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6.6.10
Once again it's the time where Awards are given out
FIFA World Player of the Year - Juan Roman Riquleme (Barcelona)
World Footballer of the Year - Hernan Jorge Crespo (Bayern Munich)
Serie A Manager of the Year - Carlo Ancelotti (Milan)
Serie A Player of the Year - Fernando Cavenaghi (Roma)
Serie A Young Player of the Year - Claudio Cioffi (Atalanta)
Serie A Defender of the Year - Luciano Zauri (Milan)
Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year - Maarten Stekelenburg (Varese)
Serie A Top Goalscorer - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan, 23 goals)
Serie A Italian Player of the Year - Massimo Bonanni (Salernitana)
Serie A Foreign Player of the Year - Andriy Shevchenko (Milan)
For the second consecutive season, Maarten Stekelenburg was named as the best goalkeeper in Italy - and he deserves it after earning his spot ahead of Francesco Toldo. The Dutchman is also named amongst the team of the season. Stephen McPhee's 20 goals (27 in all competitions) took him to third place in both the top goalscorer award and Foriegner of the Year. The Scot was named amongst the subs in Team of the Season.
16.6.10
More Awards;
European Footballer of the Year - Adrian Mutu (Parma)
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Gianluigi Buffon (Barcelona)
European Defender of the Year - Wilfried Bouma (Barcelona)
European Midfielder of the Year - Adrian Mutu (Parma)
European Striker of the Year - Raul (Dortmund)
McPhee was voted Fans Player of the Season
1.7.10
As the transfer window reopens it's business as usual here with the regular comings and goings. Out go Juho Makela to Venezia for £3.8m, Sandro Liverti to Lecce for £220k, and Emanuele Calaio to Ascoli for £1.2m. In is Valeri Emilov Bojinov, a Bulgarian striker known for being the youngest player to ever score in Serie A, aged just 15 when scoring for Lecce way back in 2001. He can finish, and has a great work rate. Bojinov is a useful addition. I also now have £5m to strengthen the dquad with - but wisely, as the money needs to last.
The new fixtures list presents us with a tough opening day. We have to travel to Inter. The plus side is that they won't be in full flow, and need time to gel. Hopefully we can avoid defeat. This is followed by the tough Brescia and Atalanta. I really don't think there are any easy games in Serie A anymore.
2.7.10
After their interest in Silianos Doukas back in early 2010, Lazio call this morning interested in my captain, Claudio Cavalcante. Roberto Mancini said he is able to offer £9m for my captain. That's a huge sum of money, but my captain is some player. If Mancio can meet me at £12m, then I'll listen.
4.7.10
Lazio give up on Cavalcante, but do register their interest at a lower price.
5.7.10
As I arrive at work this Monday morning I receive bids from Inter and Lazio for Stilianos Doukas, both offering £7.75m. This would be an ideal time to accept, but if either side can match me on £8.75m plus £625,000 after ten games then they are in business.
In the meanwhile talks with Nantes about their championship-winning centre back Mario Yepes are fruitful. Nantes accept my offer of £775k, and Yepes seems interested in moving here to shore up the defence.
06-12-2003, 11:30 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #222
7.7.10
Mario Yepes is now a Varese player. The Colombian international of 92 caps is 34, whic goes somewhat against my usual policy, but the availability of an experienced quality centre back is something I couldn't turn down. He's perfect, as he can inspire the younger players here too - especially Asara and Andreazzoli.
Lazio and Inter reject the negotiations for Doukas.
10.7.10
Lazio return with a bid of £8.75m for Doukas. Obviously they want him, and I can play on this. I hold out for another million - half up front, half after ten games. If they want him they can have him.
Spartak Gogniev of Chievo has apparently announced that his agent has completed a deal to take him here, for £7.75m :eek: - even if he was any good I wouldn't pay that, and I don't rate the Russian, so that's news to me!
22.7.10
Roma make me laugh with a paltry bid of £2.7m for Orellana. Hahahaha.
3.8.10
Today I complete the deal for 37 year old Sami Hyypia. The legendary Finnish centre back has long been a target of mine, and age seems to be no barrier for him, as he has pulled out cracking consistent performances for as long as anyone can remember. Hopefully our defence will be stronger for his presence.
In the afternoon a story breaks that apparently Daniel Orellana has spoken of an agreed move to Roma. Astonished, I call the defender into my office to get his side of things. Daniel believes he may have been misquoted, but nonetheless, he has been careless. I warn him for his actions. I also find a few of the established squad members are far from happy with him, which throws a spanner in the works.
06-16-2003, 11:00 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #223
29.8.10
Daniel Orellana has really upset our preparations for the opening day clash at Inter. Animosity towards him is still high, but UI need his qualities for today's match. Bojinov starts up front, whilst Yepes and Hyypia make their debuts in defence.
3.9.10
Domenico Asara is called into the Albanian squad today. I suppose it's a good opportunity for him to play football for the country of his mother, but the chances of success are little. That said, he may never have played for Italy, so although he may be rushing into things after just eighteen games, I back his choice fully.
12.9.10
After a fourteen day international break we line up refreshed for our first home match of the season against Brescia. Valeri Emilov Bojinov continues up front after impressing for Bulgaria last week, and despite his 'problems' Daniel Orellana continues.
If a performance could be modelled, then it should be on this. We were dangerous in attack, whilst strangely solid in defence. An early Alexiou volley signalled the intent. Stephen McPhee - fresh off a stunning week with Scotland - continued his form with a great opener. He took the ball up 35 yards out, and unleashed a bouncing shot past Luca Castellazzi, who was hopelessly out of position. The pressure continued, as Cavalcante and Bojinov forced Castellazzi into making some sort of amends for his earlier error. Santos then scored one of the finest goals I have ever had the priviledge to preside over. He took the ball forty yards from goal, and instantly beat Del Nevo. Anthony Seric was turned in amazing fashion, and Santos then rounded the keeper and rolled in for quite an exquisite goal. :cool: The second half started in a similar manner, as Alexiou found space only to be impeded. Valeri Bojinov took it upon himself to take the spot kick ahead of regular taker Franzese, but he sent it in with some aplomb. If anyone deserved a goal it was Alexiou, and just after the hour he got it. Franzese put a cross into space, and the Greek striker sent a message out to his national manager by scoring again. The defence looked more than capable, no small part due to Yepes, Hyypia, and the excellent form of Stekelenburg. It was probably the perfect day.
16.9.10
Our second UEFA Cup campaign kicks off at home to Hungarian side Kispest-Hónved. I am forced into one change, as Daniel Orellana has a neck injury and will miss the match. Domenico Asara deputises.
Varese 2
Santos 14, 37
Kispest-Hónved 0
The game was considerably closer than I'd have thought or liked, but we will take a two goal lead to Hungary, which should just be enough. Once again, Viera Dos Santos was in such fantastic fettle. A nice passing move with Stilianos Doukas paved the way for him to open the scoring and score for the third match running. Doukas then himself hit the post before Santos doubled his tally and the lead. Doukas and Alexiou combined to give Santos carte blanche to smash in number two. It was never a defensive affair, as Hónved winger Sándor BÃ*ró looked to be a talented player. He forced Stekelenburg into a couple of decent stops. Despite coming under some heavy pressure we came out relatively unscathed, and with another clean sheet to our name.
19.9.10
Atalanta came so close to beating us at the Azzurri D'Italia last season, and a similar squad will cause trouble today. Mario Yepes has a slight niggle in his thigh, so Orellana returns.
Atalanta 1
Scotti 60
Varese 1
McPhee 33 Hyypia sent off 34
I should accept the draw as we played well, but I think had we been at full strength we would have taken this one. The early action belonged exclusively to us, as La Notte was called into action by Santos, McPhee, and Bojinov. We got the lead on 33 minutes when Alexiou passed McPhee in, and my main hitman scored another goal. From the restart Atalanta went forward, and Sami Hyypia's tug back on Romeo was considered a professional foul, and he was harshly dismissed. Yepes was called on to play through the injury barrier, and we played well enough, as the defence put up with what Atalanta threw forth. Bojinov came centimetres away from scoring just a matter of moments before Luigi Scotti rose to head in Baronio's swirling cross. Stekelenburg kept us in it during Atalanta's best spell, but a point will suffice as not everyone hit their peak today.
26.9.10
After impressing at home against Brescia, I can only hope the form is replicated and continued against Vicenza. They caused us some problems in Serie B, but this is the first meeting of the sides in the top division. Yepes covers Hyypia, and Dobek gets his first start of the season. Gaetano Montanari, another teenage defender from the youth academy, steps up to the subs bench, after impressing in training and reserve outings.
Varese 4
Alexiou 15, 42
McPhee 32
Doukas 48 pen
Vicenza 0
We were almost as impressive as the Brescia game. Today was a little easier, as Vicenza offered little resistance, but it still takes effort and quality to break through in the style we did. Christos Alexiou opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour as Santos layed him in. A first time effort surprised Storari, but he would never have got there anyway, such was the pace and accuracy of the shot. After fifteen more minutes had gone by, we went two ahead. Dobek crossed, McPhee thumped a header, Storari was beaten. It was as simple as that. Before half time we had made it three. Dobek again supplied the ammunition, and Alexiou headed cooly past the floundering Vicenza keeper. The Polish striker was involved in the fourth goal as well. He threaded a ball onto Santos' foot. He was taken out by Zitolo, and Doukas sent the keeper the wrong way. It was a matter of holding onto just a four goal deficit for Vicenza then, as they wanted to save face. McPhee came close once or twice, but we were satisfied with our lot. I can't make up my mind as to who was the best player on the field, as they were all fantastic. Santos, Alexiou and Dobek were almost untouchable. Montanari came on for the last nine minutes and looked in control, as we kept another clean sheet.
30.9.10
The trip to Hungary will hopefully be a trouble-free one. We have a two goal lead, and any worries we may have of being overturned should be alleviated with an early away goal. In truth we are all but through already. Hyypia returns, which is timely as Asara is injured.
Kispest-Hónved 0
Varese 1
McPhee 3
Well, we did what was necessary, and we're in the hat for the draw for the second round. Stephen McPhee scored the goal which gave us the comfort zone required, and he did it early. The Scottish international hitman found time and space to slot easily past Zoltán Keleman. Mario Yepes came close to doubling the lead after running unchallenged from defence and sending in a shot which was always rising over. Gábor Sipos was causing problems for us from the Hónved midfield, but it was nothing we couldn't handle. A low key match it may have been, but we did the business and we're doing well.
1.10.10
The UEFA Cup second round draw pulls us out early. Our opponents will be Aberdeen of the Scottish Premier. It'll be harder than Hónved were, but not impossible. We are again at home first.
3.10.10
Our good form will be useless if we don't prove ourselves against the top sides over the next four games. We won 6-1 at Lecce last season, but that was a freak result and won't be re-enacted today. Bojinov's assets mean he will prove more of a threat to Lecce than Dobek, so the two swap.
Lecce 2
Vucinic 3
Brescia 63
Varese 1
Alexiou 32
Darn We didn't need to concede early, but Mirko Vucinic plundered a shot early past Stekelenburg. The rest of the first half was ours, as we looked to equalise and drag ourselves back into the game. And we got there too. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball arrive at Alexiou's feet, and he swept the ball past the grounded keeper. The match was slowly declining in quality, which suited our opponents, as we play the better football. However, Gianluca Brescia's 63rd minute header proved to be the winner for Delio Rossi's side, which is an undoubted blow to our run. Juve, Inter, and Lazio all follow in the coming weeks, and if we can't claim at least one win then there's no real point challenging, as Serie A is won by beating the best. If we can't do that, we don't deserve to be up there.
15.10.10
I renew my interest in AEK striker Anastasios Skalidis, whom I lost out on a number of years back. He's still talented, and underused in Greece. Hopefully Alexiou can persuade him here, as he is a useful player to say the least.
Defensive midfielder Djibril Sidibe arrives on trial at the recommendation of my coach Giorgios Pomaski. The Malian international is quite good, and he's here for a week. I'll see how he gets on.
In the afternoon AEK confirm my £35k bid for Skalidis is acceptable, and we discuss terms via telephone. It seems Skalidis is reasonable, so we should get him.
06-21-2003, 12:23 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #227
16.10.10
Juventus have splashed out the best part of £30m in the past month, and as such they should expect to win as we visit the Delle Alpi. We can look back to decent performances there, but no wins. Asara is preferred to Orellana in defence.
Juventus 2
Colucci 6
Menezes Guimares 90
Varese 1
Santos 71
For the third season in a row we have lost to a late goal in Turin - and it feels worse today as we deserved to win. It looked ominous at the start as Giuseppe Colucci headed Juventus in front early on. But we deserved something, as the rest of the first half belonged to us. Alexiou hit the post, McPhee forced Pegolo into a good save. The second half was much the same story - Varese dominance, but Juve with an element of danger there. Woodthorpe and Espinal combined to almost conspire an opening, but the defence was holding out (again??! ) We finally drew level with a strike from Santos that left Pegolo clutching at air. We even looked like winning until injury time arrived, when our old foe from Bari, Carlos Menezes Guimaraes, drove a stake deep into out hearts to inflict a highly unfair defeat on us. It looked as if we needed a more clinical striker, and hopefully Skalidis will be able to provide this, should he eventually arrive. But for now we have lost a second game in a row and have more harder matches coming, so the feeling of gloom is pretty strong here.
17.10.10
Anastasios Skalidis is now a Varese player, and the third Greek in our side. He joins Alexiou and Doukas here, and should add a real spark to the attack. The lad can, should, and will score goals. The deal went through much quicker than expected, which is great.
21.10.10
Skalidis is ineligible for the UEFA Cup match at home to Aberdeen, but he is unveiled to a capacity crowd beforehand, who take him in with adulation. As for the game itself, I make one change - Dobek in for Bojinov.
After a shaky first quarter to the match we got our act together and took a deserved win. I would have preferred not to concede an away goal, but Aberdeen clearly came to get one, and they grabbed it early. Sean Tait found himself inexplicably clear and took the chance we presented him with. Despite a much improved defensive unit we still concede the odd silly goal. We needed an equaliser quickly, and Alexiou scored it. Franzese delivered a cross, and my Greek striker (the original ) headed in. He almost doubled his and our tally with a glancing header to finish off a flowing move. It went just wide. Aberdeen still proved a little awake, so we needed to be aware, especially when Steven Doig nearly stole a free header on the hour. With ten minutes remaining I sent out the instruction to go all out, because with Aberdeen sitting tight on an away goal we needed to take an advantage back to Scotland. Almost instantly, Stilianos Doukas put a pass onto Alexiou's foot, and this time there was no mistake in beating Preece's dive. Three minutes later we had another. Doukas ran unchallenged for thirty yards, beat Doig on the edge of the area, and slammed in an important goal in the overall context. Whether the presence of the Greek Skalidis in the crowd spurred them on is unclear, but my Greek duo of Alexiou and Doukas were immense tonight. When I needed to call upon someone to take control, Doukas did, and Alexiou finished the work. It may just be enough to see our progression.
23.10.10
After 42 games, Milan's unbeaten Serie A record has gone. Juventus, back on April 26th 2009, were the last side to beat them before Bologna did for them 2-0 tonight in Emilia. As ever, Manolis Ligkos was in on the goals, scoring one, and Giandomenico sealed it late.
06-21-2003, 12:24 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #228
24.10.10
Whilst I can't expect too much too soon, Skalidis is in the side and has promised a debut goal. Lazio are no mugs, and will be tough opponents, especially since Hyypia is out. Andreazzoli replaces him.
Varese 3
Alexiou 56
Skalidis 57, 75
Lazio 3
Ayala 8, 84
Pavesi 73
We really, really, should have held on for a win in what was an exciting, end-to-end match. Promising Argentine striker Marcelo Ayala had volleyed Lazio into an eighth minute lead that they looked comfortable on. Skalidis was taking a while to get into the pace of the action, but a 22nd minute volley way over showed his intentions. Alexiou should have scored on 37 minutes when faced with a gaping goal. Fabio Da Re somehow scrambled across to save in some style. The second half started in somewhat better fashion for us. A little over ten minutes into the period, Stephen McPhee sent in a cross that Alexiou pounced upon to head in his 50th League goal for Varese. Seconds later another Greek striker opened his account. The goal was all Greek. Doukas supplied Alexiou, who in turn crossed to the back post, where Skalidis arrived to head home and send the fans into raptures. It should have been the time to go on and wrap things up. We chose not to, and paid. On 73 minutes Denis Pavesi jinked his way through the defence and equalised with a fine goal. Yet within two minutes we were back ahead. McPhee did well to find space, and once again his cross was headed in. Skalidis timed the run to perfection to head in his second. This time we must have held on. But no . Ayala once again volleyed in an equaliser in an attempt to prove Skalidis was not the only talented striker on the pitch. A point is better than nothing, and an encouraging debut for the Greek, but we really should have won.
28.10.10
We finally get drawn in the Coppa Italia Second Round. We are paired with Cagliari, a second division side who we comfortably beat last season. It should be relatively easy.
31.10.10
Milan have recently lost for the first time in 42 games, but still have the quality to turn anyone over. In the absence of Hyypia, I am forced to hand Gaetano Montanari a full debut in defence. It could be scary.
Milan 2
Dyer 81, 83
Varese 1
Alexiou 60
For the third straight game we do not win when we deserved to, and a late goal did for us again. I think we surprised Milan with the quality of our play, but that said, the home side had most of the pressure. Mario Yepes managed to keep a tight hold on Andriy Shevchenko, which is no mean feat, and Milan just couldn't get through. Kutuzov hit the post on eleven minutes, which looked ominous for us. Ten minutes before half time Domenico Asara mi**** a pass that almost lobbed Abbiati, but forced a fine stop from the Milan keeper. Despite not being a goal threat, Shevchenko was causing a few problems, as he showed at the start of the second half. However, as the hour mark arrived, we shocked the home side by taking a lead. Doukas caught the Milan back line out with a ball over the top which Alexiou managed to get to. Keeping his composure, Alexiou crashed us ahead. We actually looked like holding out for a famous win. Unfortunately, with nine minutes left, Kieron Dyer broke free and managed to squeeze the ball underneath Stekelenburg and score an equaliser. Still, I thought, a point is better than nothing. Which of course meant Milan scored again. Joe Cole crossed, and Dyer headed in to sink our brave resistance. Seconds later Christos Alexiou thumped the crossbar as it just summed up our luck. If nothing it shows how far we've come - that we can be disappointed at losing to Milan, in such a fashion that we didn't deserve to.
1.11.10
Two bids arrive on my desk this morning. Bologna look to snare Doukas for a paltry £5m. If they can double it they can take him. A more reasonable bid arrives from Kilmarnock. £3.5m is tabled for Per Verner Rønning. A nice sum, which I accept.
3.11.10
Rønning is now a Kilmarnock player, and we are £3.5m richer. Oh, and Bologna pull out of negotiations for Doukas. A nice all round day. Strangely, Rønning's last act is to travel to Scotland with us as we prepare for the match with Aberdeen.
06-26-2003, 04:15 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #229
We didn't need to concede early, but Mirko Vucinic plundered a shot early past Stekelenburg. The rest of the first half was ours, as we looked to equalise and drag ourselves back into the game. And we got there too. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball arrive at Alexiou's feet, and he swept the ball past the grounded keeper. The match was slowly declining in quality, which suited our opponents, as we play the better football. However, Gianluca Brescia's 63rd minute header proved to be the winner for Delio Rossi's side, which is an undoubted blow to our run. Juve, Inter, and Lazio all follow in the coming weeks, and if we can't claim at least one win then there's no real point challenging, as Serie A is won by beating the best. If we can't do that, we don't deserve to be up there.
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