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16.3.08
We visit lowly Torino, who have surprised many with their shocking season, having been a pre-season title contender. But recently, under Serse Cosmi's guidance, they've helped us by taking points from Fiorentina and Vicenza, and almost beating Chievo. So I know the unchanged side I name are in for a hard one.
Torino 2
Mascara 67, 88
Varese 1
Moroni 4
Defeat wouldn't be so hard a pill to swallow if it wasn't for the fact Mascara's goal came so close to full time. As ever, we were extremely spritely, and Rafi Moroni hit a beaut from twenty yards to open the scoring early. How we didn't add to that bemuses me, because Santos was running the match on his own, but couldn't beat the magnificent Sorrentino. Strangely Alexiou's finishing was wasteful, and Makela didn't have the luck in his favour. Giuseppe Mascara scored I Granata's equaliser exactly three-quarters of the way through the game. And then the former Palermo man scored his twelfth of the season late in the day to leave us second behind Fiorentina, and needing to beat I Viola soon.
26.3.08
If we can roll over Chievo at our ground tonight then we have a brilliant chance of promotion. Chievo are the side closest to the promotion zone, and a win will open a gap. Franzese returns for the crucial game against the side who lead for so long.
Varese 3
Asencio 2
Alexiou 21, 87
Chievo 0
Everything I could have possibly wanted. A win, goals, three points - and a clean sheet :eek: . 81 days since the last shutout against Sampdoria in January, and we couldn't have pulled this out at a better time. I could not have had a better start from my side, as Pablo Asencio rose highest to head in his ninth so far. Asencio was perfect today - he held the shape of the side perfectly. As always, a one goal lead is not all that strong, and so when Christos Alexiou was on hand to beat Cole from nine yards to double the lead I was far happier. It was end to end, as we looked to secure the win, and Chievo desperately tried to rescue their season. In the end it was a mistake by Adam Cole that gave Alexiou his second. He came to punch Moroni's long pass, but mis-hit it and gave Alexiou a simple lobbed volley for his fifteenth of the season, and completing a wonderful win.
30.3.08
The run of must-wins just keep on coming. We're away at Empoli today, and must win to keep up with the pace. No changes from the side which trounced Chievo.
Woah - two consecutive clean sheets :cool: You have to go back to September 2006 to find the last instance of that for Varese. Juhol Makela picked up an injury early doors and is out of the crucial Fiorentina match. Rory Allen came on, and played better than ever. The Englishman was played through by Moroni, and buried with his first touch. It's been hard on him not being able to get in the side, and so this response was great. Empoli tried in vain to respond, but surprisingly lacked the cutting edge they often have. Mateusz Dobek made it 2-0 on 50 minutes as Allen created the opening for the Polish striker's sixth of the season. The third came a quarter from time, after Dobek was felled by Tardioli. The Empoli keeper was sent off, and Franzese slotted past the replacement goalie to reach double figures. We couldn't be in better form to face Fiorentina on the clash for the title.
4.4.08
And so to the clash of the top two: Varese vs leaders Fiorentina.Television show it live, and the national press have focused all week on this. I have a 100% record against I Viola - played five, lost five. And Makela is out. But I stay with the side that finished the last match.
Looking objectively, we were denied our top scorer and main physical presence, and half way through out most important midfielder. That makes a point look a great result, considering we hadn't taken anything from them before, and we were 2-0 and 3-2 down. There's little doubt we had the superior opening exchanges, as Alexiou wastefully shot over from close range. It was a matter of time until Possanzini scored against us, as he was the dangerman. He stole in unmarked to put Franco Colomba's men ahead. And then it became 2-0, as Davor Vugrinec extended his lead over Makela as top scorer. That's when defeat started to kick in to me, so something was needed. With 20 to go I decided it was now or never, and gave Santi an opportunity to save us. I'm not sure what it was, but we were sparked into life. Martinez swung a deep cross to Alexiou, and the Greek star beat Dei. With that, there was hope. And hope indeed, as Santos decided he would take on and beat three men before sending the home fans wild with an equaliser. But just like that, the momentum shifted, and Igor Ostopanj volleyed in the Florentine club's third, and a sure winner. But no! Not today. Santos again took things under control, but Dei plucked away his shot - only to Santi, who slid home the third for a deserved point.
We had only previously scored one measly goal against Fiorentina, so this was even more of a great result. We are both still to play Udinese, Sampdoria, and Modena. Whoever deals with those the best will win the Serie B Championship.
13.4.08
Of our run in, Avellino might be the easiest game. They're resigned to a midtable finish, and as such have little but pride to play for. Tcherevchenko is suspended and Asencio injured, so Sbrizzo and Martinez are drafted into the side.
Avellino 1
Rossetti 28
Varese 1
Franzese 52
A draw is a disappointment, but it is helped as we discover Fiorentina's home defeat to Udinese (whom we still are to play) . It means we don't lose touch, in fact we gain ground. However, a win would have seen us go top, so only one point from a game we should have won is annoying. I knew fully well what Avellino would do - go for goal, grab the lead, and sit back. The game panned out exactly like that. Matteo Rossetti headed in one of Avellino's two attempts on goal all afternoon to put Novellino's men ahead. Rory Allen was trying his hardest to score, but nothing would go for him. So maybe it was a surprise that I took him off for Santi in a midfield reshuffle. Allen may have found it a strange one, but it lead to a goal. Franzese was given the central role, and it was he who reacted well to drive the equaliser into the goal. Other than that, veteran goalkeeper Salvatore Soviero was unbeatable, as we found out on eleven occasions. Still, we're in with a shout, and are only a couple of games away from confirming promotion.
20.4.08
Today could be the day we confirm promotion. If we can beat Vicenza, and Monza do us a favour by beating Chievo, only Sampdoria can mathematically catch us, and we have a magnificent goal difference. So it's the perfect time to welcome back Juho Makela from injury, and Igor Tcherevchenko from suspension.
We did our part in breathtaking fashion, and Monza held up their end too, doing their promotion aspects no harm at all. Everyone in the changing room knew exactly what was required, and what was on the line. How brilliantly the lads started! Just eight minutes into the match Makela struck a hard shot which Avramov struggled to keep out. The gifted Brazilian was on hand to send the crowd into ecstacy. If that was good, his second on 15 minutes was out of this world. Makela and Dobek built well, and Santos executed a simple finish to make the Franco Ossola literally reverberate with noise, as our ultra got going. Shortly after half an hour we extended the lead to three. Santos turned provider this time, to allow Makela to get his 20th of the season, just as the Brazilian had earlier. And it became even more unbelievable on 43 minutes when Dobek was fouled inside the area, and Franzese gave us a four goal lead at half time :eek: :cool: . Sadly, we didn't add to the tally, as Vicenza desperately looked for a way to get back into it. After all, a defeat would dash their hopes of promotion severely. Salvatore Torrisi and Claudio Rivalta each headed one past Stekelenburg to make the scoreline look less emphatic, but those who watched the match knew that we were easily superior, and we're almost there!
The sour note is Christian Santi's injury which will rule him out for a month and thus the run in
21.4.08
Sampdoria played their game in hand tonight. Against Fiorentina. I decided not to go along to watch our fate played out, and what a good job it was, as I wouldn't have been able to contain my emotion come 90 minutes in Genoa. Fiorentina were two up inside six minutes through Vugrinec, which helped our promotion hopes no end. But the Blucerciati came back to draw 2-2, which confirms
VARESE ARE PROMOTED TO SERIE A!!!!
not only that, but we lead the Division with three games to go, and so can even take the title. But after so long in the nether reaches, next season Varese will play with Italy's elite.
03-17-2003, 11:18 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #154
27.4.08
Of course, everyone at the club are ecstatic at the promotion, but we need to beat Udinese today to keep our position at the top of the table if we are to win the title. They won in Florence two weeks back, something no-one else had done. Asencio returns at last, to replace the injured Santi.
Varese 2
Makela 31
Santos 73
Udinese 1
Rota 38
I don't think we could have had much more domination. Not only did we have 21 attempts to 3; but Udinese were swamped by a red tide incessantly moving towards them. Morgan De Sanctis was excellent in an otherwise poor Udine side. When he was beaten, we made it count. On thirty-one minutes Moroni continued his excellence by giving Makela an easy header to put the home side in front. Unfortunately, Orazio Rota stole in unmarked to equalise for Fontana's troops. Then it really was all about Varese. Dobek terrorised the opposition every time he was in posession. But it wouldn't go in until the 73rd minute, as finally it was Santos who broke the resistance and made it 22 for him this season. Fiorentina also won, so it's not done
and dusted, but we're edging closer.
4.5.08
Whilst we visit Sampdoria, Fiorentina are at Monza in an equally tough game. There are no changes to the side in a game that we have to win to keep fate in our hands.
Sampdoria 1
Beierholm 26
Varese 1
Alexiou 76
If we are to win the title we'll have to hope Como do us a huge favour and stop Fiorentina winning. A point was all we could muster, and even then it was a lucky point. Sampdoria ran wild throughout the first half, and took a much deserved lead from the left foot of Mads Beierholm on 26 minutes. Maarten Stekelenburg managed to keep out the blue tide for as long as was humanly possible. It was the total opposite in the second half, as we, and Santos in the main, took control. It was Santos who gave Alexiou the chance to equalise, and the Greek wasn't to spurn a chance to reach 17 for the season. So not a bad result to end our away season, and we're still unbeaten in the Luigi Ferraris.
11.5.08
All we can do is beat Modena and hope. It's our last game of the season, and there's going to be one hell of a party after the game to celebrate promotion - and if the title is to be lifted then it will be an even greater moment. Gorini and Asencio are suspended, so Sbrizzo and Martinez come in.
Varese 2
Dobek 28
Alexiou 36
Modena 0 Costoli sent off 39
Our end of the bargain was held up in style, as we go through the whole season unbeaten at home, infact only dropping ten points at the Franco Ossola all season . Modena never caused that much of a problem, and it was comfortable. Simone Pepe went close for the away side early on, as did French striker Diomansy Kamara. That was the best we saw of the Gialloblu. On 25 minutes Juho Makela came close with a header that was well tipped over by Pagotto. But the worry wasn't around for long because Raffaele Moroni collected the ball on the right wing, and sent in a cross for Mateusz Dobek to head home for the 1-0 lead. Moroni was continuously causing aggravation to the Modena defence, and almost set Alexiou free for the second. Martinez gave the Greek a similar opportunity, only to find his route to the goal blocked. The same combination worked a minute later, and this time Alexiou finished consumnately to round off a fantastic debut season in Italy. The game then became much harder for Modena, because Costoli launched himself at Alexiou, and only got the Greek, not the ball. He was duly dismissed by Giancarlo Rubino, and from the resulting free kick Makela put a header over the bar.
At half time I knew the score coming from Fiorentina, but I wasn't about to let my team know, as it could have had any number of effects. Pagotto made the first real save of the second half on 54 minutes from Dobek's swivelling half volley. A fantastic team move then ensued that nearly gave Martinez his first of the season, but a last ditch tackle from Kamara of all people prevented it. Twenty minutes from time Alexiou sent a searing drive heading towards the top corner that was again magnificently turned away by Pagotto. From the corner, Roberto Franzese headed in what looked a fair goal, but handball was cited as the reason for it's cancellation. Harsh, because had it counted we would have set a new Serie B goalscoring record of 95 in a season. We'll have to be content with being level with Verona's 94. We tried to reach 95, but Santos and Dobek were again kept out. We won 2-0, and the party atmosphere kicked off. But would one more element be a cause for greater celebration, as the score from Florence arrived.....
Over in the city of the Renaissance, Fiorentina had started like a shot. Literally seconds had passed before Montezine, the Brazilian attacker, had opened the scoring. Como started to come forwards some more, but had nothing to show at half time. Emiliano Rey had a chance shortly after half time, which was woefully headed over. Raffaele Nuzzo was showing great form in goal to keep Vugrinec out. Rey headed over again nearer the end, as time was running out for Como to help us. Bonazzoli had their final chance, but referee Ricardo Ioseffi blew time on the season, and it was Fiorentina who clinched the title.
Still, the capacity crowd that turned up were in no mood to mourn, as for the first time in the club's history, Varese will be playing amonst the elite next season. Trips to Turin, Milan, Rome - some of the world's greatest players and stadia - the fans are already flocking for season tickets. And personally, I'm ready to celebrate after a long and stressful season. We may not have won the title, but dammit, WE'RE GOING UP!!!!
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Varese - Saturday 31st May 2008********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2007/8 Fixtures========================================== ================================================== ====Date Opposition Ven Competition Res Attend Scorers-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12.8.07 Catania A Italian Cup Grp 2 1:0 10219 Mäkelä19.8.07 Vicenza H Italian Cup Grp 2 1:1 8474 Allen24.8.07 Monza H Serie B 3:0 7606 Viera Dos Santos 2, Allen29.8.07 Cosenza A Italian Cup Grp 2 1:1 7145 Viera Dos Santos9.9.07 Reggina H Serie B 2:2 7073 Viera Dos Santos, Mäkelä16.9.07 Spal A Serie B 4:3 17419 Alexiou 2, Asencio 219.9.07 Napoli A Italian Cup 1st Rnd Leg 1 3:1 36420 Asencio, Viera Dos Santos, Moroni23.9.07 Catania H Serie B 3:0 8205 Mäkelä, Viera Dos Santos 230.9.07 Palermo A Serie B 0:2 10501 3.10.07 Como A Serie B 0:1 4242 7.10.07 Crotone H Serie B 2:0 7872 Franzese pen, Dobek14.10.07 Genoa A Serie B 3:1 13229 Asencio, Moroni, Alexiou21.10.07 Ascoli H Serie B 1:1 8270 Franzese pen24.10.07 Napoli H Italian Cup 1st Rnd Leg 2 0:0 7873 28.10.07 Carrarese A Serie B 2:2 10734 Asencio, Franzese pen4.11.07 Torino H Serie B 2:2 8376 Dobek, Viera Dos Santos11.11.07 Bologna H Italian Cup 2nd Rnd Leg 1 0:4 7872 18.11.07 Empoli H Serie B 5:4 7962 Alexiou, Franzese, Mäkelä 2, Dobek25.11.07 Fiorentina A Serie B 1:3 31255 Alexiou28.11.07 Bologna A Italian Cup 2nd Rnd Leg 2 2:1 21639 Viera Dos Santos, Alexiou2.12.07 Avellino H Serie B 4:1 7914 Viera Dos Santos, Mäkelä 2, Franzese pen9.12.07 Vicenza A Serie B 2:2 11791 Asencio, Viera Dos Santos12.12.07 Chievo A Serie B 1:2 6766 Franzese pen17.12.07 Udinese A Serie B 2:1 19535 Mäkelä, Dobek3.1.08 Sampdoria H Serie B 1:0 7897 Mäkelä6.1.08 Modena A Serie B 3:2 4681 Mäkelä 2, Viera Dos Santos13.1.08 Monza A Serie B 3:3 10172 Moroni, Asencio, Alexiou20.1.08 Como H Serie B 3:2 11565 Mäkelä 2, Alexiou23.1.08 Reggina A Serie B 5:3 20633 Viera Dos Santos 3, Alexiou, Franzese27.1.08 Spal H Serie B 5:3 9073 Franzese, Olivi og, Alexiou, Mäkelä Viera Dos Santos3.2.08 Catania A Serie B 2:4 10263 Moroni, Viera Dos Santos10.2.08 Palermo H Serie B 3:2 8409 Mäkelä, Alexiou, Legrottaglie17.2.08 Crotone A Serie B 5:2 3592 Franzese, Mäkelä 2, Legrottaglie, Alexiou25.2.08 Genoa H Serie B 2:2 8242 Asencio, Dobek2.3.08 Ascoli A Serie B 2:1 11309 Moroni, Mäkelä9.3.08 Carrarese H Serie B 3:1 8010 Mäkelä, Alexiou pen, Viera Dos Santos16.3.08 Torino A Serie B 1:2 8782 Moroni26.3.08 Chievo H Serie B 3:0 7737 Asencio, Alexiou 230.3.08 Empoli A Serie B 3:0 7854 Allen, Dobek, Franzese pen4.4.08 Fiorentina H Serie B 3:3 8242 Alexiou, Viera Dos Santos, Santi13.4.08 Avellino A Serie B 1:1 7978 Franzese20.4.08 Vicenza H Serie B 4:2 8503 Viera Dos Santos 2, Mäkelä, Franzese pen27.4.08 Udinese H Serie B 2:1 8010 Mäkelä, Viera Dos Santos4.5.08 Sampdoria A Serie B 1:1 9135 Alexiou11.5.08 Modena H Serie B 2:0 8056 Dobek, Alexiou</pre>
03-19-2003, 11:15 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #158
So, 288 games later, and Varese will finally be a Serie A side. For the first time in the history of the club we will be in Italy's top division, mixing with the elite not only on the peninsula but also in Europe. This season started with a bang and wasn't stopped. Two moderate mid table finishes had preceeded this season, but the clearout in the summer, and the resultant rebuilding and financial security gave us the base to push off from, and how we did it. We scored 94 goals in 38 games, a feat only Verona have matched in recent times. Every one of those 94 goals was needed as we conceded 64 - which I suppose is only to be expected with our ultra-attacking football. This was epitomised in our many five goal wins, but the most important win of the season came in Udinese, as we scored an injury time winner to give us that mid season kick to press on for promotion. Mateusz Dobek's goal was the one that gave us the impetus to go on and achieve promotion.
For someone to take the goalkeepers gloves off Girardi they would have had to have been some talent. Maarten Stekelenburg had his dodgy spells, and although he conceded 75 in 40 all season, he prevented twice that amount. He has fantastic reflexes and was worth 20 points on his own. Not to say the defence wasn't important. Once again, led by captain Edoardo Gorini, who now totals 381 games for the club, the defence were imperative in maintaining the winning formula. At the age of 34 the captain, having served Varese all his career, will finally realise the dream of playing in Serie A. Alongside him for much of the season were Igor Tcherevchenko and Nicola Legrottaglie, and together the three made a partnership which although wasn't impregnable, it was very physical to play against. Legrottaglie chipped in with important goals at crucial times too. When they were needed, Sbrizzo and Tobros were more than adequate.
This time last season I was talking about the lack of depth and real quality we had in the midfield. Work was done over the 2007 summer, and we lined up with a new three man partnership of Pablo Asencio, Gonzalo Martinez, and Roberto Franzese. Argentinian Asencio impressed immediately, scoring goals from his defensive role. He eventually ended up with nine, which is a great total for the midfield general he is. The only downside to his game is his disciplinary record - ten yellow and one red kept him out at important times. Roberto Franzese appeared to be one of those midfielders who does his job and does it quietly but efficiently. Over time the 27 year old proved he had far more to his game. He sent in twelve goals to the Varese cause - seven penalties - but he was almost ever present and played a key role in promotion. Gonzalo Martinez was there keeping the shape and becoming the most defensively mided of the three. Nothing fancy, but the kind of player needed to have equilibrium.
Then there's Raffaele Moroni. The San Marino international is an undoubted talent, but he obviously felt he can play at higher echelons already. I persuaded him to stay, as I felt we were on the verge of breaking through the glass roof. Moroni was apprehensive, but gave me a chance as I had given him one, and now look. He didn't play for the first third of the season, but when he did he provided magnificent quality every time he stepped onto the field. Six goals is less than previous seasons, but making sixteen is an achievement which stands out. Moroni will be a crucial part of the Serie A Varese side. Christian Santi and Ianis Zicu both showed great signs of progress during the year.
But it was the attack that took the plaudits at the end of the day. Any quartet that scores over 100 in all competitions are going to worry a few defences, and my four did that and more. Starting with Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos, who showed in his loan spell last season he was one to watch. I gave him the chance that no-one else had, and he repaid me with 22 goals and 14 assists. He's a lovely dribbler, can sprint forever, and never stops working. Serie A defences had better watch out - he's coming for you.
Juho Makela was someone I'd been after for a few seasons. He finally joined and may have been that missing link I'd been rambling on about. He was the big man - not especially tall, but as strong as an ox and then some. He can work the ball well, and can head and shoot as good as anyone. 21 goals is a great return in Italy, and he lead the forward line's charge tirelessly. He won't have much of a break, as he's off the Euro 2008 with Finland. Hopefully he'll prove himself to all of Europe, as he's good enough. Partnering him originally were Moroni and Allen - the latter did well, but made way for another hitman. Christos Alexiou came in under a wave of hype, and struck gold. Not only did he score 18 goals in his first season away from Greece, but he made twelve more for the cause. Many respected media members see this guy as going on to achieve greatness. The same has been said of the third member - Mateusz Dobek. He didn't get much of a chance in his first two seasons, but was reccommended by Batigol - no greater praise in my opinion. Seven goals is good, as are 9 assists, but his allround game occupies so many that others can benefit. He has been rated one of Serie B's most valuable assets, and could be in his element next season.
So where to now? Obviously Serie A, but first the squad have a well earned summer rest. There will need to be some changes, especially in defence, as Serie A is a whole new world. A quality defender should be in, as should a proven attacker just in case one of my current crop should fail. We'll get a few millions for the first time which will help no end. If those in charge use it correctly, we'll have top class facilities in place, and a financial future ready for a long spell in the top division - I'm not going straight back down, that's for sure!
03-19-2003, 11:16 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #159
Inter took a fourth straight Scudetto crown in Italy in a dramatic last day duel with Roma. The Giallorossi did their part in beating Venezia comfortably, but the 0-0 draw away at Verona was enough to see Cuper take another title to the San Siro for Inter, and take them ever closer to that second star on their shirt to equal rivals Milan. Juventus and Lecce gain Champions League spots, ahead of Bologna (European Cup runners up) and Lazio, then Milan in seventh. The relegation places were sorted early, as Cagliari, Bari, Verona and Perugia had their fate sorted a long while before the end. Replacing these four are Fiorentina, Varese, Chievo, and Udinese - Varese becoming Serie A's first debut side for many a year.
To England where Liverpool retained their crown as Premiership Champions by a prolific 17 point margin from Man Utd. Houllier's side took a 22nd English top league title with ease as the rest faltered, and Liverpool were there to take advantage with their fantastic squad. Chelsea and Sunderland complete the Champions League places, with Arsenal and Ipswich making the UEFA Cup. Not one of Coventry, Bradford, and Man City sre new to relegation, but the fans won't take solice from that. At the other end of the emotion scale, Southampton, Leicester, and Sheffield United experience the ecstacy of promotion - the Blades in a thrilling 5-4 playoff final win against Blackburn.
Barcelona set a new Spanish League record by completing a seventh straight title win - and again by a huge margin of 16 points. With the likes of Di Vaio, Nesta, Saviola, Puyol, and Beckham it's not surprising either. Betis won the battle for second from the two Galician based clubs - Celta and Deportivo, who come third and fourth. The three smaller sides - Cordoba, Osasuna, and Elche - are relegated; Santander, Gijon, and Valladolid make a return to La Liga.
Bordeaux won their first title in nine years in France from Monaco by 14 points. Nantes claim the final Champions League place. The biggest shock of all is the relegation of Paris Saint Germain - one of the biggest sides in Europe will play Second Division football in 2008-09, and with such a lot of big names - Marlet, Ogbeche, Fadiga et more - they may lose a lot of the playing squad, so a return is no guarantee. Le Havre and Auxerre also go down - Auxerre also a big shock - and their replacements are Valenciennes, Angers, and Sedan.
Werder Bremen broke a 15 year curse over the Bundesliga in Germany as they won their first title since 1993. The ten point margin from Schalke 04 was comfortable in the end after a tight race for most of the time. Freiburg pushed Bayern and Dortmund out of the Champions League places to upset the traditional order of things. Saarbrucken, Hamburg, and Babelsburg are down, and up will be Energie Cottbus, Bochum, and Stuttgart.
6.6.08
Once again it's the time where Awards are given out
FIFA World Player of the Year - Hernan Crespo (Inter)
World Footballer of the Year - Alan Smith (Hertha BSC)
Serie B Manager of the Year - Franco Colomba (Fiorentina)
Serie A Player of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Young Player of the Year - Paolo De Crescenzo (Salernitana)
Serie A Defender of the Year - Walter Samuel (Roma)
Serie A Top Goalscorer - Hernan Crespo (Inter, 21 goals)
Serie A Italian Player of the Year - Christian Vieri (Inter)
Serie A Foreign Player of the Year - Hernan Crespo (Inter)
Serie B Player of the Year - Mateusz Dobek (Varese)
Serie B Top Goalscorer - Davor Vugrinec (Fiorentina, 26 goals)
I was declared runner up in the Manager of the Year Awards, and we cleaned up in the Serie B Player of the Year Award - Makela and Moroni came runners up to Dobek.
As far as the Serie B team of the season goes, Stekelenburg is considered the best keeper, whilst Dobek, Makela, Moroni and Alexiou all make the starting side. Viera Dos Santos makes the bench. :cool:
03-19-2003, 11:17 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #160
European Footballer of the Year - Marco Di Vaio (Barcelona)
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Gianluigi Buffon (Barcelona)
European Defender of the Year - Wilfried Bouma (Barcelona)
European Midfielder of the Year - Oliver Neuville (Inter)
European Striker of the Year - Marco Di Vaio (Barcelona)
21.6.08
The end of season Awards evening sees the previously named winners collecting trophies, and the Supporters Club dishing out their Player of the Season Award to Christos Alexiou, which was a surprise but the Greek has settled brilliantly here.
22.6.08
The Serie A fixtures list is published today, and we could not have a harder start. We travel to Fiorentina in week one before Milan play us in the first Serie A match at the Franco Ossola. We then make the trip to the Olimpico and Roma. Hard indeed :eek:
5.7.08
Shopping is hard, as although we have over £5m at my disposal, I need to consider the club's economic future. Which is why Kevo Gulessarian has arrived on a free, and Daniel Orellana has signed for £55k with a further £45,000 should he play ten times for Argentina - which is a great bargain. Gulessarian is like Christian Vieri in that he's an Australian-Italian, and has an eye for goal. Orellana is a centre back with a bright future ahead of him.
23.7.08
Raffaele Moroni has again expressed a desire to leave Varese in search of pastures new. In light of his form last season I am tempted to decline, but if he really wants to leave then I'll let him, as I can possibly get another more than decent midfielder for the money I might get for him.
1.8.08
I sign a third player of the summer. Scottish international striker Stephen McPhee has talent, but whether he can make it in Serie A is something he'll have to prove. Myself and the staff here are all in agreement there is undoubted ability, and so to snap him up on a free transfer is a good deal.
11.8.08
Now the attacking ranks are truly swelling as I'm able to pick up an absolute legend on a free transfer. He may be 35, but Christian Vieri is capable of 20 goals a season, as he has shown for the last eight consecutive seasons. He may not get a regular place but he's always important to have to get the important goal. I say not regualr as I've been hugely impressed and owe a lot to Mateusz Dobek, Juho Makela and Christos Alexiou. But none of these have played in Serie A. Vieri's won the League for the last four seasons - his experience will be vital.
19.8.08
I needed to arrange a friendly just to get rid of the ring rust after not having to participate in the Coppa Italia Group Stage this year. Vicenza kindly offered the opposition, and so I put out my intended first team side against a side that have caused a few problems in the past. In the second half I hope to see some of my other players - including Christian Vieri, who starts on the sidelines.
Varese 4
Makela 3, 8
Santos 20
Moroni 74
Vicenza 0
This was exactly what was needed - a nice comfortable way back into the flow of things, as we won the game early and then concentrated on not letting anything slip and building on what we have already. Just three minutes into the game Juho Makela picked up from where he finished off last season by rifling the opener in. An almost identical strike followed five minutes later to give the Finn a double and us a comfortable lead. Viera Dos Santos made the scoreline an even more impressive three-nil with a fine solo burst and strike. It was easy from then on, with Stekelenburg only worried once. The lead saw the chance to rest Dobek and Alexiou after an hour and give appearances in a Varese shirt for the first time for Christian Vieri and Stephen McPhee. Vieri thought he'd scored on his first run out with a back post header, but was adjudged offside. Despite Raffaele Moroni being on the transfer list, I am playing him as he is still quality, and the San Marinese proved this with a sublime free kick fifteen minutes from time to secure an easy win. I was particularly impressed with how Daniel Orellana seamlessly slotted into the back three, and the performance of the whole side was beautiful to watch.
. 81 days since the last shutout against Sampdoria in January, and we couldn't have pulled this out at a better time. I could not have had a better start from my side, as Pablo Asencio rose highest to head in his ninth so far. Asencio was perfect today - he held the shape of the side perfectly. As always, a one goal lead is not all that strong, and so when Christos Alexiou was on hand to beat Cole from nine yards to double the lead I was far happier. 
It was end to end, as we looked to secure the win, and Chievo desperately tried to rescue their season. In the end it was a mistake by Adam Cole that gave Alexiou his second. He came to punch Moroni's long pass, but mis-hit it and gave Alexiou a simple lobbed volley for his fifteenth of the season, and completing a wonderful win.
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