retired_blondielovespink

Junichi,

I find it interesting you spend so much time scouting English players. I think you'd have a much better chance drawing players from Eastern Europe--and the quality there is cheaper.

FWIW.

KUTGW

retired_deljo

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shawng1:
Junichi,

I find it interesting you spend so much time scouting English players. I think you'd have a much better chance drawing players from Eastern Europe--and the quality there is cheaper.

FWIW.

KUTGW<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

cheers for the advice - I generally stay away from Eastern Europe due to Work Permits, and with Varese I have no money, so I'm open to suggestions

and thanks for the comments jimbokav

retired_deljo

finally I return

10.8.03
Back to action, in a competition we've hardly excelled in recently. Alessandria will be no pushovers, but Sbrizzo and Roberts are given debuts

Varese 0

Alessandria 1
Melzi 3

We played far better than we have at previous Serie C Cup games. They just hit us cold very early on, no doubt a tactical inspiration from boss Dino Pagliari. Melzi's header was the deciding factor We were very creative, but Paez couldn't find the net, and Roberts didn't have the chances the Spaniard did. Late on, I thought we had taken a justified point, as Neil Roberts drove in for a debut goal, only to be ruled out for offside - a decision not given by referee Spreafico, but by his assistant. Still, We were very secure in defence, which is a good sign, yet we lost 1-0 again

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Bandirali, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Gascoigne (Rinaldini 66), Nielsen, Sergio Paez, Roberts

15.8.03
Quite how I've done this I'm not sure, but today we have signed Gabriel Batistuta on a Free Transfer :eek: The man is a goalscoring legend in this country, and Roma released him in the summer. I started the deal off just by playing around with his agent, toying with the idea, but he seemed genuinely interested. We talked, and he agreed to a role, month by month to start, as Player/Assistant Manager :cool: He is an amazing aquisition, not only for his goals, but for the way others will play off him. What a coup!

17.8.03
Apparently Legnano are a poor side, and we should beat them. :/ They have a nasty lilac kit, as Batistuta gets his debut. So does promising keeper Sergio Girardi.

Legnano 1
Bonomi 64

Varese 0

I'm not happy, but that's our Cup fortunes for you. We're always dismal in this competition, and today was no exception. The only bright point was Batistuta's game - he just didn't have the luck, but it will come, as he's only been back in full training for 2 days. Still, the home side with the nasty kit took a deserved win as Mauro Bonomi placed a header past debutant keeper Girardi. Still, I consider the cup as a training tournament for when the real business begins.

Team: Girardi, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Bandirali, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Ragatzu (Rinaldini 78), Nielsen, Sergio Paez (Brognoli 77), Batistuta

20.8.03
Pro Vercelli are bound to be tricky for us, as Batistuta makes his home debut Dei comes back in goal ahead of Girardi, and Jesus gets the right wing spot.

Varese 1
Nielsen 11

Pro Vercelli 1
Andorno 16

The fact we can't qualify, again, means little. A draw is a good way to start turning some form around. We took the lead as Brognoli and Batistuta combined to set up Anders Nielsen, who's returned from a cruciate injury a totally new player The visitors came back and equalised via an Andorno header, but that was it from them. They did pretty well to shackle Batistuta, limited to just one shot. Still, I'm not worried he hasn't scored yet - one goal will get them flowing. Still, not a bad draw

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Bandirali, Rinaldini, Plaquet, Fuoco, Jesus, Nielsen, Brognoli, Batistuta

retired_deljo

27.8.03
Valenzana are top, qualified, and haven't conceded. I use the game to try a third option alongside Batistuta, Neil Roberts this time. I continue to rest Santi, as he'll be important for the start of the League season.

Valenzana 0

Varese 2
Plaquet 39
Roberts 89
Bandirali injured 20

:cool: We showed that we are capable of performing. I've always known this, only I need to figure out how to get them doing it regularly. Maybe the strikeforce can lead by example. Batistuta and Roberts literally worked their socks off up front, and were rewarded. The home side came out very sharp, and Dei needed to be alert to prevent Sala scoring. Fuoco came close, then Plaquet scored the opening goal. The French winger (who I like to call a poor man's Laurent Robert ) scored from the edge of the area following a long pass from Gorini They pushed on, but our back 3 made sure that they didn't have much joy. Rizzioli came close twice, most notably on 80 minutes as he flashed a header over. We secured a very good win late on, as Jesus, in his new winger role, crossed to 'Batigol', who headed towards goal. His header was saved by Braga, but Neil Roberts was on hand to score The strikers impressed me very much, and they'll start together in 11 days away at Spal

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Bandirali (Loria 20), Rinaldini, Plaquet, Fuoco, Jesus, Nielsen, Roberts, Batistuta

7.9.03
Spal are a team we are yet to lose to, and once again we can go into the start of the season with no fear or trepidation.

Spal 2
Cropano 11
Altomare 88

Varese 1
Batistuta 37

Heartbreaking, this one Spal lead early through a chance Cropano could not miss if he tried, but we were dominating. Finally we got something back, as Batistuta crashed in from 25 yards for his first goal Hopefully the first of many. Pasquale Gatti was great for the home side, stopping most of what we tried. A draw was looking likely until Luca Altomare took the points

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Jesus, Nielsen, Roberts, Batistuta

After the game I agree to take Marco Agatino Alberio on loan I looked at the striker from Igea Virtus, and the provincial side accepted He may start alongside Batistuta at home next week.

10.9.03
Roberto D'Auria comes in on loan from Sampdoria for the season. They rate him highly in Genoa, and although he's quite raw and inexperienced, I feel he can do us a job. That should be all the strikers we need, now I have 6 to pick from

14.9.03
Alessandria have become something of a bogey side for us, and the season opening of our home campaign sees them visit. I decide upon starting D'Auria up front with Batistuta, and Gazza in the midfield.

Varese 1
Fuoco 17
Sbrizzo sent off 37

Alessandria 1
Lombardini 14

We really did deserve to win the game. The visitors had more attempts, but we were far superior everywhere else. Alessandria were gifted a lead as Gorini slipped and Lombardini took advantage. Soon enough we were level, as Fuoco cracked in his first for a while Batistuta was well shackled throughout, the closest he came was on 75 minutes, as he punced on a loose ball, but Tiziano Ramon in the goal was brave. Alessandro Sbrizzo was sent off for a nasty lunge, reuniting a strong defensive unit, which worked well once more

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Sbrizzo, Bandirali, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Gascoigne, Nielsen, D'Auria (Loria 37), Batistuta

16.9.03
I know I said I had enough strikers, but I was offered a deal I couldn't refuse today. Siena knew I was interested in Marcello Campolonghi, and because they had too many attackers, they offered me him for the rest of the season. I will start him at Pisa, as he is a very dangerous striker.

retired_deljo

21.9.03
Pisa away, as we've started the season very evenly. Campolonghi gets the start alongside Gabriel Batistuta, and things are expected of him

Pisa 2
Pomini 18
Sisti 72

Varese 0

We were very poor in all areas. Campolonghi was appaling, just didn't do a thing Dei was very poor in goal, and we deserved to lose in every feasible manner. Pomini's header and Sisti's stab were enough to give a very fair win to the Nerazzurri. Changes may be needed now.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Gascoigne, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

28.9.03
All week I've been working on a way to get us into some form. Tactics may be the key, so we line up today in a more orthodox shape against Reggiana, who will be a tough game, as all are at this level And I persist with Campolonghi.

Varese 5
Campolonghi 6, 33, 69, 77
Batistuta 11
Plaquet injured 77

Reggiana 1
Minetti 63

Bloody Hell! :eek: (apologies for blaspheming). I hoped to turn our fortunes around, but this took me by surprise Not that I'm not happy - we were lethally brilliant. The fun started early, as Campolonghi showed last match was a blip, collecting a loose ball from a blocked Batistuta shot to drive home for 1-0. 5 minutes later, we scored again in a goal that encapsulated what Varese is all about. Teenage sensation Santi collected the ball 25 yards out, but wide, and sent in a demon of a cross that Batistuta feeds from. The Argentinian crashed in the header to make it 2-0. By now Campolonghi and Batistuta were linking nicely. 27 minutes saw them combine to almost give Batistuta a 2nd, but it was over. 3-0 came just after the half hour, as Bandirali found Nielsen, who in turn picked out Campolonghi, and the loanee finished comprehensively. The players were obviously jubilant at the break, but nonetheless I told them of the need to focus and continue for the win, and not to become complacent. And my words were justified, as Massimo Minetti picked up the ball from De Flandra, and tucked home to make things interesting. Or so I thought. Campolonghi felt he had to justify his selection after his debut horror show, and completed a fine hat-trick barely 5 minutes after Minetti's consolation by hitting a bouncing ball past the keeper, leaving him rooted to the spot. He wasn't finished. Batistuta found himself surrounded 20 yards out. The thing is, Campolonghi had lots of space. Batistuta found him, and he placed home for his 4th and our 5th :cool: My biggest win as manager too

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet (Gascoigne 77), Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Quite a result - scared me a bit too

Plaquet damaged his ligaments in his knee, but not seriously. He just needs a good month of rest.

5.10.03
After the euphoria of the last match, we come down to earth with a trip to Livorno. Being an away game I'm not expecting the fireworks of last game. However, I do demand we don't lose.

Livorno 0

Varese 0
Gascoigne sent off 25

Maybe a tad disappointing, but at least we didn't concede or lose. Batistuta may not be as prolific as just about *everyone* is expecting, but he's doing a sterling job occupying the defence. Campolonghi had the best shot of the game, as he latched onto a volley with the ball behind him, only for it to shave the bar. Livorno were defensive throughout, and Roberto Donadoni's side got the point they wanted. Gascoigne was stupidly sent off for a petulant tackle (but hey, what's new) and I won't appeal.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Gascoigne, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

12.10.03
Ternana can be considered as highly dangerous, but I'm confident we can maybe play well enough to shade it at home.

Varese 1
Rinaldini 51

Ternana 4
Zaniolo 4
Frezza 17
Frick 61, 69

How can the same players who won 5-1 a week ago lose 4-1 today? Zaniolo started the downfall with an early header, after Batistuta had a header saved after one minute. Frezza made it 2 very comfortably, and we should have been further behind, if Frick's finishing had been better. Rinaldini got forward to reduce the deficit after half time, but Frick took over and struck twice in 8 minutes to take the points away with them Sure, they're a good team, but we're going nowhere if we're going to do this all the time. Fair enough, we dominated too, just our goalkeeper was very poor today, and he'll know about it too

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Rinaldini, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

retired_deljo

19.10.03
After the shambles of last week we travel to Lucca to face Gianfranco Zola's top of the table Lucchese, willing to defend their 100% record. We'll stay unchanged.

Lucchese 1
Carruezzo 48

Varese 1
Campolonghi 22

I consider this one point gained rather than two points lost, even though we lead, purely because we became the first side to take a point from Lucchese this season, and it's a massive improvement over the shock horror that was the game against Ternana. We even outplayed our opponents for much of the match. The early going was good, as Rinaldini and Batistuta came close, but Memmo came closer for the home side. Campolonghi found the net again on 22 minutes, for the 5th time this season - receiving the ball from Batigol and pushing it past the keeper Gazzoli then made a wonderful stop from Campolonghi to keep Zola's men in it, but we were in front as the ref blew for half time. Soon after the restart, Eurpremio Carruezzo beat Dei to the ball to score an equaliser. He obviously likes playing us - it was his 3rd goal in 5 games against us (5 games we haven't beaten them in ) But I am relatively happy with the draw

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Rinaldini, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Still, we've only won one out of the first seven - not the start I was looking for.

26.10.03
Laurent Plaquet can return and add some much needed balance to the side for the visit of struggling Sangiovannese. I'll be looking for a 2nd win of the season.

Varese 6
Campolonghi 16, 29, 32, 62
Plaquet 17
Gorini 55 pen

Sangiovannese 0
Sennese sent off 54

It's very strange that our only two wins this season are 5-1 and now 6-0 :cool: :o To be honest my scouts reckoned it would be an 'easier' game - but we've struggled against lower opposition before. The early goal was crucial, and we got it as Campolonghi took the ball under control and drove home off the bar. Less than a minute later the advantage was doubled, thankfully, by Plaquet on his return from injury. He was found unmarked at the back post to slide in the 2nd. Before half an hour was passed we made it 3, as Campolonghi showed he is a real predator, taking the ball from Batistuta and running unchallenged before hitting home a shot that nearly took the net with it And his 2nd hat-trick of the season was complete 3 minutes later; as Plaquet chipped the cross in, Campolonghi met it on the half volley and made it 4-0, which is how it stayed until the break. Ten minutes after the changing of ends we made it 5, as Campolonghi was clear, he rounded Alessandro Senesi, but was brought down by the Sangiovannese keeper. The referee sent off the keeper, making his debut one he'll want to forget, and Gorini took the captain's duty of dispatching the penalty and making it 5-0. Only one more arrived, as Campolonghi grabbed his 2nd four goal haul in a matter of weeks, running past Capecchi and beating the substitute keeper to make it Varese 6, Sangiovannese 0. :cool: The only disappointment I could possibly have is the fact that Batistuta didn't make the scoresheet, but 2 assists and an involvement in making a 3rd is still a major contribution in a game I can otherwise find no criticism whatsoever with We just need to do this more often now!

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

2.11.03
Cremonese are as yet without a win, but they've drawn almost all their games. We go into the match with confidence high after last time's win, and an unchanged team

Varese 1
Campolonghi 56

Cremonese 1
Carli 85

Another draw for the visitors, and although we were better, I somehow think they deserved a point. Cremonese had an early appeal for a penalty turned down by Ettore Fanesi, as Rossi was tripped by Loria. The action was generally even in the first 45, with our best hop stemming from Batistuta, but a couple of wild swings saw it all come to nothing. 56 minutes was when we took the lead, as a great move involving Gorini, Fuoco and Santi lead to Campolonghi heading in his 10th of the season Nielsen was sooooo close to winning it on a number of occasions; a 75th minute header was tipped over amazingly by Bianchi, and 3 minutes later he turned a Nielsen drive wide. With just 5 minutes to go young striker Ciro Carli, on as a sub, scored his first ever career goal as we failed to notice his presence. Nielsen was again close in injury time, but we drew again.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

We're still perilously close to the relegation playoffs, without being too far off the promotion playoffs. 2 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats from the first 9 games isn't too bad, but we can do better.

retired_deljo

9.11.03
Spezia have made a good start to the season, as they sit comfortably in 4th awaiting our visit. I choose an unchanged side again.

Spezia 2
Troiano 6
Grabinsky 77
Pagano missed pen 16

Varese 7
Batistuta 5, 23, 57, 70, 81
Campolonghi 33, 45

I am quite speechless :eek: I simply cannot put into words the shock (albeit nice shock) that I'm in after seeing this win. Things looked good early doors, as Batistuta scored at the 2nd attempt after his first shot was saved. Immediately I told the players to keep their nerve and hold this for as long as possible. A minute later it was level - Alessandro Troiano headed home to even proceedings. On 15 minutes the referee gave the home side a penalty, as Loria fouled Grabinsky challenging for a header. I had little complaints, but things got better as Dei saved Pagano's spot kick And we took full advantage, as on 23 Santi found Batistuta away on the right. The Argentinian hitman took the ball on before volleying into the far corner past Amelia, who didn't see it. Not to be outdone, Campolonghi found the net soon after, meeting Nielsen's cross to beat Amelia to the ball and find the unguarded goal. On the stroke of half time Santi found Plaquet, who whipped in a ball that Campolonghi headed in to make it a shock scoreline of 4-1 at the break. :eek: It wasn't even the half of it. Presotto went running just short of the hour, all the way down the right, before crossing to the near post, where Batistuta met it for his hat-trick :cool: Still we pushed on, as Spezia looked utterly scared. 70 minutes had passed when Batistuta was again allowed time and space to collect the ball, pick a spot, and crash past Amelia to make it 6-1 and his 4th. Grabinsky scored a 2nd consolation with 13 left on the clock, outjumping Loria (who had a poor game), but the game was up. Nielsen's cross on 81 found, yep, Batistuta, who headed in the 7th and his 5th. 7-2 - away from home :cool: Quite breathtaking and brilliant!

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Campolonghi and Batistuta played very very well today - all 7 goals between them, but Santi was brilliant as well - given 10 out of 10 in some places - he made 2 and was involved in the build up or 3 more. I'm still quite speechless at this

16.10.03
Sambenedettese are possibly the longest named team I've ever had to play. They're another team struggling, but up front they have Negri and Kanyengele who we'll have to watch closely. Why would I change the team after last game?

Varese 1
Batistuta 39

Sambenedettese 0

In many ways this is just as impressive as the 7-2 win last week, as it's the first time we've strung 2 wins together this season. We thoroughly deserved it too, as our 16 shots and 55% of possession warrant. Try as he might, Campolonghi just couldn't find a way through - 7 shots he had, 5 forced the keeper into action. Loria hit the bar on 36, and Campolonghi's rebound was magically stopped by Giacomo Kevin Boranga in goal. But we got the lead 3 minutes later, as Batistuta picked up the loose ball and finished as we've come to expect from him I'm not disappointed at that being the only goal, as we forced the issue and could have had more against a poorer defence. There was a 4 minute spell in the second half (54-58 mins) where we had so many shots on goal, but a number of factors stopped them going in - great saves and inaccurate finishing in the main. Gorini was colossal in defence when needed, and the win was just as satisfying as any of ours this season.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Nielsen, Campolonghi, Batistuta

23.11.03
Today we make the visit to Alto Adige - a team that have equipped themselves very well since promotion. They're 5th as we go to their ground, looking to gain ground on them.

Alto Adige 3
Lomi 21
Noselli 57
Gragnaniello 64

Varese 1
Brognoli 59 pen
Nielsen injured 55

Bah, we hadn't a chance. 2 wins in a row had given us a boost, but we're back to earth with a bump against a side who I fancy to suprise a lot of people. They're defensively strong, and have a good attack. We found this out early as Nielsen was stopped by the keeper, and then he put a 2nd chance high and wide. 21 minutes saw Lomi hit a snapshot at goal that eluded Dei to put us behind Batistuta and Gragnaniello both came close before the break, but we were still in with a shout. Anders Nielsen then went off injured, and it doesn't look good. He's torn his groin muscle, and that should mean 3 months out. It's a real blow for the Dane, who made such a good comeback from cruciate ligament damage Whilst we reshaped as Brognoli came on wide right, Noselli smacked in the 2nd from close range. We were back in it 2 minutes later, as Batistuta won a penalty, and Brognoli took it, being the senior spot kick taker, to reduce the arrears. Gragnaniello's solo goal was the final straw that we couldn't recover from, and we lost, even though we played well. Go figure

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Nielsen (Brognoli 55), Campolonghi, Batistuta

retired_deljo

30.11.03
Pro Sesto seem resigned to another relegation battle, being bottom and in a crisis. If we can find our shooting boots we should be fine. I bring Rinaldini in for Nielsen and put Santi out on the right, in an experimental change.

Varese 1
Fuoco 90

Pro Sesto 1
Grassi 28

Phew, that was very close :o We were utterly dominant - 16 shots on goal, just Davide Accialini was in fine form in goal. Batistuta had numerous headers put over or saved well, and Campolonghi just couldn't find the corners. I fell into shock on 24 minutes, as Grassi finished a fine move as Pro Sesto scored from their first attack of the game It still wouldn't come. Shy of the hour, Batistuta had a shot desperately cleared off the line from Palmieri. Plaquet forced a world class save. It wasn't going in - one of those days But then it happened - a situation where we've lost time and again, only this time Marco Fuoco FINALLY found the net, after Accialini saved once again, but on this occasion his defence failed to back him up, and Fuoco slammed in to steal a precious draw. The clock read 94:32 and we'd escaped a match we should have won with a draw. Just.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Rinaldini (Jesus 45), Campolonghi, Batistuta

7.12.03
Treviso are another team extremely well placed, 2nd in the table. This will be one of our hardest games of the season.

Treviso 3
Chiappara 13
De Ascentis 31, 67

Varese 0

We weren't at the races again today, as Elio Gustinetti's side were rampant without trying. Roberto Chiappara opened the scoring with a low drive short of the quarter hour, and the lead was doubled on 31 as Diego De Ascentis, on loan from Torino, headed past Loria and Dei after they'd wasted so many chances. The fact they have De Ascentis - clearly a Serie A player - is just an example of the quality they have. Gascoigne came close just after the break, as he mi**** a pass and nearly lobbed Doardo. De Ascentis scored a 2nd for himself and Treviso's 3rd with expert control, touch, and shooting to leave Dei without a hope. We need to get some form going again before we waste our good work.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Gascoigne, Campolonghi, Batistuta

14.12.03
Once again we face a team higher than us in the League. Albinoleffe are 4th, and in form. Last time, they stuffed us like a turkey, doing so 5-1. To add some much needed balance I decide to try Stefano Del Grande on the right wing. A product of the academy, he gets his chance after 3 years in the reserves, doing quite well.

Varese 1
Batistuta 43

Albinoleffe 0

The 3 points today came from battle, gritt, and determination. It was a very tight match, most of which was fought in the midfield, where Santi was brilliant - misplacing only 3 passes and making 15 successful tackles. :cool: Batistuta's goal was the only action of the first half. Campolonghi was tackled, but Batigol picked it up, went past Colombo, and kept his cool to take the win Gusmini came close twice in a matter of minutes, first shooting wide and then, when he found the target, Dei was equal. Our build up play was fine, as Plaquet, Fuoco, Campolonghi and Batistuta all combined well on a number of occasions only for the attack to be broken up.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Del Grande, Campolonghi, Batistuta

21.12.03
If we can beat Cittadella at the Euganeo we'll move above them. I choose to start the same team from last week's game against Albinoleffe, as I hope to win what is considered a derby.

Cittadella 3
Macelloni 47
De Gasperi 60
Rigoni 66 pen

Varese 2
Batistuta 23
Campolonghi 74

I feel cheated. It's one of those inexplicable situations where you do everything right, but don't get what you deserve. Batistuta opened the goalscoring with his 10th of the season, volleying in off the bar. 10 goals is great, but 5 came in one game, which means he's scored 5 in 18 otherwise. Still, he's playing out of his skin. We fully deserved our lead at the break, but we surrendered too easily once the 2nd period started. Macelloni was allowed to run at us, and he took the gift with a bullet right footed shot. De Gasperi gave them the lead when he slipped past Bandirali and shot low to Dei's right. The game was won 6 minutes later, when Rigoni dispatched a penalty, given for shirt pulling by Bandirali. It was a soft decision to say the least. Campolonghi scored a corker from 20 yards off the outside of his right foot. Del Grande cam inches away from getting us a point, but Caserta made a stunning stop in injury time from his header.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Loria, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Del Grande, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Now we have an 18 day break until the visit of Fermana. It'll be very useful indeed.

retired_deljo

3.1.04
New Year starts with some interesting transfer activity. I contact Verona about loaning winger Luca Matteassi until the end of this season. Seeing as he's on £17k a week, and they're struggling financially, they accept the deal as good for all parties. Matteassi is very quick - lightning - and can put a mean cross in. In Nielsen's absence, he's a gem.

I also terminate Roberto D'Auria's loan spell early, as he's not playing for us regularly, and it'll suit him better to go back to Sampdoria.

8.1.04
I bring in another loan signing from the other Veronese club. Chievo centre back Nicola Legrottaglie joins until the season finishes, and I really hope he can sort our defensive errors. He's experienced at all levels, and I think he could be an asset

In the afternoon Fermana come to town, sitting pretty in the playoffs. Gorini is injured, so Sbrizzo is in. Legrottaglie makes a hurried debut instead of Loria, and Matteassi gets the right wing berth.

Varese 0

Fermana 0

A real battle was seen here today, as both sides eventually fell in stalemate. Batistuta had the first clear opening, heading quite a way over though He came closer 5 minutes later, as the keeper just stopped it hitting the top corner. Mastronunzio was always a threat, but Legrottaglie was a rock in defence today, which pleased me It was Batistuta and Mastronunzio who continually threatened, but both defences were admirable in their mental and physical strength. Campolonghi forced a great save from the impressive Chiodini, who kept us out on numerous occasions, but a draw was nonetheless satisfying.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Sbrizzo, Bandirali(c), Legrottaglie, Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Matteassi, Campolonghi, Batistuta

18.1.04
After a 10 day break we resume with the visit of Spal. Christian Santi is suspended today, so I make the sole change in bringing Rinaldini in for him.

Varese 4
Campolonghi 19, 80
Matteassi 45
Fuoco 55

Spal 4
Cropano 36
Temelin 40
Gatti 49
Pirri 69

I'm far from happy with the defending, but we came back from behind on 3 occasions, which showed we are no soft team. The 8 goal thriller started with Campolonghi heading home a Plaquet cross past Alessandro Quarta. Cropano levelled it up by heading home a cross delivered by Pirri. Spal took a lead shortly after as Temelin scored at the 2nd attempt after Dei saved his first shot. We weren't behind at laf time, as Luca Matteassi was put clear by Campolonghi, and the winger kept his calm to slot home the 4th goal, and it became 2-2. Pirri got involved again, crossing for Gatti to head Spal into the lead again. But the game went topsy turvy again, as Fuoco found time and space to make it 3-3. But Alessio Pirri, involved in everything, took a run and unleashed a shot into the top corner to give them another lead, a lead which they again surrendered as Campolonghi fiercly dispatched Plaquet's cross for his 15th of the season, and to take a share of the points.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Sbrizzo, Bandirali(c) (Loria 44), Legrottaglie, Rinaldini, Plaquet, Fuoco, Matteassi, Campolonghi, Batistuta

About time I showed you a table...

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Italian Serie C1/A - Sunday 18th January 2004********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2003/4 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Lucchese 18 7 2 1 16 8 5 0 3 12 11 38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Treviso 18 8 0 0 22 2 2 5 3 12 13 35 3rd Alto Adige 18 6 1 3 19 11 5 1 2 15 8 35 4th Albinoleffe 18 5 2 1 13 8 5 2 3 17 10 34 5th Fermana 18 3 3 2 11 8 6 4 0 14 6 34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6th Ternana 18 5 4 1 14 10 3 3 2 15 13 31 7th Reggiana 18 6 0 2 19 11 3 1 6 14 22 28 8th Spal 18 4 3 1 10 7 3 3 4 17 21 27 9th Cittadella 18 5 1 2 17 11 2 4 4 14 18 26 10th Spezia 18 3 2 5 13 22 4 2 2 12 7 25 11th Cremonese 18 3 5 2 14 16 2 4 2 10 11 24 12th Pisa 18 4 1 3 18 13 2 4 4 15 15 23 13th VARESE 18 4 5 1 21 12 1 2 5 12 16 22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14th Alessandria 18 1 4 3 9 12 2 5 3 11 12 18 15th Livorno 18 3 2 4 13 11 1 0 8 11 23 14 16th Sambenedettese 18 3 4 3 13 12 0 1 7 5 21 14 17th Pro Sesto 18 0 2 7 10 18 1 2 6 5 15 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18th Sangiovannese 18 1 3 6 11 25 0 1 7 6 21 7 </pre>

I'm disappointed, as we've scored plenty, but forgotten how to stop conceding We should be better placed.

21.1.04
Nicola Legrottaglie will be out for a month with a damaged neck. He's played well in his 2 games so far, and we really will miss him

retired_deljo

25.1.04
Today's game at Alessandria will be very important, as they'll gain ground on us if we lose, but we can move away from any trouble with a win. A defensive crisis sees Legrottaglie and Bandirali out, to be replaced by Loria, and returning captain Gorini. Santi also comes back in.

Alessandria 1
Modesti 42

Varese 2
Matteassi 11
Campolonghi 62
Loria sent off 4

I'm proud of my 10 men after a great display to fight back from an early blow to win these vital 3 points. Just 4 minutes in, and referee Stefano CassarÃ* sent Simone Loria off for a professional foul. It was dubious and I will definitely appeal against the decision. But it was we who took the lead after a defensive reshuffle, as Luca Matteassi found the net again. He'd already linked well with Batistuta which nearly produced the goods, but the man on loan from Verona took actions into his own hands, or rather feet, reaching Campolonghi's pass, and taking his time to beat D'Amico. The number difference soon started to take over, and Modesti was only stopped by an in-form Dei. He did find the net just short of half time, heading in Garzon's header. We concede far too many goals in the 5 minutes before, and after half time. Work is needed on that. Work isn't needed on Marcello Campolonghi's finishing. He may waste some, but his header on 62 minutes to take the points back home with us was right our of the top drawer. Matteassi supplied the cross, and the impressive winger never stopped running, passing, crossing - he was great. Alessandria's left back Paolo Bravo must be having nightmares from now on - he was terrorised. A good win in the end.

Team: Dei, Presotto, Sbrizzo, Loria, Gorini(c), Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco (Caddedu 4), Matteassi, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Caddedu's first appearance of the season was highly impressive - the way he and Gorini worked together was promising.

28.1.04
Reports are rife in Italy today that AC Milan are putting together a world record bid of £50m for Arsenal's Patrick Vieira. As usual, no-one is saying anything from either party.

1.2.04
February starts with a visit from Pisa. A win will take us above at least them, and maybe others. Caddedu starts alongside Gorini in defence.

Varese 2
Batistuta 10, 14

Pisa 2
Constantino 46
Ambrosi 87

This is the reason we're 12th in the table. With a win we'd be 8th, it's that close. Batistuta gave us the perfect start by scoring twice in a couple of minutes, one headed, one left foot strike. We were extremely comfortable too, although Pisa almost scored on the stroke of 45. With a 2-0 lead at halfway you'd expect us to go on and seal the win. But no Constantino pulled back one, heading home a deep Frati cross. We were still holding on though, until Ambrosi volleyed in a late, late equaliser We should have sealed this, but we didn't - will we come to regret it?

Team: Dei, Presotto, Sbrizzo, Caddedu, Gorini(c), Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Matteassi, Campolonghi, Batistuta

15.2.04
Being my Assistant Manager, I've been talking to Gabriel Batistuta about young goalkeeper Sergio Girardi. Batistuta thinks I should play him today against Reggiana, but Emiliano Dei has been in fine form. Still, anything to stop conceding, I listen to Batistuta and play the young keeper this afternoon, in the only neccessary change.

Reggiana 0

Varese 1
Campolonghi 43

Girardi is amazing! 12 shots Reggiana had - 6 on target - and Girardi was simply unbeatable. He was big, commanding, and composed for an 18 year old. We were under pressure for a lot of the game, but we came through with a great 1-0 win Miftah, Minetti and Archetti all tested my young keeper in the first half an hour, but Girardi was equal to everything. Batistuta had a goal disallowed on 37 minutes, Camplonghi found him in an offside position, but he still put it past Mikael Fabre. And the psychological barrier of being beaten now broken, we took the lead on 43 minutes, as Campolonghi found Fuoco's cross to head home yet another headed goal. That was all we needed . We were far more assertive in the second half, putting together some fabulous play, but not scoring. Girardi hadn't much to do in the second half, but was still alert enough to prevent an equaliser. The win takes us to 8th

Team: Girardi, Presotto, Sbrizzo, Caddedu, Gorini(c), Santi, Plaquet, Fuoco, Matteassi, Campolonghi, Batistuta

Remember Paolo Bravo - the Alessandria left back terrorised by Luca Matteassi? He broke his leg today, and will be out for 6 months :o