If you register for free, you will be able to post threads, vote on polls and lots more. If you have problems with the registration or logging in, please contact the administrator.
22.2.04
We look to carry on some decent form with the visit from lowly Livorno. I'm able to partner Gorini and Legrottaglie in central defence at last, as the defender on loan from Chievo returns from a neck injury
Varese 4
Fuoco 32
Campolonghi 47, 60
Matteassi 68
Livorno 0
We were way too comfortable to be hugely delighted, but we can be pleased with ourselves for making it easy. It was a pretty simple game for the first half hour, as we were content with the play, and took the lead on 32 minutes, Santi supplying Fuoco to slot past Luca Formica. We held the lead until 47 minutes, when we strengthened it, as Fuoco turned maker this time, giving the ball to Campolonghi, who used skill and strength to beat off Saverino before rifling in. He scored again 13 minutes later, this time tapping into an open goal after Matteassi's shot was saved to make it 19 for the season. Matteassi got in on the act himself a bit later, finding Fuoco's pass before crashing a shot past Formica to complete a comfortable yet comprehensive 4-0 victory.
The win gives us a nice boost of 6 games unbeaten, and a cushion in the table as we prepare to face Ternana and Lucchese - two of the toughest sides in the league.
29.2.04
Ternana outclassed us at home, but we're back in some form, and may be more of a test for them. Unchanged.
Ternana 2
GiampÃ* 80
Frezza 86
Varese 1
Campolonghi 18 Santi injured 25
We woz robbed I tell ya! We outplayed Ternana and defended for all we were worth, and without Santi, the glue holding the side together, for a lot of the game. It was us who started brighter, and we got a deserved lead as Campolonghi took a 1 on 1 chance to score his 20th of the season Santi then went off with a knee injury, and Loria played very well in midfield as his replacement. Ternana pressurised for a goal, but couldn't get it as Girardi was great in goal. But then they equalised, as GiampÃ* slid home an equaliser. The home side smelt victory, and Cacia found an unmarked Frezza to score a heartbreaking winner. My team were so despondant in the changing room afterwards, they really felt they had it won.
Santi's out for 2 weeks. We have to pick ourselves up for the game against Lucchese next week. I think we have a good chance to win, but luck has to come our way this time as well.
7.3.04
We are yet to beat Lucchese in 5 games against them. Today is probably our best chance against Franco Zola's side, as we're playing pretty well. Rinaldini is in for Santi.
Varese 0 Legrottaglie injured 7
Gorini sent off 45
Lucchese 0
This was a very well earned draw if you consider the fact we lost our first choice centreback pairing by half time. Inside just 7 minutes Legrottaglie picked up another injury - a nasty cut on his leg which will keep him out for a week or two. Loria came on again and was marvellous. We attacked more effieciently, but Campolonghi couldn't score. The closest he came was a header on 42 minutes that beat Gazzoli (who had a great game) but hit the angle of post and bar before looping over. Right on half time captain Edoardo Gorini was dismissed by Salvatore Evacic for bringing down Carruezzo, adjudged as being clear on goal. After studying video evidence I might appeal. Bandirali came on for Fuoco and he and Loria were like rocks - unbeatable. Lucchese dominated with the extra man, but couldn't score. When we tried, Batistuta and Campolonghi were stopped by the irrepressible David Bianchini. Not bad at all overall though.
We're still well placed to go into games against Sangiovannese, Cremonese, Spezia and Sambenedettese - which I think we could fare rather well in
14.3.04
We stuffed Sangiovannese 6-0 earlier in the season, with such ease. Giuseppe Sannino's side are stuck to the bottom of the table as we go to the Fedini. We have got to win.
Sangiovannese 2
F.Vianello 5
Cappelli 70
Varese 3
Batistuta 29
Campolonghi 43, 72 Sbrizzo sent off 68
We were very close to not taking anything today, which would have been totally unacceptable. The home side shocked us as Vianello drove in on 5 minutes to give an absolute shock lead for themselves :eek: But as expected, we were dominating the game, and Matteassi's cross on 29 minutes gave Batistuta a chance to head in the equaliser. He obliged with his 13th goal of the season. I was particularly happy with a half time lead, given to us by Campolonghi - heading home another Matteassi cross We were comfortable for the majority of the second half, until Sbrizzo was sent off for a hard tackle on Proietti. Whilst I pondered a tactical switch Capelli headed home to make the scoreline embarrasing once again. But we went straight back to the other end and scored what was the eventual winner - Matteassi setting it up again - for Campolonghi to head home. We narrowly took this one on face value, but deserved it overall
21.3.04
Cremonese are still in touch with those in safety, and to be fair they look like a hard task today. I've always had bad luck against Cremonese, even in the days of playing CM at home Now I'm into management properly I'm looking for that to change.
Cremonese 3
Mangia 32
Recchi 82
Forlani 89
Varese 1
Campolonghi 13
You know, I think it's the nasty grey and red of Cremonese's kit that brings me bad luck against them. We could and probably should have won, but 3-1 flattered the home team. Marcello Campolonghi's right foot hooked effort gave us the lead, as the hitman scored his 23rd of the season Andrea Mangia found the net for the equaliser, beating a despairing dive from Girardi. Try as we might, we couldn't get the lead again, and with 8 minutes to go substitute Carmine Recchi scored a header from Fusco's free kick to give them a lead. Cremonese scored again late on, when captain Christian Forlani drive home from range. As I said, the scoreline flattered them, and we should have got at least a draw.
28.3.04
Amazingly we beat Spezia 7-2 away earlier this season. A win today would see us climb higher above them into 7th place, but similarly a defeat would see an end to much hope of a late dash towards the playoffs. Legrottaglie and Sbrizzo can return to the defensive fold.
Varese 0 Presotto sent off 34
Spezia 1
Grabinsky 74
The referees are against us We are not a dirty side, but Presotto became our 6th red card of the season, and believe me when I say I am appalled at Pierluigi Latella's decision to send my man off. It was a disgraceful show of playacting by Lonzar to get Presotto dismissed, a decision which ultimately cost us the game and realistically ended our season We had a ton of chances, but a mixture of bad luck/finishing and great saves kept us at bay. Cesar Grabinksy stole in with a header to give the visitors all the points, but I am going to voice my opinion about the officiating to everyone, even if I get into trouble
29.3.04
Guess what? My appeals fall on flat ears - shocking. Still, Presotto is injured for a month and Sbrizzo for a week, making a defensice reshuffle necessary for the big game at Sambenedettese.
01-23-2003, 10:22 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #63
4.4.04
April starts for us with a trip to the nice Riviera delle Palme to play Sambenedettese. Their tough strike force of Negri and Kanyengele must fancy it against a slightly weaker defence and a side out of form. An away win then, as it's these type of games we usually excel in
Sambenedettese 1
Kanyengele 41
Varese 2
Fuoco 50
Campolonghi 68
We were extremely lucky to only be 1-0 down at half time. Kanyengele's header just on the stroke gave Stefano Colantuono's team a much deserved lead. Marco Negri had a goal disallowed, and it was all the home side. Girardi was a hero in goal, as Gorini and Legrottaglie weren't playing half as good as they can. I told them to switch around at half time, to take players more suited to their strengths, and to get the ball to Santi and Matteassi, the creative sparks. Oh how we obliged. We were a different side in the 2nd half. Just 5 minutes in, Santi gave the bouncing ball to Fuoco, who still had much to do. He let it drop before firing in an unstoppable half volley from 25 yards - a goal of the season contender :cool: Shy of 20 minutes later, another Santi cross was this time headed home by the heading expert Campolonghi to take the lead. We decided to play out time, and took a nice 2-1 win to stop the rot for a while Christian Santi was immense - back to his brilliant best after a poor-ish spell. :cool:
7.4.04
No rest for the wicked, as we are given hardly any time to prepare for the visit of Alto Adige - recently knocked off the top of the table - meaning a toughie. Sbrizzo is called back early in the absence of any left backs.
How we won with such ease was surprising, but still, I'll take it We lost Legrottaglie to another injury, but Bandirali came in, and played a textbook game. He and Gorini were excellent. Bandirali is very underrated - he always produces the goods when needed. Campolonghi scored an inevitable header on 22 minutes, guiding Plaquet's missile of a cross past Riato to score what was his 25th of a prolific season. He made it 26 three minutes after half time, with yet another header, climbing high to finish an exquisite move comprising Fuoco, Sbrizzo, and another rapier cross from Plaquet. Campolonghi suits our style of wings so well. As does Batistuta, although his goal was a volley from 20 yards, after being set up by Man of the Match Sbrizzo. A fine win over usually tough opposition
Legrottaglie twisted his ankle, meaning yet another month out He's only played 8 games for us.
11.4.04
I'm expecting a win at lowly Pro Sesto today. They've struggled for the best part of 2 seasons, and we're back on the right track. Got to win.
Pro Sesto 1
Putelli 87
Varese 3
Campolonghi 32, 35, 66
Marcello Campolonghi scored his 3rd hat-trick of the season to make an easy game on paper transfer to reality. He and Batistuta came close on a number of occasions before the loanman got on the scoresheet with a nudge past the keeper to get to Batistuta's tame shot first. Quickly afterwards, he scored again, this time with the normal headed goal from a Santi free kick. He completed a 'proper' hat-trick on 66 minutes, unleashing a viscious right footed volley to go with his header and a left footer. Clinical. He's scored 29 goals in 28 games for us :cool: Putelli scored a consolation, but this was no more than a stroll in the park.
18.4.04
We are visited today by Treviso, who are looking good for a promotion playoff place. Luca Matteassi damaged his knee in the week and will need to miss today's game. Anders Nielsen gets a recall.
Varese 1
Campolonghi 33
Treviso 0
Marcello Campolonghi reached 30 goals for the season with a glancing header from a Plaquet cross on 33 minutes to give us a deserved all 3 points. We were the more potent attacking force, and Gorini was the rock around which the defence were extremely solid. Treviso strikers Lombardi and Lorenzini had absolutely no way through, but when called upon, Girardi produced the goods I'm very pleased with this game
25.4.04
A win away at 3rd placed Albinoleffe will give us a biger chance of making a shock late run towards a playoff spot. I decide to gamble on Matteassi's fitness.
Albinoleffe 1
Araboni 35
Varese 2
Campolonghi 16, 67 Molinaro sent off 41
We may not have deserved this win, but we still got it, which is what we've been doing recently 2 more goals from Campolonghi gave us a win that keeps us in with a shout of a promotion playoff place. His first on 16 minutes was a simple rebound after Acerbis failed to hold Plaquet's attempt. Fuoco and Bandirali forced good saves from Acerbis before a neat turn and shot from Araboni gave Albinoleffe an equaliser. Cristian Molinaro then made a very stupid lunging tackle that he deserved to be sent off for. But amazingly, against the odds, and the white and blue tide that came our way, we stole a goal that gave us the points. Fuoco spread the play wide, Matteassi crossed, and Campolonghi headed in yet another goal A very vital win.
2.5.04
A win against Cittadella will keep up our good run, and keep us in the race for promotion. But if results don't go our way we can't do anything about it, as we reach the penultimate round of the season.
Varese 2
Fuoco 13, 80
Cittadella 1
Rigoni 57
Just when we needed a hero, Marco Fuoco turned up right on cue. A great passing move lead to him giving us the lead with a simple, nonchalent finish. We could have had even more, but Batistuta couldn't beat Fabrizio Caserta, and Campolonghi was strangely out of sorts. Mario Rigoni was their potent threat, and he equalised on 57 with a run and a shot from exactly the same spot that Fuoco opened the scoring from. With time running out Santi swung over a deep corner, met by Fuoco's head, beating Caserta, and we took the vital win.
However, Houssine Kharja's 53rd minute goal for Ternana over Alessandria gave them a 1-0 win to mean we cannot make the playoffs any more. Still, it's not like we lost this one .
Today saw a few new Club Records made. The attendance of 9287 is a new high, as were the £60, 764 in gate receipts
01-24-2003, 08:18 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #65
9.5.04
Fermana is the last stop on the season's agenda. They've already sorted a playoff place, and we will be in a tough match.
Fermana 2
Mastronunzio 11
Marra 13 pen
Varese 1
Bandirali 65 Presotto injured 85
Bah well, our 6 game winning streak ended today, although after a very slow start we could have taken a share of the points. Salvatore Mastronunzio scored his 15th of the season, and Francesco Marra scored 2 minutes later to give them a solid lead. But when we woke up, we came good, but Batistuta, Campolonghi and company couldn't find a way past Chiodini. It was eventually Roberto Bandirali who found the net, with a thumping header from a Santi corner - it was his first of the season Campolonghi hit the bar, but our attacks were in vain as we lost.
A much better season 3rd time around, as we have improved again. 7th place is great stuff, considering our situation.
Our improvement can clearly be seen in the stats below;
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Season Finish Pld Won Draw Lost For Ag Pts2003/4 7th 34 15 9 10 61 45 542002/3 9th 34 12 7 15 41 45 432001/2 14th 34 12 4 18 45 55 40</pre>
We finished our highest yet, won more games, scored more goals, and gained more points. We still concede - turn that around, and we're there.
Out of the 61 goals, Marcello Campolonghi scored over half - 32, in just 32 games. A fabulous record, but he's back to Siena soon as his loan finishes. I'm going to stretch this club to it's limits to bring him in permanently.
01-24-2003, 09:17 PM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #67
As I have already said, it's the best season we've had under my guidance. The emergence of Sergio Girardi in goal was a nice boost, as he looks like being a key component in the team for a while. The defence was stil a bit shaky - Alessandro Sbrizzo came good about halfway through the season, and although Gorini and Bandirali performed very well, we are still prone to conceding - once we've solved that we're going places. Nicola Legrottaglie disappointed, as he was injured for so long during his loan spell This, again, is the key area to fix
Midfield saw another solid and creative season. Christian Santi has evolved into a solid and consistent defensive midfielder, alongside Marco Fuoco, who chips in with a few goals here and there. The loan acquisition of Luca Matteassi was huge for the club, as his tireless tirades along the right wing were amazingly beneficial. Unfortunately, we have no hope of a permanent deal as his wages are astronomical for a club our size. The midfield needs hardly any tampering, except maybe some quality cover.
For a change, the strikeforce was very prolific. Without a doubt, the pre-season signing of Gabriel Batistuta raised the club's profile to a degree never seen before. The legendary international may have only scored 14 goals (which I consider good for a 35 year old) but he contributed 7 assists, and was generally a very good partner for Marcello Campolonghi. Ah yes, Campolonghi - the king of the header. He scored a goal a game this season - 32 goals is a fantastic achievement, but he's only on loan although my aim is to secure this man permanently from Siena - or else negotiate a deal where he comes back next season.
Overall, another season of progression. If we can sort out the minor imbalances, we should be fit for a really good year in 2004/5.
What's been happening around Europe....
AC Milan won a dramatic last day Scudetto in Italy, holding off the challenge of fierce rivals Inter. The two Rome teams are next in line, Lazio and Roma take the remaining ECL spots. Torino, Empoli, Venezia and Chievo all return to familiar territory in the shape of Serie B. Promoted from B are Sampdoria, Salernitana, Udinese, and Fiorentina. Serie A will once again be blessed with the Viola and Blucerchiati of Florence and Genoa.
Manchester nited won the English Premiership by a huge margin - romping home 13 points clear of Liverpool. Goalscoring from Van Nistelrooy (20) and Seba Veron (15) gave Ferguson's men a 7th Premiership crown. Gillingham finally succumbed to relegation, where they'll be joined by Charlton, and amazingly Everton - after so long in the top flight they exit in a poor showing. Millwall come up as Champions of Division One, breaking the 100 points and goals barrier to romp home. Newcastle join them in promotion and the 100 goals club - Alan Shearer scoring 42 in the League and 46 in all competitions for Steve Evans' men. Birmingham join them via the playoffs.
Once again, in Spain, no surprises as Barcelona took another comprehensive League title, 12 points clear of Betis, woth Real Marid a further 9 points down. In a strangely 'normal' season in La Liga, Salamanca, Murcia, and Levante all found the top flight too testing, as they will swap with promoted sides Oviedo, Cordoba, and Rayo.
Lens won their first French crown in 6 years under the guidance of the legendary Joel Muller, who lead them to a last day title by 1 point over Lille. PSG and Bordeaux finished disppointingly low, but not as low as Nimes, Bastia and Cannes, who all gained over 40 points but are still relegated - Le Havre, Niort, and Saint Ettiene replace them.
Finally to Germany, where the title was decided in effect 1 game before the end, as Dortmund crushed Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Westfalenstadion. Goals from Frings, Amoroso (2) and Koller gave the Dortmunder an advantage they never lost. Lubeck, Mannheim, and Frankfurt are relegated, to be replaced by Nuremburg, Cottbus, and MGB.
3.6.04
I agree a few deals today. Polish striker Mateusz Dobek *should* arrive in July, depending on our financial situation, but Marijan Buljat will arrive on the right wing. They both look quite good from the evidence I have
6.6.04
It's the time where Awards are given out
FIFA World Player of the Year - Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
World Footballer of the Year - Ilhan Mansiz (Galatasaray)
Italian Serie C1/A Manager of the Year - Alberto Zaccheroni (Fiorentina)
Serie A Player of the Year - Filippo Inzagi (AC MIlan)
Serie A Young Player of the Year - Giuseppe Colucci (Bologna)
Serie A Defender of the Year - Ivan Cordoba (Inter)
Serie A Top Goalscorer - Christian Vieri (Inter, 20 goals)
Serie A Italian Player of the Year - Christian Vieri (Inter)
Serie A Foreign Player of the Year - Zissis Vryzas (Perugia)
Serie B Player of the Year - Zlatan Muslimovic (Ascoli)
Serie B Top Goalscorer - Andrea Cossu (Verona, 32 goals)
Serie C1/A Player of the Year - Mario Frick (Ternana/Ipswich)
Serie C1/A Top Goalscorer - Marcello Campolonghi (Varese, 32 goals)
Campolonghi and Batistuta are named amongst the subs for the Team of the Season. The cheek - they should have been starters.
10.6.04
Stefano Brognoli is out of contract and has decided to leave He had a great first season, but hasn't done much since. Batistuta and Campolonghi are far more effective.
14.6.04
....but I've persuaded him to sign a new contract Brognoli will rejoin - he is a decent striker anyway, and always useful in a crisis :cool:
16.6.04
More Awards;
European Footballer of the Year - Christian Vieri (Inter)
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
European Defender of the Year - Francesco Coco (Inter)
European Midfielder of the Year - Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
European Striker of the Year - Christian Vieri (Inter)
Gabriel Batistuta is voted Fans Player of the Year
01-27-2003, 07:15 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #68
Good work. Though with the additions you've made and the position you earned this season, don't be shocked if your board expects promotion (or at least the playoffs) next season.
KUTGW!
01-27-2003, 11:13 AM
I can't believe I thought it would be easy (the Italian Job challenge) Post #69
19.6.04
Once again, the Serie C Cup Groups are drawn....
Group D
Biellese
Meda
Torres
Valenzana
VARESE
Valenzana again :o Every year we play them in the Cup.
20.6.04
And it's time to view the new fixtures
We open up away at Pisa, before the home campaign starts against Treviso. Then we're off to Triestina. We have to get off to a good start this time around - it cost us last year.
27.6.04
Holland won their 2nd European Championship today, beating Germany 1-0 in Lisbon. David Mendes Da Silva scored a crucial last gasp, 89th minute goal to give Advocaat's side the glory to add to the 1988 victory.
1.7.04
Dejan Simac, Marijan Buljat and Saso Jakomin all join up with us today, and are immediately looking quit good. The board stop me signing a prolific striker *again* as they veto the deal for Mateusz Dobek I'm still trying though
18.7.04
All attempts at getting Dobek are cancelled, as his club Elana now want more money I have however brough back Marco Alberio from Igea Virtus on another season's loan. He scored 19 for my reserves last season, and I might have to give him a full chance in the first team.
I've also brought in ex-Arsenal youngster Steven Sidwell in on a monthly contract
6.8.04
Stefano Brognoli tore his groin muscle this afternoon and will be out of action for 3 months.
15.8.04
Our pre-season warmup starts today as Meda visit in the Serie C Cup. I choose to debut Buljat, Simac, Alberio, and Sidwell alongside Santi in a tough midfield.
Varese 3
Batistuta 2
Alberio 28, 87
Meda 3
Nino 14
Goisis 32
Magliocco 88
I'm happy that we can still score goals, even without last season's top scorer Campolonghi any more. The first shot of the day was Batistuta's siding effort to convert Fuoco's cross But Meda hit back, Nino collecting a loose ball before stroking home. Alberio was given a chance to score on his full debut for us, and took Sidwell's flick on before flicking home. But Goisis levelled for Meda again, tapping in a rebound from a shot Girardi couldn't hold. Whilst we didn't score we were OK, but 3 minutes left on the clock we were gifted an apparent winner. Schiavone dropped the cross, and Alberio was there to tap in But it wasn't a winner as Magliocco rifled home a 30 yard cracker to steal a point. We need to work on the defence as a unit.
21.8.04
I bring in another loan signing as they are the best for a side like us with no money. Brescia have kindly allowed me to take Dario Manzoni on loan for the rest of the season. He's a decent centre back, hopefully he can stop the gap in the middle of our defence, where at the moment a bus could drive through.
We outplayed Ternana and defended for all we were worth, and without Santi, the glue holding the side together, for a lot of the game. It was us who started brighter, and we got a deserved lead as Campolonghi took a 1 on 1 chance to score his 20th of the season 
Linear Mode
