retired_deljo

13.2.05
The 14 day break we've just had could work 2 ways - give us time to rest, or take some impetus away from our form. Unchanged away to Spal.

Spal 1
Zanoncelli 54 pen

Varese 0

Only a penalty sperated us today, and although it was a dubious decision, Spal deserved to win Zanoncelii dispatched the kick on 54 minutes as the only highlight of a poor game. Matteassi had our best chance 5 minutes from time, but balzed over. What makes it more painful is that if we had won, we would be top, as Fermana beat Pro Patria 3-0. Instead the honour goes to Fermana themselves, as we are shunted down into 4th. Not the best of days.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

20.2.05
We must get back to winning as soon as possible, and the visit of Pistoiese gives a perfect chance to do so. Simone Loria comes in for the suspended Sbrizzo.

Varese 3
Gorini 29
Santi 33
Matteassi 90

Pistoiese 1
Agostinelli 45

It wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline makes out. It took some hard battling to get the lead, and in a very rare way. The ball was cleared from a corner, but only to Edoardo Gorini, who hit a 25 yard corker into the top corner for his 3rd of the season - his most prolific season for 6 years. 4 minutes later Christian Santi doubled the advantage, finishing an open goal from a spillage after Batistuta shot. It was his 2nd of the season and 3rd of his career But Gianmarco Agostinelli made things complicated on half time with a well placed right footed shot. The visitors then took over, attacking whilst we did all we could to defend stoutly. On 70 minutes I thought it was over as Marco Ferro headed past Girardi, but he was about a foot offside, noticed by the referee's assistant. In injury time we got the important 3rd, Luca Matteassi's 5th of the campaign from 20 yards into the top corner. We're back in 2nd - 2 points off Padova.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Loria, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

27.2.05
The next 3 games are absolutely pivotal to our fortunes, starting with the easier of them away at Ancona. That said, it'll be a tough sort of game against a side battling for their lives, managed by Ciro Ferrara - one of the best battlers.

Ancona 1
Degano 2
Scarpi sent off 16

Varese 3
Alberio 3, 24
Batistuta 48
Alberio missed pen 16

The first 15 minutes of this match are amongst the weirdest in my experiences. The shock arrived 2 minutes in when Daniele Degano ran through unchallenged to score. But my intensive drilling of scoring very quickly after conceding is starting to pay off, as we went back and scored immediately, Alberio smashing the ball into the net It then got interesting. Batistuta ran through and was sent tumbling by Alessio Scarpi. Referee Pierluigi Latella sent the home goalkeeper off, and I expected to take the lead. But Alberio took the kick ahead of Edoardo Gorini, which surprised me a little, and had it saved by substitute Domenico Pace, who ended up playing a blinder. Our disappointment was relieved soon enough, when Alberio made amends, as Batistuta and Matteassi found space for the prolific striker to add another notch. Batistuta got in on the act rapidly after the restart, linking well with Plaquet before finishing the clinching strike.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

retired_deljo

The next 3 games couldn't be harder - Fermana at home, Padova away, Reggiana at home. Our title credentials will be tested to their fullest.

After the game I am told that Saso Jakomin has retired from football with immediate effect and gone home to Slovenia :eek: What am I meant to do now? :eek: Totally shaken me.

6.3.05
Part one of the toughness - Fermana at home. I name an unchanged side for the clash.

Varese 2
Plaquet 42
Alberio 57

Fermana 2
Marra 45, 68

I'm seething And all will be explained. A tight first half exploded at the end, as firstly we took the lead through a clean strike by Laurent Plaquet at the near post. Then the first outrage - Francesco Marra headed in the equaliser 5 minutes into first half injury time - where the hell that time came from I'll never know. Into the 2nd half, and we regained the lead, as Alberio made amends for some misses with a tidy one on one finish. Then the 2nd outrage - Batistuta had a goal disallowed for an offside decision against Alberio, who assisted him. He was nowhere near off To make it worse, Marra headed in the 2nd equaliser straight away Fermana proceeded to sit back, and we surged onwards for a winner. And we got it, only for Fermana to be given yet another reprieve. Alberio rammed the ball home in injury time, but was adjudged to have fouled his marker A draw is still good, but a win (which we deserved) would have put us top.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

I file my match report as part of my serious complaint to the Italian FA complaining about Davide Mihoci's performance. Grievances include;

+ the unfair disallowing of 2 goals
+ adding extensive first half stoppage time in which Fermana scored
+ The booking of 2 of my players, 1 unfairly, and 1 leading to suspension in a crucial match
+ The result could eventually affect our league placing

I don't expect anything to happen as a result of this poor excuse for a referee. I'm in such a rage at this moment

13.3.05
The 2nd leg of our 3 match run which is so important takes us to Padova. Hopefully we'll have a better referee than the shameful excuse for one last match, which meant Christian Santi is suspended today.

Padova 1
Mosson 26

Varese 1
Gorini 60

Thankfully we had a better referee today, and also a top class defence, which turned into attack for one crucial moment. Padova are a very good side, and it wouldn't surprise me if they were one of the two to get promoted at the end (just as long as we're the other ). They attacked for a majority of the game, and took the lead on 26 minutes through prolific midfielder Alifie Mosson. The stats will tell you we had 13 shots apiece, and we did have our fair share of dominance. Alberio hit the post in first half injury time, which happened shortly after Sbrizzo was lucky to escape a penalty shout against him. On the hour the best player on the field plundered a header into the top corner. Edoardo Gorini's thumping header might just be the most crucial goal we score this season. It keeps us very much in touch with matters at the top, and my captain was simply irresistable today.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Fuoco, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

retired_deljo

20.3.05
Reggiana are the final game of our run against the top three, and the one I'm more confident about. Santi returns for the newly suspended Sidwell.

Varese 1
Alberio 67

Reggiana 0

The horrible wet March conditions made this match worse to watch and harder to play, and the outcome depended on which team made the best of a bad situation. As it turned out it was us. We had the better of the attacking play, but when called upon the whole team worked as a unit and defended for their lives. Most of our first half attacks ended in poor misplaced passes, mainly due to the swirling wind. Things got better in the second half, as Matteassi showed hope was there with a skidding 30 yard shot wide of the near post. 10 minutes later Alberio drove over the crossbar, but we were getting closer. The winner was very lucky. Batistuta cut inside and hit a shot which Alberio ran in front of, and it hit him and deflected in And this result means for the first time this season - we're top

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo (Loria 77), Plaquet, Santi, Fuoco, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

The next 3 games could see us consolidate the top spot with matches at Cremonese and Albinoleffe sandwiched around a visit from Monza. All 3 teams are battling the drop, but they could prove to be just as hard as the previous 3 games.

27.3.05
Cremonese away - from the top to the bottom. I know this is a must win match, and it makes it better that our central midfield combo of Santi and Sidwell are back together. Sbrizzo is injured, and is replaced by Loria.

Cremonese 2
Cammarota 24
Tabbiani 51

Varese 3
Alberio 7, 35, 70
Batistuta injured 43

A very tight match, as I thought it would be, but all that matters is that we got the 3 points to keep us top Alberio struck his 20th of the season in the opening exchanges with a 20 yard drive into the top of the goal. I was hoping for a 2nd, but it never came before Andrea Cammarota sent in his 3rd of the season. But Alberio gave us the lead again with a lovely turn and curling shot past Lorini's palm Yet Cremonese came back again soon into the second half. Tabbiani headed in to end a good move. It was getting desperate by now, as Cremonese were a clear threat, and without Batistuta we were less offensively potent. But not Alberio. He completed his hat-trick, possibly the most vital of his career (in my eyes anyway) with a header from Sidwell's cross after losing his marker. I knew it would be tough, but I couldn't care how badly we play if we can get the points.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Loria, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta (Sergio Paez 43)

The defeat sees Cremonese drop into the relegation playoffs in C1/A. No such luck for us gaining a promotion playoff spot quite yet, as only 6 points seperate us from 6th place. 7 games are left, I figure we need 16 points at least. But I don't like making targets - anything can happen in games, as was shown today.

3.4.05
Monza at home is a match I hope can be a home banker. Sergio Paez is replacing Batistuta, as we should beat the strugglers.

Varese 0

Monza 0

An unfortunate day for us, as we stay top, but the gap is now down to a solitary point after a battle today in a match we should have won, and would have of Sergio Paez's header had not been disallowed for offside. Alberio was again very dangerous, only his finishing let him down rather badly. Plaquet was good on the wing, and almost scored himself late in the day, but Luca Righi produced a number of fine stops today, meaning we draw.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Loria, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Sergio Paez

retired_deljo

6.4.05
3 days between games is tough at the business end of the season, and a trip to Albinoleffe is harder than you may think. Pietro Vierchowod has turned them around to an extent, but they are in the relegation dogfight. Sbrizzo is back at left back.

Albinoleffe 1
Pellegris 26

Varese 1
Plaquet 37

Again, I'm disappointed with a draw, considering a little bit of luck could have gone a long way. 6 minutes in Sergio Paez came very close, but wasted from 9 yards. Albinoleffe went in front on 26 minutes thanks to Roberto Pellegris' volley past Girardi. We then should have had a penalty. Alberio was sent tumbling, and the linesman flagged - however, the referee chose to overrule his assistant Not to despair badly though, as Laurent Plaquet went on a fine solo burst before dinking a shot over Monterastelli. We had much of the 2nd half, but things are not going our way too much. The lead is now only on goal diffeence over Padova - making a win next time out imperative.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Sergio Paez

10.4.05
3 games in 7 days! I don't like it, and Pro Patria will be another hard propostion, made harder by the absence of Manzoni through suspension. I gamble on Batistuta, who's only about 80% fit.

Varese 1
Santi 34

Pro Patria 1
Arioli 68

3 draws in a row, and another we could have won, yet lost at the same time. Just 4 minutes in Ruopolo had a header chalked off for a foul, which saw a combined sigh of relief from the Franco Ossola tifosi. Once Christian Santi had put us into the lead on 34 minutes with a solid shot from Plaquet's assist I thought there was no way back for our guests. I was wrong. Giovanni Arioli beat Sergio Girardi on 68 minutes to take a share of the spoils. Thankfully Padova could only draw as well, meaning we still maintain top spot with 4 games to go. However, if Reggiana win their game in hand we will be involved in a 3 way tie on 55 points at the top. No more slip ups.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Legrottaglie, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

Our last 4 games;
Gubbio (a)
Spezia (h)
Alessandria (a)
Cittadella (a)

3 away games. It's a hard run in, without a shadow of a doubt.

retired_deljo

13.4.05
Reggiana could only draw the game in hand away at Pisa. Still, the top is very tight

in fact, the top six couldn't be tighter

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Italian Serie C1/A - Wednesday 13th April 2005********************************************** ************************************************** Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Varese 30 9 7 0 28 12 5 6 3 21 14 55 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Padova 30 11 2 2 31 16 5 5 5 26 24 55 3rd Spezia 30 9 5 2 35 18 7 1 6 26 21 54 4th Fermana 30 7 6 1 25 12 6 8 2 32 25 53 5th Reggiana 30 10 3 2 25 12 6 2 7 24 25 53 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6th Spal 30 10 2 3 24 17 6 3 6 20 17 53</pre>

Everyone is right in the mix, but we're in the best position. Being top however doesn't give us the chance to slip up and stay top. It's going right to the wire - but who will come out on top?

retired_deljo

17.4.05
Today is the make or break. I have a feeling, a gut instinct, that the game away at Gubbio is one that has to be won, or we have to face the consequences. I choose to put Bandirali in at left back in place of the suspended Alessandro Sbrizzo. It's the 33 year old's first game of the season.

Gubbio 0

Varese 3
Alberio 27, 62
Batistuta 49

In a time of need you find those people who are there to stand up and be counted. Fortunately, I have a team full of them. Gorini, Sidwell and Alberio in particular were outstanding in today's win, which ended up looking easier than it was. Again, the opposition came forwards early, as they tend to do against us, but it suited us. When we sensed a weakness, it was exploited with ruthless clinicalism. Primary example - Alberio's opener. After a long time soaking up pressure, Steven Sidwell went running, crossed the ball, to be met my Alberio's head. Another header gave us a 2-0 lead, and breathing space. Alberio turned provider this time for Batistuta to send in another vital goal. The relief I felt was nothing compared to when Alberio turned in number 3, and clinched some very vital points. We now have a 1 point lead, but not over Padova, Reggiana, nor Fermana. Spezia jumo into 2nd as others slip. Just by coincidence, they're next for us. How pivitol will that be....

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Bandirali, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

24.4.05
Top vs Second. Varese vs Spezia. Make or Break. I have to go unchanged after the last match, meaning Bandirali is slected ahead of Sbrizzo.

Varese 2
Batistuta 19
Alberio 34
Santi 16

Spezia 2
Pastrello 28
Torino 75

What a match. It literally had everything. End to end attacking football from arguably the two best sides in the league, and a draw was probably the right result. Christian Santi went off injured very early, which was not good at all, and his injury could keep him out of the run in Three minutes after his injury, Gabi Batistuta scored the opening goal, sending Plaquet's cross past Amelia with a superb volley. We didn't hold on long, because Pastrello equalised with just as nice a volley. But the character was there again, as Marco Agatino Alberio struck gold with his 25th of the season, as he watched the ball fall over his shoulder before rifling to the corner. Spezia proceeded to lay seige to the goal. They had no less than 18 attempts on our goal. Vittorio Torino's header on 75 minutes was one attempt too many We just couldn't hold on that long. But we are still at the summit of C1/A. Fermana have tied us on points. A win away at Alessandria next Sunday will confirm a playoff spot, but we must claim all 6 points from the last 2 games to keep fate in our own hands.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Manzoni, Bandirali, Plaquet, Santi, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

The run ins;

Varese: Alessandria(a), Cittadella(a)
Fermana: Padova(a), Reggiana(h)
Spezia: Cittadella(h), Pisa(a)
Spal: Monza(a), Albinoleffe(h)
Padova: Fermana(h), Alessandria(a)
Reggiana: Pistoise(a), Ancona(h), Fermana(a)

I don't know what effect the fact that so many of the teams have to play each other might mean, but the draw has been kind to ourselves and Spal. Still, it means nothing on paper. We must win both games. Do that, and we're all but champions.

retired_deljo

1.5.05
May commences with a trip to Alessandria. They used to cause us no end of problems, but we've had the recent upper hand, unbeaten in three against them. It must become four today. Sbrizzo is back, but Bandirali stays, moving inside as cover for the injured Manzoni. Santi misses out, Fuoco deputises.

Alessandria 1
Omoduemuke 59

Varese 2
Alberio 22, 28

One down, one to go. Alberio turned it on when it really mattered, with 2 goals in an 8 minute burst. The first came on 22 minutes after Castagnone couldn't hold Batistuta's drive, and Alberio swept up. He doubled the lead with a powerful run and shot unleashed into the top corner. Alessandria worried us no end in the 2nd period, not least because we couldn't score a third, which would have ended up being more important after Peter Omoduekume headed home to reduce the deficit. But thankfully we were able to hold on, desperately at times, for 3 crucial points.

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Gorini (c), Bandirali, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Fuoco, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta

The result guarantees a playoff spot for promotion. We have a 1 point lead again, meaning nothing, as the last game will be a cup final - everything goes out of the window against Cittadella. Gorini, however, is suspended

5.5.05
Massimiliano Vieri broke his leg today and will be out for 6 months. Why is that relevant? Because I've agreed to sign him on a Bosman Free I signed the deal two months ago, and now he's out until November. Dammit

8.5.05
Our day of destiny. A win away at Cittadella will mean we will take the Serie C1/A Title, and gain promotion. Manzoni returns as cover for Gorini, and we have no choice but to win.

Cittadella 1
Macelloni 86

Varese 2
Alberio 14
Matteassi 62
Batistuta injured 19

We've done it! The culmination of our 13 match unbeaten end to the season sees ourselves take a very deserved title - the club's highest ever achievement. Alberio's 28th of a successful season gave us the lead with a tap in from Sbrizzo's cross shot. Batistuta then went off injured, giving Stevie Sidwell the chance to captain us for the first time. The Englishman didn't let us down, he was strong as anything throughout. when Luca Matteassi swept home number two 17 minutes into the second half it was time to relax, but not take the champagne off ice. Stefano Macelloni headed in 4 minutes from time to make things tense, but when Davide Mihoci blew for full time, it was pandemonium. We brought 3000 fans to the Euganeo today, and what noise they made as Edoardo Gorini lifted the Championship Trophy to cap a wonderful season! We finally did it!

Team: Girardi, Molinaro, Manzoni, Bandirali, Sbrizzo, Plaquet, Fuoco, Sidwell, Matteassi, Alberio, Batistuta(c) (Sergio Paez 19)

retired_deljo

The final table makes great reading

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Italian Serie C1/A - Sunday 8th May 2005********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2004/5 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st C Varese 34 9 8 0 30 14 8 6 3 28 16 65 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Pl Spezia 34 10 5 2 37 19 9 2 6 33 24 64 3rd Pl Spal 34 12 2 3 27 17 6 5 6 23 20 61 4th Pl Padova 34 12 3 2 34 17 5 6 6 28 27 60 5th Pl Fermana 33 9 6 1 28 12 6 8 3 32 27 59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6th Reggiana 33 10 4 3 26 17 6 3 7 25 26 55 7th Pistoiese 34 7 6 4 28 22 7 5 5 27 25 53 8th Pisa 34 9 4 4 26 17 5 6 6 28 25 52 9th Pro Patria 34 9 4 4 37 26 5 4 8 24 32 50 10th Triestina 34 6 6 5 27 23 7 3 7 34 36 48 11th Treviso 34 8 5 4 31 23 4 6 7 22 28 47 12th Gubbio 34 7 3 7 35 34 7 2 8 27 28 47 13th Cittadella 34 6 4 7 32 28 7 2 8 25 32 45 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14th Pl Ancona 34 7 3 7 26 27 5 4 8 22 29 43 15th Pl Monza 34 3 3 11 20 31 3 7 7 16 20 28 16th Pl Alessandria 34 5 4 8 22 28 1 5 11 12 30 27 17th Pl Albinoleffe 34 4 2 11 21 39 1 2 14 14 43 19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18th R Cremonese 34 2 6 9 22 35 0 2 15 9 41 14 </pre>

retired_charlene

Good stuff, I particularly like the Lost column at home, that makes for great reading!

Anyway, keep it up , you've encouraged me to actually continue my challenge story (and it'll hopefully start up on here soonish)

retired_linda1025

Great story!