Philip Rolfe

Cheers Matt - I'll do what I can
Dixie - praise from the highest - I'm honoured


Back we go....

12.1.11
The second leg of the Coppa Italia Quarter Final in Inter's Giuseppe Meazza stadium is our toughest game for a long while, and will be the marking post of any progression we have made. Montanari is replaced by Christian Santi, who made a similarly cracking breakthrough nine seasons ago, but has struggled to make progress. Still, he has over 180 club appearances and will not let us down in a huge game which we go into with a 1-0 lead.

Inter 1
Gerrard 38

Varese 1
Santi 63

Varese win 2-1 on aggregate

The draw is very, very satisfying. Inter were rampant in the search for goals, and to be fair they did put enough into the back of the net, but all that matters is the 1-1 scoreline and the amazing rearguard action we took. In the ninth minute we looked to be in for a long night when Giancarlo Spinelli headed in a cross from Guana. It was disallowed for offside against Nicola Ventola, in what was a very tight decision. The pressure was almost too much. Carlos Tévez sent a scorching effort only centimetres over the bar to send the pulses even higher. And this was all in the first twenty minutes. The inevitable came close to half time. Inter got their act together which resulted in Steven Gerrard drilling low past Stekelenburg for the opening goal which levelled the scores on aggregate. I still knew that one goal from us could change everything. Poulsen started to control even more of the game. His 51st minute cross arrived on Spinelli's head again, and once more the ball was headed in. Once more, Ventola was offside and active, so the goal was disallowed. It seemed only a matter of time before Inter would break our resolve and put the tie beyond us. What transpired shocked many. In what was our first real venture forward, Doukas did what he does best - a cross into a dangerous area. Arriving on the ball at the back post was, of all people, Christian Santi. The 24 year old kept cool to beat Frey and give us an away goal which meant Inter would need two more. It shattered Cúper's side. They showed nothing to suggest they thought they could get through, and come full time we had made the Semis for the first time since Inter knocked us out two years ago. It was a fabulous night.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Santi, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

13.1.11
Our reward for last night's heroics is another trip to Milan to face Carlo Ancelotti's side. If anything AC are the best side in the world, but we may get lucky and find ourselves up against a reserve side, which will still be hard.

16.1.11
Roma have severely disappointed many. In the relegation zone at Christmas, they have revived in a small way but still langish in the lower half. It's strange as their quality - Bau, Cavenaghi, Rodriguez, Piper and co are world class. I'm forced into a change. Skalidis has a slight knock which stopped him training, so McPhee replaces him.

Varese 0

Roma 0
Samuel sent off 88

Another wonderful defensive outing. They have really been incredible. We've conceded five goals since the change, and never more than one in a game. Roma battered at our door, but they couldn't break it down, as once again Daniel Orellana was colossal. Roma's Maxi Rodriguez, voted as one of the best players in the world in a recent poll, started well by creating a chance for Bau that Stekelenburg saved. It wasn't to be his last stop. He also headed just over himself on 9 minutes. Our first chance belonged to Doukas. A direct free kick was well saved by Thomas Colucci. Roma started to cool off but with Cavenaghi around anything could happen, which he showed on numerous first half instances, forcing Stekelenburg into action. Surprisingly, it was us who came closest to a goal. Early in the second period Christos Alexiou hit a full-blooded volley that bounced back off of the crossbar. With four minutes left Stekelenburg made the save of the season so far, possibly save of the decade (all 381 days of it ) when he dived full length to hold onto Eder Bau's header. It was a true save from a World Champion. Late on Walter Samuel earned a second yellow to earn a red card in the last action of an eventful, goalless but rewarding match.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Santi, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, McPhee (Dobek 79), Alexiou

Philip Rolfe

23.1.11
Ah yes, Inter Milan again. This time we face them in our own back yard, but they bring a far stronger outfit. Saying that, I am able to name a very strong side, even with Montanari still not fit.

Varese 2
Yepes 29
Doukas 70 pen

Inter 2
Tevez 21, 65

We showed fine character to come back from behind twice to extend our unbeaten run to twelve matches. Inter were just as tough as before, perhaps even better as today Carlos Tévez was on form. A typically aggressive start from Inter saw Inácio Piá head against the crossbar before Carlos Tévez volleyed the Nerazzurri ahead. Inácio Piá was felled in the area, and Inter appealed for a penalty. Play continued and Tévez put the ball into the net as referee Gian Luca Crugliano played an advantage. Skalidis then narrowly missed the target as we searched for an equaliser. It wasn't long before we did tie the game though. Doukas sent over a corner and with it another assist. His delivery was headed goalwards by Mario Yepes, and Frey was helpless to prevent it going in. Skalidis put Frey into action on half time as the Greek forward caused the French keeper to scamper across the goal to perform a quality stop. Inter started the second half as they started the first, lively. Gallas and Ventola combined to go close, as did Rosicky and Riviere. It was Rossini and Tevez who linked up the best though when the Argentinian headed in his second and made it 2-1 to Inter. As with the first goal, Yepes and Doukas were hugely involved in the second equaliser. Yepes tried to play Santos in down the channel. It was overhit, but Gallas controlled the ball with his arm inside the area. Stilianos Doukas scored the penalty. Frey had to be in form to stop Alexiou and Skalidis at the death, but the draw keeps us very much in touch with the top after a tough run, and now we have a less 'tough' league campaign, if that can be true.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Santi, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

26.1.11
Here we go again. We all know by know what Milan bring to the table, and there's a big chance we won't win in the first leg of the Coppa Italia Semi Final. We can, however, give ourselves a chance of making the final. Unchanged.

Milan 2
Pinzi 15
Toni 61

Varese 1
Santos 58

We weren't at our best, probably tired out after the exploits against Inter and Roma. Milan's quality wasn't as overbearing as it had been in the past, but they had enough to win. Giampiero Pinzi stroked in Damiano Zenoni's cross on fifteen minutes to give Milan the room to relax a little. It probably wasn't the wisest thing to do, as we started to grow in confidence. Alexiou set up a chance for Skalidis, who shot just wide. Alexiou headed wide when it would've been easier to score. Two minutes before the hour mark we did ourselves justice. Stilianos Doukas took a corner, and Santos headed us level with an away goal that may prove so crucial. If we can beat Milan just 1-0 at our place we go through because Santos scored that vital goal in the San Siro. We weren't level long though, because once more Zenoni crossed, and Luca Toni exhibited his aerial dominance by powering in the winner. To match Milan in possession and chances is better than anything we've done against them before, but what does annoy me is that Milan have a 8-0 record in wins/losses against us now.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Santi, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

Philip Rolfe

30.1.11
After a run of games in which we could not have been tried harder, we are given a 'reprieve' as we face Brescia to kick off a run of League games I'd really hope to do well from. We're back to full strength for the visit to the Lombard side, as Gaetano Montanari is fit to resume after knee trouble.

Brescia
Salvatori 25, 68

Varese 3
Skalidis 22
Doukas 65 pen
McPhee 84

I'm not too happy that we've started to concede goals again, but I am happy at the win and the fighting spirit of today's match. After an opening where it was us who dominated, Anastasios Skalidis scored the 200th goal of his career in style. He dribbled forwards unchallenged and then unleashed a bullet from nearly thirty yards out that beat Macelloni with ease. But the lead was temporary. Gionatha Spinesi crossed into a perfect area for Donato Salvatori to score his fourth of the season, and in truth he couldn't have missed. We looked for a second, but the closest we came was Christos Alexiou's abysmal header. After some great form he's gone cold recently, which is disappointing. Yet when in doubt, turn to Skalidis. Another fantastic performance from my newest signing saw him win the penalty which put us back ahead. He skipped around the keeper, who felled him. Doukas converted simply. Unfortunately, the old inconsistency was creeping back into our game. Pugliese outpaced Montanari, and the cross was again headed in by Salvatori. It was starting to look like we were going to lose further touch at the top, until Stephen McPhee saved the day. After a great year last season he hasn't done the business this season too much, but his header six minutes from time may earn him a recall to the starting side. Another win is another win, but will only count if we can keep going.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou (McPhee 82)

6.2.11
Atalanta have caused many a problem for us in the past, but strangely we've never lost to them. Stilianos Doukas has a facial injury but plays with the aid of a protecting mask, whilst Alexiou still gets the nod over McPhee.

Varese 3
Skalidis 24
Alexiou 51, 70

Atalanta 0

One of the more easier wins of this season. Atalanta offered little and took nothing. A nice point for us was the return to form of Alexiou, perhaps spurred on by McPhee's goal challenge last game. Visiting keeper Gabriele La Notte was busy from the off, parrying Yepes header and clearing Montanari's cross. Two headers from Anastasios Skalidis followed which didn't force anything from La Notte, but his next attempt was far more accurate. Doukas lofted a ball over the static Atalanta back line for Skalidis to chase. As he reached the ball, Skalidis struck a volley over the keeper and into the net. He's now on double figures since joining in October. The Nerazzurri started to venture forwards and Fabio Gatti had their first attempt on goal, albeit a tame one. It wasn't a worry though, as we were always dominating the play, and would eventually score another. Six minutes after the restart Claudio Cavalcante delivered the cross from which Christos Alexiou headed high into the net to allow us room to relax in. The goal that well and truly sunk Atalanta was quite stylish in its execution. Yepes ran with the ball and gave it to Asara, who flicked it to Skalidis. Enclosed, he in turn found Alexiou, who buried the opportunity with such ease he looked embarrassed at scoring. As always, Skalidis was irrepressible, and we jump up to fifth, still chasing a Champions League spot and with time on our side to do so.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

Philip Rolfe

9.2.11
Is it possible? Somewhere, in all of us, we can see ourselves in the Coppa Italia Final at the expense of Milan. However, common sense suggests their 2-1 first leg lead should prevail, since we are yet to so much as draw with them in eight previous meetings. We're unchanged.

Varese 2
Doukas 11 pen
Montanari 57

Milan 0

Varese win 3-2 on aggregate

We did it! Milan put out a 'weakened' side, but with Luca Toni, Vitaly Kutuzov, Kieron Dyer, Damiano Zenoni, and Luciano Zauri in the ranks they can still match and better most sides. We, quite amazingly, limited them to just one sole shot at our goal, which arrived very late in the day. We needed a good start, which was given to us by referee Fabrizio Jordan. Christos Alexiou was impeded by Igor Biscan in the goalmouth, and a penalty was given. For the third time in 2011 alone Stilianos Doukas sunk the penalty and put us ahead by way of away goals. Still, everyone expected Milan to pop back and pressurise as they always have. Not today. Doukas was in inspired form. Defending, attacking, holding, he was everywhere. The closest the first half came to a second goal was Skalidis' wayward header on 30. Just shy of the hour we scored the second that gave us the aggregate lead. Doukas struck a high corner. The head that met it was Gaetano Montanari's, who chose a fine time to score his first goal on this ground. The teenage sensation joined in with the ecstacy of the crowd as we looked like making Varese's first major final for decades upon decades. Milan were out of it, and the game peetered out until the full time whistle was blown, meaning not only had we beaten Milan for the first time since I've been here, but we are in the Coppa Italia Final, where we will meet Lazio, conquerors of Parma.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

Dixie Flatline

Methinks you flatter me too much, Junichi! Still, I'll take it!

Good to see that the Italian cousin of Michael Jordan was on your side against AC! Not everything Silvio touches turns to gold!

Again, keep up the good work, and I'll continue reading!

Philip Rolfe

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dixie Flatline:
Methinks you flatter me too much, Junichi! Still, I'll take it!

Good to see that the Italian cousin of Michael Jordan was on your side against AC! Not everything Silvio touches turns to gold!

Again, keep up the good work, and I'll continue reading!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah - the referees names do go a little peculiar

Cheers - it's much appreciated

Philip Rolfe

13.2.11
Vicenza have done well to plant themselves in midtable, but too many defeats and only one draw has seen their season deteriorate when it could have done so much more. After the brilliance of the Milan game we are unchanged.

Vicenza 0

Varese 3
Santos 51
Alexiou 57
Skalidis 80
Orellana sent off 45

A third consecutive clean sheet comes with a third consecutive win in a game where we got stronger after being reduced one man. Vicenza offered something in the first half, surprising me with their exhuberance and style. Ighli Vannucchi did well on the right wing but wasn't supported by many others. On our side, Doukas was yet again on fire. Everything positive came from him. His endless supply of creativity for country mates Alexiou and Skalidis up front were just not taken for a majority of the game, but each man will invariably take one of those. Eleven goal striker Pasquale Foggia shot Vicenza's best effort over the bar close to half time, and then the game looked to have become harder. Daniel Orellana had been booked earlier in the game for a trip, and when he knocked Vannucchi over the second yellow was produced by Claudio Kermek. The back five turned into a back four, with two 17 year olds and an 18 year old led by 35 year old Mario Yepes. In the second half you'd never have guessed we were a man short. Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos may have been out of form since deciding to leave, but his goal to open the scoring was sublime to the highest. Setting off in his own half, he beat Rivalta, Torrisi, Vannucchi, Rostirolla and finally Storari in goal with a silky run and electric finish to grace any game. The second goal was slightly less brilliant, but nice in its own way. Cavalcante worked his way down the left, using pace and guile to beat Martino. His cross was well headed in by Alexiou, who is two goals away from equalling his highest total in Italy, and has a while to go. The third was also a cracker. Skalidis was tracked by Chirico as he set off on a bursting run, but the Vicenza defender was left trailing in his wake. Skalidis beat off two more before sliding the ball into the net for another goal. We were amazing after going down to ten men, and Lazio's draw with Napoli helps us even more, as we close the gap on Lazio whilst open the gap back to Napoli.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

20.2.11
After a few great seasons, Lecce are back down to earth with a thud, battling relegation this season. Daniel Orellana is suspended, so Claudio Cavalcante backs up in defence and Asencio takes the midfield berth.

Varese 2
Skalidis 83
Santos 86
Cavalcante sent off 51
Asencio injured 5
Doukas injured 42

Lecce 0
Evangelisti sent off 72
Falanga sent off 74

A strange match which could have long term consequences on our push for success. My early plans were scuppered when Pablo Asencio went off injured with what appeared to be a calf strain. Franzese came on and did well. In the eighteenth minute I thought we were ahead when Doukas' lob was headed in by Santos, but a combination of a foul on the keeper and offside ruled the goal out fairly. Alexiou forced a double save from Generoso Rossi as our pressure increased. Just before half time we were dealt another blow, as captain and our most influential player Stilianos Doukas also ceded to injury with a twisted knee. Santi came on, Alexiou took over the captaincy. Five minutes into the second half it became worse, when referee Sergio Dimitrijevic made his mark on the game. Claudio Cavalcante had been booked in the first half for a petulant kick at Vucinic. He mistimed a tackle and had to go, although the first booking was a little harsh in my opinion. We went to a back four for the second time in a week and still looked comfortable. By no means was the eventfulness over. Twenty minutes from time Lecce left back Alessandro Evangelisti jumped a little unfairly with Santos, and was also dismissed. Signor Dimitrijevic wasn't finished. Minutes later Alessio Falanga became embroiled in a heated confrontation with Skalidis and was booked. In frustration, he hammered the ball into the stands and received another yellow, and so he was also off. Ten versus nine, and still 0-0. As the football resumed, we made our advantage count. Santos delivered the perfect corner, and Skalidis glanced the header into the net. It crushed Lecce, and we doubled that lead soon enough when Skalidis turned provider for Santos to leather in his 15th of what might be his final season here. Eventful yes, and we close the gap on fourth to one point, whilst extend further away from Napoli behind us.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Cavalcante, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Asencio (Franzese 5), Doukas(c) (Santi 42), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

Philip Rolfe

23.2.11
The appeal I placed on Cavalcante's ban is upheld, on fair grounds. It helps, as we're stretched enough for the trip to Como as it is. Christos Alexiou is the latest to pull out with a damaged shoulder, which means three sidelined weeks.

27.2.11
Como are bottom, and the visit to the Giuseppe Sinigaglia provides an opportunity to try out two more youngsters. Giovanni Lombardi was subject of a bid from Chelsea last year, but he lines up today in his debut. Christian Anselmi has played a few minutes as a UEFA Cup sub, but starts in attack today for the first time.

Como 2
Lorenzini 32
Bonazzoli 53

Varese 2
Santos 10
Anselmi 45

I'm a little annoyed that we couldn't beat the side at the bottom, but we did well enough considering the players missing. It all looked like it was going according to our plan on ten minutes, when Santos skipped through and finished in his usual definitive style. Just after the half hour however, Como levelled. In Manuel Lorenzini they too had a teenage debutant up front, and his twenty yard shot skimmed through the rain and past Stekelenburg to equalise. Not to be outdone, Christian Anselmi also netted his first ever goal for Varese, heading in fellow debutant Lombardi's corner. It was going OK, as the youngsters were coping admirably. Emiliano Bonazzoli equalised on 53 minutes with a fine effort to mark his 100th Como goal. Skalidis might have won it late, but didn't, and we drew after a great winning run. The goals were the first conceded for 424 minutes - a very nice feat for the defence to have.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Cavalcante(c), Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Franzese, Lombardi, Santos, Skalidis, Anselmi

3.3.11
Last season it was Olympiakos who eliminated us from the UEFA Cup. A year and a bit on, and we meet them again in a further round. Their squad is weaker, ours stronger, and but for the injuries we are suffering we should go through. I plump for McPhee ahead of Anselmi for his experience, and Orellana returns in defense, leaving Cavalcante free to partner Lombardi in midfield. We need an away goal.

Olympiakos 0

Varese 2
McPhee 50
Santos 55

We needed an away goal, and we got two. Olympiakos were a pale shadow of the side that beat us twice last season, but some of that might be due to the improvement we've made. Skalidis' free kick forced a great stop from Manikas in the opening exchanges as my Greek striker looked to make an impression on the watching national team manager. Only Valnei was offering any decent fight in the Olympiakos ranks, frustrating, as he did, our defence. Shortly after the commencement of the second half we scored the all important away goal, and took the lead. Asara whipped in a cross with his left, right onto McPhee's head, and he headed in a sixth goal of a disappointing season for himself personally. Minutes later the lead was doubled. Orellana was involved again. His long ball missed everyone except Santos, who had appeared from nowhere to have a simple one-on-one chance which he buried. It was his fourth goal in as many games, and gives us a fantastic chance of making the Quarter Finals. Our European defence has been exceptional - one goal conceded in seven games is a record I'm proud of.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante(c), Lombardi, Santos, Skalidis, McPhee

Philip Rolfe

6.3.11
Juventus have had an awful season, and they're far from being safe from relegation right now. Yet their squad is fully capable of world class performances, which we need to be aware of today. Doukas has found fitness in quick time to return to captain the side today. Lombardi steps aside.

Varese 1
Doukas 2 pen

Juventus 1
Inzaghi 77
Pegolo sent off 2

After going ahead so early and having a man advantage throughout, we should have taken the win from the game. Saying that, Juve backup keeper Daniele Schiavone was unbeatable. In the very first attack, Santos went clear but was felled by Pegolo. The Bianconeri keeper was dismissed, and Doukas scored another penalty kick. How we never scored an equaliser is beyond all comprehension. Schiavone made great stops from Orellana, Skalidis and Doukas at one point or another, and as hard as we tried nothing would beat the 23 year old stopper. With time ticking away Juventus did what they always seem to do against us, scored late. The loose ball fell kindly to Simone Inzaghi, who sent a rifling effort past the helpless Stekelenburg, Anselmi came on to add the physical approach, but to no avail, as we failed to take advantage of Lazio's slip at Bologna. We'll just have to beat them in the League next week instead.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, McPhee (Anselmi 83)

10.3.11
With a two goal advantage (away goals too) over Olympiakos we should have no troubles in completing our path to the quarter finals tonight. We are unchanged from the last game.

Varese 2
Santos 82
Cavalcante 89

Olmypiakos 1
Karamanos 64
Anthoulis sent off 76

Varese win 4-1 on aggregate

The inevitable eventually happened, even if we took the long route around it. Olympiakos keeper Manikas was busy right from the off, when stopping Skalidis' snap half volley. The same man missed a header midway through a first half which failed to do anything. The second half started better, but it was still the same story of Manikas preventing Skalidis from scoring. Just after the hour we went behind, which is a very strange feeling for us, as it doesn't happen too often any more. Giorgios Anthoulis swung a nice cross into the area, which was expertly guided towards goal by Sotiris Karamanos, who also scored against us last season. It's also a rare goal conceded in Europe this season for our part. Anthoulis, who had claimed the assist, was then sent off for shoving Cavalcante to the floor in anger at a tackle. With time running out Santos proved his worth once more with yet another stunning effort. He span past Kiriazis before unleashing an effort into the top corner to make it eighteen for the season. The late winner was also a Brazilian effort. Santos crossed this time, and arriving on the line at the back post was Claudio Cavalcante to head in his first of the season and the winner. We're into the last eight of the UEFA Cup, where we'll join Charleroi, Feyenoord, Man Utd, Partizan, Shakhtar-2 Donetsk, FC København, and Lazio. Some really tough games are possible, but that's the business end of Europe for you.

Team: Stekelenburg, Yepes, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, McPhee (Dobek 89)

11.3.11
We are drawn against Lazio. We have them this weekend, twice in the Coppa Italia Final, and now twice more in the UEFA Cup. We'll play them four times in the next six games, and then a fifth time in May.

Philip Rolfe

20.3.11
We beat Milan in the Coppa Italia last time they visited the Franco Ossola, and we'll have to repeat the feat to maintain contact with those in Champions League places. Christos Alexiou is finally fit to return to the fold, but Yepes' injury leaves a hole in the defence. Throughout the week I've discussed the situation with my assistant Gabi Batistuta and head coach Giorgios Pomaski, and they suggest Greg Lewis plays. He hasn't featured in the first team for over a year, but I have little option otherwise. So Lewis is in for a big match.

Varese 1
Alexiou 65

Milan 0

Well, we've only gone and done it again! After years of struggling against Milan, we seem to have turned the tide and done our Champions League hopes the world of good, whilst seriously impairing Milan's title hopes. We played well - not as good as we can, but we did enough. Stilianos Doukas struck an early free kick which tested Abbiati, who was named Man of the Match come full time (speaking volumes of our play). Next it was Stekelenburg's turn to make a save, from a Luca Toni header that he couldn't hold onto but pushed over the goal. Gaetano Montanari caused temporary worry as he looked like coming off injured, but he battled on bravely, and we needed him. His intervention on half time caused Joe Cole to hammer an attempt over. Daniel Orellana started the second half with a crunching tackle on Andriy Shevchenko that left the Ukrainian in no doubt as to who was the boss on the day. My Argentinian was a colossus. Stekelenburg wasn't far behind, as Cole finally got one on target, only for the Dutch number one to pull off a cracking save. In the 65th minute the goal arrived. Doukas found Santos, who passed Alexiou's way in. The returning Greek hitman sent in a beautiful chip perfectly over Abbiati and into the net! Milan pushed back at us immediately, but they couldn't break through the back five and Cavalcante, who did a great job on Cole. Shevchenko wasted their last chance with a header, but we ended up with the points and another win in style.

Team: Stekelenburg, Lewis, Orellana, Todisco, Montanari, Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

24.3.11
Tonight we face Lazio again, in the second leg of our UEFA Cup Quarter Final. We have a 3-0 advantage from the first leg - all away goals too - and failure tonight would have to be in the shape of a dramatic collapse. Gaetano Montanari is away with the Italian Under-21's (the first Varese player to represent any Italian side for decades), so Santi covers, and Hyypia plays in place of Lewis.

Varese 2
Skalidis 21, 72
Stekelenburg sent off 53

Lazio 2
Pavesi 53 pen, 85

Varese win 5-2 on aggregate

We're into the last four, but not without a cost. The match was end to end attacking football, which I suspected it would be, as Lazio needed goals. That suited us down to the ground, because our style is made for counter attacking. The scoring started after 21 minutes. Stilianos Doukas took his umpteenth assist of the season when sliding a ball onto Skalidis' foot, and after making room he scored for the first time in Europe for us. He almost doubled that immediately with a volley that shook Da Re, but no more. Alexiou put a header horribly wide soon after, but came close with another on the brink of half time. Early in the second half we were unlucky not to increase the advantage when Skalidis headed Doukas' corner onto the bar. Things then went bad. Denis Pavesi sprinted onto Stankovic's overhit pass, but reached it ahead of Stekelenburg. There was contact, but the fall made up the mind of the referee to send off Stekelenburg. Sergio Girardi couldn't stop Pavesi equalising, but we were very much still in control. Lazio really turned the screw, but couldn't find a way through a back four that always looks strong when reduced to ten men. We made sure of qualification twenty minutes from time. Cavalcante and Santos sprung a counter attack, spearheaded by Skalidis. Once he got away from Martinelli there was no mistaking what was going to happen. He slammed the ball in off the post to put us through. With little time remaining Pavesi matched Skalidis' double to give Lazio a share of the spoils on the night, but the tie is ours. I never thought I'd say this, but Varese are in the UEFA Cup Semi Finals!

Team: Stekelenburg, Hyypia, Orellana, Todisco, Santi (Girardi 53), Asara, Cavalcante, Doukas(c), Santos, Skalidis, Alexiou

We're joined by Partizan, FC København, and Feyenoord. I know which team I want to avoid.