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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Spooky:
How's your reputation now? Do you see yourself taking over Torino or Juve soon?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm up to 9th in Italy - but no sign of a ticket to Turin yet
cheers for the nice-ities guys
03-27-2003, 02:15 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #165
who cares about CM4 - Varese are stil here!
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27.8.08
We are drawn against Como in the First Round of the Coppa Italia. After not having to negotiate the group phase, we have as good a chance as ever to win this thing, and it may be one of our main focuses (of course, survival is utmost) as it carries a European spot
7.9.08
Our Serie A adventure starts at Fiorentina, where we don't do well ever. Mateusz Dobek failed a fitness test and misses the big kick off, so Christian Vieri starts.
Fiorentina 1
Vugrinec 30 Vugrinec missed pen 28
Varese 0 C.Vieri injured 6
We could have taken a point but it wasn't overly disappointing considering we were denied the services of Dobek and then Vieri, who went off early doors with a twisted ankle and is out for a month. Stephen McPhee was actually impressive, and forced a few decent saves out of David Dei. Juho Makela disappointed and went missing when we really needed him. The defense was only breached once, by a towering header from Davor Vugrinec. Just two minutes prior the Croatian had a penalty saved by Maarten Stekelenburg. It wasn't overly bad, but points are all that matters - the sooner we get moving the better.
14.9.08
The visit of Milan poses a huge threat. World class players everywhere you look - Henry, Shevchenko, Joe Cole, Luca Toni, Pirlo - it's endless. Mateusz Dobek is fit to resume his duties.
Varese 1
Alexiou 4
Milan 3
Toni 1
Pirlo 18
Ambrosini 30
We were outclassed for a while before coming back and gaining some respect. In the very first minute Milan were ahead, as Luca Toni's aerial presence dominated for the Italian to crash in a header. But we struck back straight away as Christos Alexiou slammed in Varese's first ever Serie A goal. But reality came back with a jolt, because Andrea Pirlo scored a volley that would have beaten any keep let alone Stekelenburg. The quality we were facing streamed forwards in confident fashion, and Massimo Ambrosini finished a move that ripped us to shreds. The second half saw an improvement in our game, as Dobek and Alexiou did very well up against Milan's world class selection, and showed we can play football. But it's worth nothing with a defeat.
17.9.08
Hopefully we can get some confidence by beating Como away in the Coppa Italia. After all, they're a Serie B side, and we did well last season
Como 2
Allegretti 26
Rey 29
Varese 2
Dobek 58
Makela 65 Asencio sent off 45
Complacency almost embarrassed us. After 29 minutes we were deservedly two goals down to a livlier and hungrier Como. Riccardo Allegretti got things moving with a thumping free kick teed up by Rey. Rey himself slotted in the second three minutes later to leave us looking down the barrel of defeat. And to make things worse, Pablo Asencio was sent off for a wreckless lunge. But we came out in the second half and looked something like ourselves. Alexiou crossed for Dobek to head over, but the Pole got it right second time around to half the deficit. Juho Makela found the net in competitive football at last this season with a one yard tap in to equalise, but it's a goal, and hopefully the Finn will get moving now. The draw gives us a good chance of progressing as we've got the two away goals. Roma next :o
20.9.08
Our match against Roma kicks off on Saturday afternoon as the Romanista have a midweek engagement. Again, there is world class talent in the Giallorossi ranks - Totti, Alex, Emerson, Rodriguez, Montella - we'll have our hands full again.
Roma 1
Luizao 52
Varese 1
Dobek 71
Our first ever Serie A point comes at the Stadio Olimpico in a draw that we should not, on paper, have taken. But Roma saw us as a pushover and sat back, content that they would stroll to a win. And this worked pretty well in the first half, as Montella and Luizao ran us ragged, but found no finished article as Stekelenburg began to frustrate them. We showed that we were no pushovers as well, as our attacking flair began to show as Alexiou hammered past Pellizzoli but into the bar. So to be level against Roma at half time was a strange feeling but we knew that we needed to keep it tight and look for one on the break. Three minutes after half time Montella was irate that his header was disallowed for offside. Maybe he had a case - I really didn't see the whole incident. It wasn't to matter though, as Brazilian Luizao slammed past Stekelenburg to break our resolve. Or so it appeared. Mateusz Dobek really caused the Roma central pairing of Viali and Sol Campbell problems, and when they failed to pick him up on 71 minutes, the Pole stroked in the equaliser nonchalently. Santos even hit the bar late on as we could have won, but a draw is better than the defeat everyone in the world of calcio expected.
Now those are out of the way we can concentrate on getting more points on the board.
28.9.08
I'm expecting our first league win of the campaign to arrive at Chievo today. The Flying Donkeys have struggled on their return to Serie A, and with arguably our strongest side out there, we really must win games like these to stay up come May.
Chievo 2
Lanna 51
Gragnaniello 66
Varese 3
Makela 32
Santos 48
Dobek 87
That's more like it. We dictated a majority of the game, as we can, but credit to Chievo, they did pretty well. We took the lead shortly after half an hour when Juho Makela found a Serie A net for the first time; pouncing on a loose ball to hammer past Lupatelli. Chievo still looked dangerous, and so we needed a second. That came from Santos' first of the season. Another defensive error gave the Brazilian the chance, which he took by expertly lobbing Lupatelli. Chievo then set about recovering quickly. Experienced left back Salvatore Lanna drilled high into the roof of the net to bring one goal back for Del Neri's side, and Umberto Gragnaniello scored his first ever Chievo goal to shock us and take away our lead. So the game swung again, as we looked for a winner. It nearly never came, but when it did it was extremely crucial. Mateusz Dobek cracked in a thunderbolt of a shot that would have beaten any keeper. The Pole clinched the first ever win in Serie A for Varese Calcio
1.10.08
A midweek visit from Salernitana. They have some serious young talent - some of their players are the future of football. And so it will be yet another hard match, as I again stay unchanged.
Varese 0
Salernitana 2
Wysocki 15
Ferrarese 69
This defeat was perhaps slightly harsh because we could have taken at least a point. The visitors were lively from the start and deserved a lead through Polish captain Marcin Wysocki's cool finish. Angelo Schembri also then hit the crossbar as Salernitana pressed. But we were still very much in it, and Juho Makela had a goal chalked off for offside early in the second half which would have put us in the driving seat, but as it didn't stand, we weren't. Former Napoli stalwart Claudio Ferrarese headed in the clincher, and although Dobek and Santos tried to score, we have missed a cutting edge up front. When he's fit, Vieri may be the one we need.
9.10.08
Over the last few weeks it has become apparent that we need a few new faces to keep things fresh. Today I unveil one new signing and announce three more to arrive soon. Arriving today is Greek B International Stilianos Doukas from Ionikos. I have payed a club record £725,000 plus £275,000 after the midfielder completes 20 games. He's scored plenty of goals from midfield, is a beautiful passer, can graft and craft, and has a mean shot which complements his game. He is going to be a bargain.
The press conference also gives me time to announce the completion of three deals to go through on December 15th. Three Brazilians are on their way in. First up, Cruziero striker Dudu, who's quick, strong and agile, and has a good record for scoring. The other two are defenders. Claudio Cavalcante is 21 and a centre back, who will go on to earn full Brazilian honours - showing at Botafogo he can play exceptional football. The third is from Olympiakos. Edu Dracena is a well known player signed to help the defence with fantastic aerial presence. The three Brazilians cost £775K altogether - bargains, and you have to spend money to make money
11.10.08
Moroni's injury conveniently makes room for Doukas to make his debut. I know he only just arrived, but the lad is eager to play, and I know he could do something for us against Parma. With Vieri's inclusion over Makela, I'm excited for the visit of Parma and the television cameras as we go in search of our first home win.
Varese 3
Asencio 12
Doukas 15
Santos 46
Parma 1
Orellana 26 og
Beautiful. Stilianos Doukas had a wonderful debut - there was nothing more he could have done. Just twelve minutes in the Greek slid a slide-rule pass to Pablo Asencio, and the Argentinian, who has been in moderate form, drilled us ahead. Three minutes later it became two. Edoardo Dokoza awarded us a free kick which Vieri tried to take quickly. He was called back, and the retake was curled into the top corner by Doukas - a wonderful strike. Parma found a way back as Adriano's shot unfortunately hit Orellana and beat Stekelenburg. But it didn't phase us, as for a change the whole side played together, and we were rewarded. Santos made the scoreline more comfortbale 34 seconds into the restart with a solo burst from Dobek's pass, and Parma's stars never showed up. Dobek took the man of the match award from Doukas, but both were amazing. The finest win for a long while, and we're off the mark at home in Serie A.
19.10.08
There is no way I can change the side that ripped Parma apart for the visit of struggling Venezia. So we go in to this match with high hopes of continuing on from last week.
An absolutely emphatically brilliant victory. Even though it's only Venezia, performances like this can boost confidence like nothing else, and when players are at the top of their games things become better. One man in more form than anyone is Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos. The Brazilian playmaker was fast out of the blocks today, completing his second career hat-trick before people had time to catch their breath. Just eight minutes had passed when he headed in Franzese's cross from a gorgeous move that must be a contender for goal of the season. On seventeen minutes Alexiou's attempt from a Zicu corner was parried, and Santos was on hand to prod home. And it was Alexiou who created the third, giving Santos time and space to claim the match ball. Just a minute later Santos hit the bar, as he looked unstoppable. Fernandinho scored a fine goal to bring Venezia back in with a shout, and they looked a little dangerous. But we survived and continued dominating. Christian Vieri finally found the mark for his new club on 64 minutes, connecting with a long Gorini pass to tie up three more points. On the downside we lost Vieri and Asencio to injury, and both may miss two weeks action.
22.10.08
Back to Coppa Italia duties as Como come here holding a 2-2 draw from the first leg, but we have the away goals. Asencio's injury coincides with a suspension, so Zicu gets an extremely rare start after impressing last match. And sensibly Makela replaces Vieri.
Andrea Mandorlini only took over at Como yesterday, and saw his side ripped apart as we used the match as shooting practice. It took only four minutes for us to break their resolve, as once more Santos proved a class above as he ran through and unleashed a venoumous effort into the very top corner. Gabriele Serafini earned two yellow cards in a short spell to see a quick end to his evening, and give us more of an advantage. Santos' fantastic form continued on 26 minutes as Makela gave him a tap in, although he nearly amazingly missed after slipping on the horribly wet surface. Three minutes later it was all over. Dobek swung an undefendable cross in Makela's general direction, and as the Finn's header was saved, Alexiou was there for an easy rebound. Worry then set in because Santos had to go off injured - but a quick half time chat with my physio Fabio D'Angelo told me that it would only be ten days or so out. Juho Makela finally got the goal his performance warranted, after hitting both the post and the bar he took Franzese's square pass and created room to pick the corner of Pinheiro's goal. And he made it a five star performance as Zicu, Dobek, Franzese and Moroni all worked an opening to which Makela gratefully finished. Como are only Serie B, so this win, however pleasing, is only relative based on opposition. But without a doubt we're playing 'sexy football' at this time - we're unplayable in periods, and it makes me proud.
23.10.08
The next round of the Coppa Italia pits us against Parma - will they be wanting revenge or fearing another dose of us?
26.10.08
Lecce is a notoriously hard place to visit, and with the absence of Vieri, Asencio, and Santos it is a much harder trip. Moroni starts in Santos' place.
Lecce 2
Marchesi 4
Cassetti 13
Varese 1
Makela 49
We were badly undone early in the match, and it was that which let us down. Tommaso Marchetti has had a great start to the season and drilled his side ahead early in. The lead was doubled on thirteen minutes as well travelled Marco Cassetti poked past Stekelenburg to make things look very ominous. Thankfully we were able to weather the storm and start playing football. Makela was getting involved well, and created chances for those around him. Alexiou wasted the best of those with a wayward slash in a decent position. Obviously fed up with the wasting, Juho Makela scored himself, finding space to reduce the deficit. He almost put us on terms ten minutes later but was prevented by a great one handed stop by Christian Abbiati. Makela, singlehandedly, almost got us back in the game, but was let down by the consistency of others, and so we lost. But overall I'm still satisfied with the effort and workload put in.
2.11.08
Udinese are next on our agenda, and we have a pretty good record against them. More selection problems arise, as Orellana is suspended and Dobek injured, so Tobros comes in, and Kevo Gulessarian makes his long awaited debut. Christian Vieri resumes on the bench as he's only 65% fit, but more importantly Santos is fit to come back.
Varese 3
Gulessarian 5
Alexiou 76
Santos 84
Udinese 2
Warley 15
Pinga 30
It took five minutes for Kevo Gulessarian to show he has more in common with Christian Vieri than just his Australian-Italian roots (a comparison always made by media figures here). The 27 year old ex-Marconi striker powered down the left, and cut inside before hammering an unstoppable drive in on his debut. But Udinese were back in the match quicker than I'd have wanted. Warley's shot was parried, but he followed in the attempt to shoot home off the crossbar. Fellow Brazilian compatriot Pinga gave the Friuli side the lead with a sharp reaction shot to beat Stekelenburg. Udinese continued to press, but in the face of adversity Stekelenburg and Tcherevchenko put in a masterclass in battling. But we couldn't get out. We had no attacking outlets, even up to the hour mark. Then things started moving, as Santos became more involved. Christos Alexiou finally put us level after 76 minutes from a wonderful cross from the impressive Ianis Zicu. That was the moment to introduce Vieri in Makela's place for the push for victory. It worked . Tcherevchenko's cross was deep, but Vieri managed to keep the ball alive. Santos met the ball on the run to thump a header past De Sanctis to win the match and score his eighth in ten games, to restore our collective form - which was nice.
Kevo Gulessarian and Ianis Zicu had brilliant matches, in the latter case his best for Varese (although it's not hard having played twelve games in three seasons). Unfortunately for the Romanian, just as he begins to get a run in the side he picks up a knee ligament injury requiring three weeks on the sidelines .
9.11.08
Parma visit the Franco Ossola for the second time this season, this time in the Coppa Italia, and should be looking for revenge for the 3-1 defeat we inflicted upon them. Yet maybe there's apprehension, as we could do the same again. Dobek and Orellana are fit to resume, so Gulessarian and Tobros drop out, and Makela is chosen ahead of Vieri. Moroni plays for the injured Zicu.
Varese 3
Makela 27, 45
Dobek 63
Parma 1
Jankulovski 17
We repeated the trick of beating Parma 3-1, and set ourselves up well for the second leg. Parma were the superiot team for the opening twenty minutes, as Mutu and Adriano caused problems. They scored the goal their play was worth when Marek Jankulovski sent a fizzing shot past Stekelenburg. Parma then chose to sit back and were content with their lot. So it was then we had to act, and score a goal. Juho Makela scored that goal. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to the Finnish international, and Makela drove past Frey to level it up. The scoreline looked set to be 1-1 at the break, but nobdoy had reckoned upon a defensive howler from Aimo Diana. A long ball down the right side from Moroni looked harmless, as Diana was ready to shield it back to his keeper. Makela was the player who thought quickest. He darted it and hammered the ball past the dithering Frey. Parma were clearly worried and came at us with another wave of attacks in the second half, but we held out well, especially from Espinal's piledriver that Stekelenburg tipped wide. The all important third goal came from Man of the Match Mateusz Dobek. Alexiou held the play up well, before giving Dobek a lofted ball to volley in a peach of a strike. That was it. We won again. And we're back into some good form.
16.11.08
Tonight's televised match is the biggest we've ever had. Inter Milan in the Giuseppe Meazza. They've won the last four Scudettos and are almost invinsible, having lost once in thirty outings. It's ominous, but we have Asencio back to make our strongest lineup.
Inter 1
Montervino 62
Varese 0
We fought so well, battled bravely, played brilliantly but didn't get the luck. Inter certainly deserved to win, but we didn't make it easy for them. Maarten Stekelenburg was simply unbeatable in the first half, as Rossini, Raul, Crespo and co. threw their lot at him, and then some. We looked good on the break, and Santos forced a neat stop out of Benassi. But to be level at the break was a huge bonus, and then to make the hour mark was even more impressive. But then Inter found a way through . A cross from the right found the head of Francesco Montervino, who beat Stekelenburg. Daniel Orellana was still proving a giant in defence, and Christian Vieri came on to try and grab an equaliser against his former employers. But it never came. Only losing 1-0 to Inter shows how far we've come, and I'm proud of the side after the last 90 minutes.
23.11.08
It gets no easier, as Lazio are the next team to come to our humble abode. No changes are necessary for the visit of Mancini's men.
Varese 1
Makela 31
Lazio 2
Grandoni 37
S.Inzaghi 55
Two defeats in a row, but the quality of opposition should be taken into account when looking at that. It was surprisingly ourselves who controlled the early play, and were rewarded on 31 minutes with Juho Makela's 8th goal of the season, a spinning volley. We needed to hold the lead for longer than the six minutes we managed, because once Alessandro Grandoni crashed in a levelling header we were under the cosh. Simone Inzaghi snatched what turned out to be the winner with another header. Kevo Gulessarian added his weight to the cause late on, but nothing was going in. One of those days you just have to forget about and look forwards.
26.11.08
The trip to Parma is interesting. The aggregate score will be the one which matters, but the result is also key to me, as we have to get back to winning ways. Tcherevchenko and Asencio are suspended, so Tobros and Zicu come in, and Vieri and Gulessarian are surprisingly picked ahead of Makela and Dobek - just to keep things fresh.
Parma 2
Marica 16, 65
Varese 1
Alexiou 10 Stekelenburg injured 7
Varese win 4-3 on aggregate
The match started in a bad way. Maarten Stekelenburg has been in wonderous form, but he strained his thigh muscle on a kick out, and needed to be replaced by Sergio Girardi. Stekelenburg is out for a month. But we responded to this by scoring the crucial away goal. Zicu's corner was flicked on by Gulessarian and Alexiou mananged to beat Waters. Romanian striker Ciprian Marica zipped in unmarked to level the game for Parma, and then Prandelli's men set about getting level overall. A slight snag in his plan was that we weren't prepared to let that happen. Santos was in his usual mood, very busy, but despite this, and Gulessarian's hard work, we couldn't break down the Gialloblu door again. As Marica put Parma closer on 65 minutes, worry set in, so Makela and Dobek were restored, and we held out to make the next phase. But I'm none too happy with a third straight defeat.
27.11.08
For the first time we are present in the Coppa Italia Quarter Final Draw. By chance, we avoid the big guns of Inter, Bologna, Juventus and Roma by meeting Brescia, away in the first leg. It's the best we could have hoped for, and could prove important in our serious Coppa campaign.
30.11.08
Despite Atlanta being one place from the bottom they have an extremely talented side, including the irrepressible Fausto Rossini. Everyone is back - Asencio, Dobek, Makela, Tcherevchenko - for a must win.
Atalanta 3
Rossini 13, 65
Comandini 90
Varese 3
Dobek 19, 85
Santos 76
Harsh but probably fair. Rossini is one dangerous striker. We left him alone on thirteen to head easily past Girardi to put the home team ahead. However, we were not behind for long, as Atalanta let Mateusz Dobek have too much time on the ball, and the Polish star curled home past Costanzo. The first half peetered out into a midfield tussle, but the second half got things going again. Fausto Rossini again headed Atalanta ahead, but we recovered well and Santos ran through to find the net again. Mateusz Dobek caused shock in the Atalanta ranks when he scored his second to look to have secured the win for us. We needed to focus, but we didn't, and Gianni Comandini rifled in the afternoon's sixth goal to deny us a win. If we don't focus, we deserve to lose.
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