we're always guaranteed to concede. We took our time, but we did take the lead, and through lanky midfielder Roberto Franzese's back post header which was his ninth of the season. Juho Makela made it 2-0 shortly after with a crisp drive low to Gigi Turci's right. But as we do, after scoring twice we concede once. Daniele Ruggiu threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at Marinescu's cross to reduce the arrears. Makela restored the lead with a fantastic half volley from twenty yards that thumped into the top corner. :cool: It became four nine minutes into the second half. Santos' corner was headed half clear, but only to Legrottaglie, who drove home in impressive fashion for his second in consecutive games. The home side then earned a penalty for shirt pulling, and Romanian Cristian Marinescu sent Stekelenburg the wrong way. But we made it five within a minute. The team shifted the play left to right, which caught out Crotone. Alexiou was on hand to rifle in his 12th of the season. He averages a goal every other game, which is good, but also an assist in the same manner - which proves his all round worth. Another fantastic win, putting us back into second.
19.2.08
Bari contact me this morning tabling a £1.8m bid for Raffaele Moroni. I tell their manager, Andrea Mandorlini, that I'd like a little more - perhaps £2.2m, plus £1m after a set amount of appearances, and a sell on clause. I leave them to mull it over.
22.2.08
Bari choose not to continue discussions. Their loss, not mine
03-16-2003, 11:28 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #150
25.2.08
Tonight's televised game against Genoa at the Franco Ossola is a perfect chance to take control. Chievo's defeat to Vicenza leaves us with a great chance to go top. Tcherevchenko returns to strengthen a leaky defence.
Varese 2
Asencio 13
Dobek 54
Genoa 2
Tomasson 41
Matys 59
On the night we were supposed to put ourselves in the strongest position we could be, we fluff our lines. Everything went according to plan after only thirteen minutes, as Pablo Asencio headed us ahead for the lead we craved. Alessio Scarpi was in fine notch in goal for Genoa, as he proved when he stopped Alexiou from point blank range. Genoa scored after a spell of pressure. Matys swung the free kick which Tomasson headed in. We look the lead again in the 54th minute, as Dobek found space on the left, and had the composure to beat Scarpi. Yet we conceded again, to the ever busy Piotr Matys. Sure, I'm disappointed, but anything is still possible with eleven games to go, and the fact we're in the thick of it is not a bad thing.
2.3.08
March will bring three consecutive games against strugglers that I need maximum points from. Ascoli are the first of those three today. Fiorentina's draw at Torino means we can go top after failing last week. Gonzalo Martinez misses his first game of the season through injury, so Moroni plays in a withdrawn role.
Ascoli 1
Vaccaro 48
Varese 2
Moroni 67
Makela 70
Quality prevails over gritt and determination eventually. This was one of the toughest games of our campaign, but that is only to be expected when Ascoli are battling for their Serie B status. Both defences were on top early in the first half, as we shaded the attacking dominance, but found no reward. Angelo Vaccaro broke the deadlock with a header which flew past Stekelenburg. It began to look like one of *those* days, as even Santos was off form. But you can always rely on Raffaele Moroni to get you out of a hole when you most need it. The San Marino international showed all of his quality in curling in a 30 yard free kick to equalise. Moroni then created Makela's winner, as the Finn put in his eighteenth of the season, and the goal that returns us to the top.
9.3.07
Without being disrespectful to the Gialloblu, we should beat Carrarese easily today to return to the top after Fiorentina went back last night. Franzesein injured now, so Santi comes in for him.
Varese 3
Makela 45
Alexiou 47 pen
Santos 81
Carrarese 1
M.Mari 78
We had an astounding 25 shots on goal :eek: - but Lorenzo Fattori was almost unbeatable - but we managed to convert 12% of the attempts into goals. We went for the jugular every time to make sure we were not going to be beaten. Nonetheless, it took until half time to score, as two shots were saved, then Makela had an open goal to keep him joint top of the scorers charts. That lead became 2-0 early in the second half as Santos won a penalty. Regular taker Franzese was off the pitch, so Alexiou took responsibility and dispatched coolly. Mari headed Carrarese back into the game less than a minute after Makela hit the bar for the second time, but Santos slammed the third past Fattori to send us back to top. With nine games left, we have a six point gap between ourselves and 5th place. It isn't large enough yet to celebrate, but we need to keep this going.
My faith in him over Moroni is paying off, as he scored the winning goal in one of the strangest yet most entertaining matches ever. :cool:
Our third defeat of the season came at a canter for Fiorentina, who once they had the lead, never looked back. Leonardo Ponzio headed in number one, and a spell of pressure told when Romanian Claudio Niculescu dropped in the second. We had a lifeline thrown to us by way of Alexiou's drive from a tight angle, but Davor Vugrinec's free kick restored the lead to two goals and gave Fiorentina a 3-1 win. It worries me we've conceded 11 goals in three games - hopefully it isn't a permanent thing. 
. It was real backs-to-the-wall stuff for us then. Udinese bombed forwards almost incessantly, but we were coping, and also proving potent on the break. Stekelenburg made one fantastic save on the hour from Vignaroli, as the ball seared towards the top corner. Udinese did eventually equalise, through Vignaroli, after a scramble from a corner. They seemed happy with the point, but I wasn't. We set about winning the game, but it looked like it wouldn't come. But then Makela found Dobek on the left side corner of the area. The Pole jinked inside, and the rest you know 
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