retired_deljo

29.8.02
Former absentee Novkovic injured a thigh this afternoon, and should be out for around a month.

8.9.02
First game of the League season will be a hard one, as Cittadella come to the Franco Ossola knowing we're on the back of poor form. A few changes are made, again tactical, to get a win.

Varese 1
Sergio Paez 14

Cittadella 0

8274 fans turned out on a scorching hot day in Lombardy to watch us do an amazing 180 and actually win for the first time since late May Little early action was seen, but the game exploded on 14 minutes, as Gascoigne showed glimpses of old, as he marauded away, found Plaquet, who put Paez a chance on a plate - the Spaniard buried the half volley to give us the lead End to end it went, as both keepers were fabulous to keep so many great attempts out. Brognoli and Paez showed a great understanding, very promising indeed, but Paez was forced off with an injury - a twisted ankle may keep him sidelined for a month Still, we played as a unit, which was good to see, and the front men were linking nicely.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Rinaldini, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco, Plaquet, Sergio Paez (Jesus 69), Brognoli

15.9.02
Alessandria beat us rather easily in the Serie C Cup a month ago. A good scope of our progression will be what happens as we visit the Giuseppe Moccagatta today. Jesus replaces the injured Paez.

Alessandria 1
Tacconelli 10

Varese 1
Majella 82

The signs are all there that we're on the way to another improvement - consistency will be key, as we did this at the start of the last season. Alessandria stole a lead when Andrea Tacconelli scored against us again, but my players didn't panic, we played some good football and made chances. Just 10 minutes after the goal a long ball from Fuoco was almost finished by Jesus, who although lively, is very wasteful. He proved this 3 or 4 times today, as we missed chance after chance after chance. Tiziano Ramon in the home goal played his part too, putting together a string of fine saves. As time ran out, I took a gamble and threw on Majella up front, as he's better in the air and Andrea Da Rold was winning everything with his head. It worked. Immediately Fuoco hit a long searching diagonal ball, which hit Majella's head perfectly, and it flew in We got the point we deserved, and continued impressing. Please, keep it up!

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Rinaldini, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco, Plaquet, Jesus (Majella 80) , Brognoli

22.9.02
Fiorentina come here, and we know that they have a squad talented enough for Serie A. This season they boast Richard Knopper, Kim Nam-Il, Ciccio Grabbi, Mohammad Gargo, and others. I, meanwhile, have to replace the injured Mattea Rinaldini with 16 year old debutant Christian Santi.

Varese 0

Fiorentina 2
Possanzini 13
Grabbi 66

The good thing about today is that we played well against by far the best team in the League. Sure, we lost, but we matched and/or bettered them in most areas. Possanzini's tap in and Grabbi's volley were the difference in the end, but Fiorentina's defence was brilliant. Our attack wasn't firing though The greatest thing is the performance of 16 year old Santi - he played a blinder, up against experienced internationals Paulo Sousa annd Richard Knopper, and he made Knopper look ordinary. He passed well, tackled brilliantly, and won most of the headers he challenged. There's again enough there to be happy with.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu (Ferraresso 82), Fuoco, Plaquet, Jesus (Majella 82) , Brognoli

29.9.02
Triestina are another team who belong in a bigger league. They are top, 100% record, and haven't conceded. Their stadium, the Nereo Rocco is a 30000 all seater, and we visit today. Knowing the quality of their centre backs, and their pace, I play the taller and more aerially proficient Majella ahead of Jesus.

Triestina 0

Varese 1
Gascoigne 69

In my eyes this is the best result and performance since I came here Ragatzu could have had a 6th minute penalty, but ref D'Aguanno turned it down. Naturally, being top, the home side came at us hard, but got very few shots away, as Gorini was a mountain for us. 5 minutes after half time, Gigena headed home, but only for it to be removed. We took our reprieve with both hands, as we came forward again, with renewed spirit, as Loria almost smashed in. 20 minutes from time, Fuoco, who was magical today, sent a cross in, which was guided home by Gascoigne the first goal they'd conceded this season. They pressurised so much, but we held on for a brilliant 1-0. Fuoco was brilliant, passing and crossing like magic. Santi contested 17 tackles, winning over half, and received more plaudits, and my tactics to play Majella worked - Bega was hopeless today, after a good season to date. Overall I'm delighted.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco, Plaquet, Majella, Brognoli

retired_deljo

6.10.02
Cesena are near the bottom of the table, but are a potent threat whilst GermÃ*n Denis plays. He will be a threat to the back 3 of my side, which remains unchanged.

Varese 0
Majella sent off

Cesena 0

They put 8 past us last season, but none today, as our defence gets stronger. Denis had their 2 shots at goal, both of which tested Dei, but we could have won, but some poor finishing let us down. Ragatzu's 62nd minute header was the best we had, as he stretched but put the ball wide, at the end of some brilliant play. Pasquale Nappi then sent off Majella for a tame push on Damiani, who sold it worse than the Undertaker I will appeal. A 90th minute free kick from Gazza hit the bar and over for a goal kick, which showed we weren't going to win. Still, just 3 conceded in 5 - good stuff.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco, Plaquet, Majella, Brognoli

Santi played his 3rd blinder, only mislaying 3 passes, and again keeping things flowing

9.10.02
Majella's red card will stand and it seems likely the FIGC will hand out an extended ban for violent conduct.

13.10.02
Sergio Paez comes back from injury to partner Brognoli, who looks to return to his prolific best away to Carrarese.

Carrarese 1
Alberti 88

Varese 1
Fuoco 27

Harsh and unfair. We played well enough to deserve a win, as Paez and Brognoli linked well again, both just missing various opportunities. 27 minutes though, and we lead through a bullet shot by Fuoco, who's improved recently. Ex-River keeper Saccone played amazing in goal, as we couldn't build on the lead. 2 minutes from time, and Alberti stole an undeserved leveller to steal a point. But we're going pretty well

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

20.10.02
Livorno are slightly ahead of us in the table, and I go unchanged again to keep the team playing well consistently.

Varese 3
Ragatzu 3
Gascoigne 45
Brognoli 52

Livorno 1
Nonis 21

Such an impressive performance, it runs the win in Trieste close. 3 minutes in, and the moment everyone's been waiting for, especially Ragatzu, as he scored his first goal for the club after 2 seasons - tapping home a rebound He's been great on the wing this season, but nothing compared to Laurent Plaquet today - his crosses were dynamic. Hugo Enyinnaya came very close on 9, hitting the bar, but we shackled the dangerous Nigerian pretty well. But Renzo Nonis scored a good equaliser, running and hitting home off the outside of his foot. Sergio Paez then hit the bar on 43, before a goal on half time changed the match. Paul Gacoigne made a Paul Scholes-like break through the midfield, and scored his 2nd of the season. 53 minutes, and one of Plaquet's pinpoint crosses found Brognoli's head, and he finished in his usual emphatic style before setting off on celebration of his 3rd of the season. Even then we came forward more, as Livorno just fouled us to stop our flow. This is the consistency we need, and we look to be developing ruthless tendencies

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Fuoco (Rinaldini 68), Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

Marco Fuoso was forced off late in the 2nd half, and damaged ankle ligaments means 3 weeks out for the impressing midfielder. Someone who is also impressing, yet isn't injured is 16 year old Santi, who played astoundingly again. He is worth his spot in the team on pure merit at the moment.

25.10.02
On transfer deadline day I bring in another loanee - Jermaine McSporran from Wycombe. He's quick - very quick, and I fancy he can terrorise some of the defenders at this level. He joins until the end of the season, and goes straight into the squad for the trip to Spal.

retired_deljo

27.10.02
Spal are proudly in 3rd place after a good start to the season. McSporran sits on the bench as he only arrived 2 days ago, whilst Rinaldini replaces the injured Fuoco in midfield.

Spal 0

Varese 1
Brognoli 64 pen

The way the midfield and strikeforce link together is great to watch currently. Early on, Gascoigne and Rinaldini linked to put Paez away, but he wasted a good chance. 22 minutes, and the two former combined for Gascogne to score, only the ref ruled it out for offside against Brognoli. The home sides best spell was around half time, as Dei was forced into saves from Gatti twice. Shortly after the hour Colle was adjusged to have pushed Sergio Paez in the area, and Brognoli had a chance to score the penalty, which he did with aplomb. The result was never in doubt from then on, as Pierobon was by far the busier keeper. McSporran got on for a minute or two at the end, but a win and another clean sheet keeps me happy.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, Sergio Paez (McSporran 90), Brognoli

The local TV are raving about Christian Santi. The 16 year old was voted Man of the Match today, passing and tackling with such ease for a schoolboy. He won 9 out of 9 tackles today, 5 of them key as they either broke up or started an attack. He's getting better, but I don't want him burned out.

3.11.02
I'm not sure what to expect from Spezia - they're a team like us - good one moment, poor the next. McSporran starts up front, and Gascoigne is rested as Di Simone plays his first of the season.

Varese 0
Gorini sent off 45

Spezia 3
Caverzan 6, 45 pen
Agazzone 53

Our 5 match unbeaten run ended in strange circumstances. In one way we deserved to lose, but not by 3 goals. Andrea Caverzan scored against us again to give them an early lead, but we were never out of it until half time. Gorini made a wreckless challenge in the area, and Caverzan made it 2 whilst Gorini trudged off. The red card changed the game plan, and we only conceded one more, from Agazzone, as the result was certain by now. It could have been more but for the brilliance of Dei, Rinaldini, and again Santi Di Simone was very disappointing - may not start next time.

Team: Dei, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Di Simone (Ferraresso 81), Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, McSporran (Edwin 45), Brognoli

10.11.02
From Fermana I'm expecting a similar team to the one that Spezia were like. Gorini is suspended for 3 games, so Edwin covers. Gascoigne and Paez return.

Fermana 4
Mastronunzio 17
Marra 29, 50, 88 pen

Varese 3
Plaquet 9
Gascoigne 36
Rinaldini 74
Gascoigne sent off 87

This match didn't deserve a winner, as both teams showed amazing courage and brilliant football. It so happened that the referee spoilt the game for me with a poor decision at a crucial time. We took the lead when Plaquet volleyed home his first goal for the club. Mastronunzio levelled with a fine strike, before Francesco Marra gave them the lead with a header. Gascoigne tied it up again with a tap in to make it 2-2 at the break. Marra struck again after half time to make it 3-2, and we were struggling. But with a quarter of an hour left, Mattia Rinaldini struck a beautiful 30 yard piledriver to make it 3-3. A draw was the right result, but with just 2 minutes to go, Andrea Zin was persuaded to give a penalty to the home side by a dive from Rocco. He then gave Gazza a 2nd yellow and sent him off Marra completed the hat-trick, and we lost. 7 goals conceded in 2 games, but without our captain at the back we're worse off.

Team: Dei, Edwin, Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne(c), Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli (McSporran 69)

retired_deljo

17.11.02
Albinoleffe will be the 3rd team we face with a weaker team than I'd like, and they'll be looking to take advantage of it.

Varese 0

Albinoleffe 1
Araboni 42

The game, statistically, was even. Nothing seperated us in a poor excuse for a match, except a header from Araboni just before half time. A makeshift defence did well in my opinion, and the return of Fuoco was a bright side, but 3 defeats in a row. Sure, we only deserved to lose 1, but is the run well and truly over, or is it only because of bad luck. The result leaves us firmly in mid table, not bad, but we can do better.

Team: Dei, Cadeddu, Bandirali(c), Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, Sergio Paez (McSporran 82), Brognoli

24.10.02
The midfield I want is back together today, as Gazza and Fuoco can return to the startibng XI at Reggiana.

Reggiana 1
Pizzi 36

Varese 0

For the 3rd straight game the result went against what I felt was deserved. Fausto Pizzi's 36th minute strike was the dividing factor in the game, but we played well enough to deserve, again, at least a draw. McSporran came close on a number of occasions, forcing saves from the keeper, and cracking the crossbar. I may have to do something, even if I don't want to change our tactics, as we've lost 4 straight now, and the next two games are against teams 2nd and 3rd. The defence played well enough, but Gorini's influence and experience is needed badly. Thank God his suspension finished today.

Team: Dei, Cadeddu, Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne(c), Plaquet, McSporran, Brognoli

1.12.02
For the first time in a couple of months, my first choice starting XI can be played against Treviso, 3rd in the table. See if my theory is proven right...

Varese 4
Gascoigne 34
Ragatzu 39
Rinaldini 68, 83

Treviso 1
Chiappara 45

I knew it!!! The best team I can put out managed to do this, beat a very good team 4-1 A tight opening to the match was smashed apart in the space of 5 minutes, as first Gascoigne and then Ragatzu scored right footed strikes to give us clear daylight On the stroke of half time Chiappara scored, and I thought it would be the spark they needed to come back, and I was almost right, as Gallo almost headed home a Dundjerski cross shortly into the second half. Gascoigne was forced off injured, and Rinaldini came on. I thought we'd have to sit back, but we surged onwards, and Rinaldini amazingly scored 2 in 15 minutes - the same amount as he'd previosuly scored in the rest of his career of 5 seasons. His first was a sidefoot pass into the roof of the net from a Plaquet pass, and Fuoco made his 2nd, which he drove low into the corner Once again, Santi was sheer class, Man of the Match again, and as ever his passing and tackling was on the spot from the first minute. Are we back?

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne (Rinaldini 49), Plaquet, McSporran, Brognoli

Gascoigne will be out for 3 weeks

5.12.02
Anders Nielsen started some light training today after some 6 months of physiotherapy. He's still months away from a return though.

retired_deljo

8.12.02
Lucchese are 2nd in the table, and will prove to be a very hard game for us. But a 4-1 win last time out should give us confidence. Rinaldini comes in for the injured Gazza.

Lucchese 1
Pessotto 40

Varese 0

The match was tight and dominated by the midfield. Fuoco came close on 6 minutes, his shot always rising though. Dei was then forced into a fingertip save from Paradiso's free kick, and again form Memmo after. Vanni Pessotto's goal ened up being the winner, as he got to a loose ball first, and drove past Dei Ragatzu and Brognoli combined for the closest we came in normal time, alhough in injury time Plaquet clipped the post, as we just went down 1-0

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, McSporran, Brognoli

9.12.02
Lots of managerial change-arounds today. Pisa, Pescara and Novara all sacked their managers today after poor results, and Brescello appointed a new boss. Oh, and we play Pisa next

15.12.02
Our record against teams who have just sacked their manager is poor enough, and without a full strength side I'm not too confident about the clash with Pisa.

Varese 1
Brognoli 42 pen
Gorini injured 13

Pisa 2
Ambrosi 3
Pomini 39
Pomini sent off 42
Obbedio sent off 42

That old inconsistency has come back again, in a match where again the luck didn't go my way, and the result ended up against us. An Ambrosi header gave the visitors a lead, and just short of the quarter hour we were weakened when captain Gorini was forced off with injury Pomini made it 2 and we were in a bad way. But then things looked up. Goalscrer Pomini hacked sown McSporran, and referee Didato sent him off. Brognoli halved the deficit, and on the way back to the halfway line to restart, Obbedio punched Rinaldini flush in the face :o and was dismissed. My team talk at the break was not to panic, that the goal would come. Oh how wrong I was. Brognoli and Ragatzu both hit the bar, the latter in the last minute, and Paez had one cleared off the line, as it just would not happen We were poor early on, but their keeper played brilliantly. Santi was however voted man of the match again , but a 4th yellow card means a 1 game ban. Gorini is injured for 2 weeks.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c) (Edwin 13), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Rinaldini, Plaquet, McSporran (Sergio Paez 81), Brognoli

After the match against struggling Pro Sesto we have a near 3 week break, where the squad can recover and play at full strength

22.12.02
As I said, Pro Sesto are low in the table, just off the bottom, but in the current form we're in I don't think we can win, not without absentees Santi and Gorini.

Pro Sesto 3
Putelli 1, 47
Mauro 59

Varese 1
Plaquet 24

Merry Christmas Just 19 seconds in Roberto Putelli headed home to make a potentially bad day worse Laurent Plaquet levelled up proceedings with a good volley, but 1-1 at the break against a poor team is not what I wanted. Putelli went on to add another, then Mauro finished us off on a day I really want to forget. Yes, we hit the bar twice, again but we didn't deserve a win. Changes must be made now, as we've only taken 3 points out of 24, and will be dragged into the relegation playoff zone again

Team: Dei, Edwin, Bandirali, Loria, Rinaldini, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne(c), Plaquet, McSporran (Sergio Paez 46), Brognoli

31.1.02
As the year changes a digit again, we'll look at the situation in the major European leagues....
Domestically here in Italy Milan lead from Juventus, both on 29 points but the Rossoneri have a game in hand. Lazio and Roma are above Bologna, who've slipped after a good start. The promoted teams make most of the relegation zone, as Ascoli, Palermo and Siena are all struggling, along with Chievo. Como, Napoli and Brescia look good to make a swift retun to the big time.
England sees Leeds leading the way from Liverpool by a point, but the real shock is Gillingham in third place over halfway through. Rodney Wallace has been their hero, along with Nikos Dabizas. Man Utd are way back in 12th. Birmingham, Charlton and Palace are all in the mire, although Newcastle and Fulham are in peril.
To Spain and Atletico Madrid lead the way by 5 points from Zaragoza and Betis. In Fernando Torres and Jose Reyes the leaders have 2 of the best young players in the world, and that's why they lead. The big surprise is Valencia rock bottom at Christmas, only winning one game in 16. Malaga, Alaves, Sociedad and Huelva are also in a spot of bother.
Lorient may be top in France but Marseille are well placed to overtake them, being 1 point behind them with a game in hand. Perhaps the best placed of all though is Monaco - 6 points off the lead but with 3 games over the rest of the chasing pack. In the new league structure, Niort, Sochaux and Metz are in the wrong place.
Finally to Germany, as the Bundesliga is lead by Hertha Berlin, with a narrow one point gap from Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern. Cottbus are struggling at the bottom.

Lazio also signed Rivaldo today for £17m.

retired_deljo

The New Year's Table

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Italian Serie C1/A - Thursday 2nd January 2003********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Fiorentina 16 8 0 0 22 1 6 1 1 19 11 43 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Lucchese 16 6 2 0 15 5 4 2 2 12 6 34 3rd Triestina 16 5 1 2 17 9 5 1 2 15 7 32 4th Spezia 16 6 1 1 18 7 4 0 4 18 11 31 5th Treviso 16 6 1 1 15 8 4 0 4 11 12 31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6th Spal 16 3 4 1 13 10 5 1 2 16 12 29 7th Albinoleffe 16 6 0 2 21 12 2 2 4 12 16 26 8th Fermana 16 4 2 2 11 8 3 3 2 11 10 26 9th Livorno 16 2 3 3 10 10 3 1 4 14 14 19 10th Cittadella 16 3 1 4 17 18 2 3 3 12 16 19 11th VARESE 16 3 1 4 9 10 2 2 4 8 11 18 12th Pistoiese 16 3 1 4 13 13 2 2 4 9 14 18 13th Pisa 16 3 1 4 9 13 2 2 4 7 11 18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14th Alessandria 16 2 2 4 16 17 2 2 4 11 17 16 15th Reggiana 16 4 0 4 8 10 0 4 4 5 13 16 16th Pro Sesto 16 3 1 4 11 19 1 1 6 8 24 14 17th Carrarese 16 1 5 2 11 12 1 0 7 8 21 11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18th Cesena 16 0 2 6 5 16 0 1 7 2 15 3 </pre>

not bad in my opinion, mid table is a good place for us to be at this time.

retired_blondielovespink

Here's hoping you can sign Skalidis. He's a wunderkind. But I wasn't able to convince him to move before 03/04.

retired_deljo

2.1.03
Luca D'Amato joins on loan from Lazio until the end of the season. He'll provide decent defensive cover/competition.

9.1.03
Pistoise are level on points with us, which makes the first clash back after the winter break all the more important to win. My first team is back fit and ready.

Pistoiese 0

Varese 1
Loria 16
Bandirali injured 30

The win was important, as we fought tooth and nail to get a vital 3 points. Pistoiese played well, probably better than us, but we were solid, moreso than the last few weeks. Simone Loria's first goal for the club was a timely one - hopefully he'll get some more now he's agreed to join us permamently A bullet header from a Gascoigne corner gave us the points. Another good point was D'Amato's debut - he came on for the injured Bandirali and slotted in seamlessly. Negro Frer almost stole an undeserved point (or more) for the home side, but we won, and about time too. The important thing is to keep this going.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali (D'Amato 30), Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

Bandirali played through with an injury, but aggravated the hamstring and now misses a month.

19.1.03
The game against Cittadella is one I feel could go either way. D'Amato makes his full debut, as does youngster Roberto Padovani on the left wing for injured Plaquet.

Cittadella 1
Zanon 73

Varese 0

It took one moment of magic to divide us two midtable sides, but it wasn't from us. Davide Zanon's beautifully flighted free kick was his first goal of the season, and enough to seperate the sides in a match they dominated - we played pathetically, bar Dei and Santi, who gave it their all. I'm disappointed, and again it's another 1-0 defeat. If we could get a goal early then we can win, I'm sure. Brognoli hasn't produced this season like last, but so far all loan deals for strikers have collapsed.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), D'Amato, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne, Padovani (McSporran 76), Sergio Paez, Brognoli

26.1.03
Our 3rd game of the season against Alessandria, who are in the relegation playoffs, but a win will take them above us - that's how tight it can be. McSporran gets a chance on the left wing in the continued absence of Plaquet.

Varese 1
Gorini 21

Alessandria 0

One of the tensest matches I've ever had the (mis)fortune to be involved in, but what a result! The early exchanges were tepid at best, but on 17 minutes the visitors had a goal disallowed, as Tacconelli thought he'd kept up his record of scoring in every game against us, only to be ruled offside. Soon enough, we took the advantage given to us. Gascoigne curled in a corner, and captain Edoardo Gorini met it hard. It nearly took the net with it, as his first goal for the club whilst I've been here gave us the lead. Gascoigne and Bravo dominated the play for either team, but the chances that fell to Garzon, Paez and others ended up not being converted. Dino Pagliari's men surged forwards in the final stages, and out us under immense pressure. I can't find the words to describe the way Dei, Loria, Gorini, D'Amato and Santi held up - they were stunning. The result could be the one that keeps us up eventuall, even though there's still a long way to go.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), D'Amato, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu, Gascoigne, McSporran, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

Christian Santi was again showing incredible class for a 16 year old. Again voted MotM, his passing got us moving, and his tough tackling won many admirers again. But he's not a dirty player - he is a class act, and should be for years.

The win highlighted another fact. In 19 games we've scored just 19 goals - by far the worst in the top half of the league. We need a striker soon, but my negotiations with Poggibonsi's Lucas Cantoro have been scuppered by the Argentinian demanding a lot of money.

28.1.03
I decide to take Mariano Cordaro on loan from Pro Favara, a lower league club. He is very raw, but showed me he can score goals, which we'll need for the trip to Fiorentina - miles clear at the top.

retired_deljo

2.2.03
Fiorentina, under the guidance of Alberto Zaccheroni, are top of the League and looking ever more likely to gain a 2nd successive promotion. The out of form Brognoli is dropped in place of debutant Cordaro. Plaquet returns on the wing.

Fiorentina 1
Possanzini 31 pen

Varese 0

The fact we were overwhelmed is not the point today. The home side had 16 shots to our goal, and we had none. Therefore we were never going to win. But Possanzini's 31st minute penalty was a controversial way for I Viola to win the game. Turchetta quite clearly dived in the area to win the penalty, but it wasn't seen that way by referee Ettore Fanesi Th ex-Roma winger scored the winner, and although we lost 1-0 again we played quite solidly, which against Fiorentina is a good thing

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu (Nielsen 69), Gascoigne, Plaquet (McSporran 69), Sergio Paez, Cordaro (Brognoli 69)

The game saw Anders Nielsen make a 20 minute appearance after returning from a cruciates injury. He may get into the team soon, but not yet. The only other positive I can take is that Christian Santi was a rock for us - he contested an unbelievable 21 tackles :o and won 14 :cool:

16.2.03
Earlier in the season we pulled out the best performance I've seen in a long time with the 1-0 win at Triestina. They, however, are still in a good position as they come to us today. Gascoigne is suspended so Rinaldini replaces him, and Bandirali and Brognoli return.

Varese 2
Gorini 21
Brognoli 71 pen

Triestina 2
Gubellini 46, 56

Not the worst result, and we showed good fight again, and scored a couple The lead went to us, as Fuoco's corner was buried by Gorini, for his 2nd home goal in succession. But Triestina captain Mirco Gubellini had 22 goals before today, and was always going to be a threat. Two powerful headers early in the 2nd half gave them a lead, which they obviously thought was secure. But we came on, and as Paez's header was handled by Venturelli, Brognoli was able to put the spot kick away, and give us a share of the points. Santi continued upon his glowing reputation, as he was given a 9/10 rating for the 3rd match in succession by the local press

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Ragatzu (Nielsen 90), Rinaldini, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

23.2.03
Cesena have only 6 points this season, one of which came against us at home. I won't be satisfied unless we win this away clash against a side resigned to relegation.

Cesena 1
Simoni 56

Varese 3
Brognoli 6, 61, 64

It was about time! Stefano Brognoli was a star last season, but had struggled for goals this campaign. His hat-trick today were his first goals from open play since October, and also the first hat-trick for anyone since I arrived He gave them a warning on 5 minutes, shooting wide, but a minute later he found his mark, heading home a Plaquet cross. Not much of note continued until after half time. 56 minutes saw winger Diego Simoni score his first goal for Cesena with a low drive. I was looking for someone to take to the fore, take the game into their hands. That was Brognoli. 5 minutes later he received a lofty pass from Paez, drove on past Melina, and sent a shot into the roof of the net He completed the treble shortly after, heading home a Gascoigne corner Fuoco hit the post 2 mins later twice in the same attack, as his drive hit the post, and from the following cross he volleyed off the inside of the post and away We had a penalty claim turned down and missed a number of chances afterwards, but we were very comfortable today, and maybe, with 4 in 2 games, Brognoli's back

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Nielsen, Gascoigne, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

Other good things of note: Anders Nielsen came through the game unscathed, as he completed his first 90 minutes in almost a year. He saus he feels great at the moment, no reactions at all. And again, Santi amazes me with the way he can play so well so often - another 9 rating :cool:

With 12 games left we are in 10th place, quite a nice position - a bit too far from the playoff promotion zone, but with a 7 point cushion over the teams in the relegation playoffs. Consistency should see us comfortably safe

2.3.03
March kicks off with a home game against Carrarese, in the relegation dogfight themselves. After a fine win last time we stay unchanged.

Varese 3
Sergio Paez 6, 88
Brognoli 9
Brognoli sent off 63

Carrarese 0

The strikeforce looked lethal and sharp today, which was bound to happen - the more they play together, the better they'll get. 6 minutes was enough for Paez to find the back of the net with a header, and barely 180 seconds later Brognoli signalled his intentions with a run and shot off the outside of the right foot into the top corner to put us right in the ascendancy Half an hour later Paez had a header disallowed for a marginal offside decision, but we were still well in control. The sour note arrived as Brognoli was sent off for a push on Ferreri - not much wrong with anything from what I saw, but I will appeal, as he's in great form and to lose him would be a blow. Sergio Paez wrapped up a good day with another goal, this time with the right foot, as we've finally discovered how to score

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Nielsen, Gascoigne, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Brognoli

Paez steals the plaudits, but a 5th consecutive 9 rating for Santi is quite magnificent

4.3.02
Two pieces of news; firstly Brognoli's 1 match ban will stand, and he'l miss the trip to Livorno.

Secondly, I agree the transfer of Lucas Maximillian Cantoro, to go through in July. £26,000 is a bargain for a player who's scored 56 goals in 32 games for Poggibonsi so far this season. Hopefully the club will let me have the cash to complete the deal Unfortunately, Anastasios Skalidis has agreed a move to Ionikos

retired_deljo

5.3.03
Livorno are directly below us in the table, but too far back to leapfrog us today. Still, I'd like to maintain the gap we have. Cordaro is Brognoli's replacement.

Livorno 2
Saverino 19
Danilevicius 45

Varese 2
Plaquet 63
Sergio Paez 81
Bandirali injured 41

We showed some real determination today, as we managed to preserve some good form by avoiding defeat. As usual, when my first choice XI is disrupted, we struggle, and Davide Saverino slid home at the back post to convert his chance for 1-0. On the stroke of half time we lost Bandirali to injury, and went further down as Lithuanian Tomas Danilevicius volleyed past Dei to make it 2. Jesus was brought on at half time, but it was Gascoigne who got us going, supplying a ball for Plaquet to hook past the keeper to get something back. Late on, Sergio Paez showed he's starting to learn how to score, sidefooting home his 5th of the season and 3rd in 2 games to take an unlikely but deserved point away from the Armando Picchi.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali (D'Amato 41), Loria, Santi, Fuoco, Nielsen, Gascoigne, Plaquet, Sergio Paez, Cordaro (Jesus 45)

Bandirali's foot injury means he may miss 3 weeks, including the next game against Spal.

9.3.03
The 3rd game in a week sees Spal, just on the coat-tails of the playoffs for promotion, come to town. Brognoli returns up front, and D'Amato is in for Bandirali.

Varese 2
Jesus 30
Sergio Paez 64
Brognoli injured 24
Fuoco injured 78

Spal 1
Pisani 67

We continued our stanglehold against the lot from Ferrara, as we notched up our 4th straight win against them. Another bright start was not productive enough, and the amount of games recently took it's toll, starting with Brognoli, forced off early on with what looked to be a very bad ankle injury Early reports suggested a month out. Still, Jesus got a rare chance to shine, and headed home the opener with only 6 minutes of action. It was his first goal since August. We looked for another, knowing the visitors had the potent threat of Aurelio to call upon. It nearly never came, but Sergio Paez scored his 4th in 3 games, another fine finish after Fuoco nearly got it himself. The goal was vital, as almost in immediate response Pisani pulled one back. But that was it for them, Jesus hit the bar, and Fuoco was also forced off injured, another foot injury, only a shorter rest period. More goals

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), D'Amato, Loria, Santi, Fuoco (Rinaldini 74), Nielsen, Plaquet, Gascoigne, Sergio Paez, Brognoli (Jesus 24)

16.3.03
The trip to Spezia is marred by injuries. Bandirali, Brognoli, Fuoco, and now Jesus all miss out due to some form of injury

Spezia 1
Mingazzini 59

Varese 0
Santi sent off 57
Loria injured 72

The crisis deepens. Not in terms of results, but 2 more names were added to the list headed 'absent'. The first half was fine in my opinion, we managed to hold out, and almost score a couple of times. The start of the 2nd period much the same. Bu then it went wrong. Santi, so good this season, was sent from the field for 2 yellows, rather harshly too. The change I made was a defensive one, and as we tried to re-shape, Mingazzini stole in for the winner Undeserved too, as we came close with a very weak team. Loria was also forced off injured, with a nasty gash on his leg, and he's out of the next match. The result isn't the end of the world because we are without some real quality players.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), D'Amato, Loria (Caddedu 72), Santi,Rinaldini, Nielsen, Plaquet, Gascoigne, Sergio Paez, McSporran (Ragatzu 57)

I can't appeal against Santi's ban as it's 2 yellows, and a 2 match ban for the total of cautions he's picked up.

Looking at my unavailable list, it reads thus;
Loria
Bandirali
Santi
Fuoco
Jesus
Brognoli

5 of my regular side, and a decent cover as well, all out, as we play Fermana next week, in a game that if we win, we may have a late chance to break for the playoffs. It all depends on how my backups play. Rinaldini, McSporran and co. do well enough, but not to the level Santi and Brognoli can.