Philip Rolfe

"...news reports just coming into us here at RAI suggest that Massimo Morales, manager of small Serie C club side Varese, has been kidnapped by an Italian gang claiming that they have had 'rather a lot of gold' stolen from them around 25 years ago by 'some Englishmen in minis' and are demanding the return of it all before Morales' release. A spokesman for Varese said "Signor Morales has indeed sadly been kidnapped and held hostage. Obviously we cannot disrupt the footballing calender, so we have taken the unprecedented decision to employ Englishman Philip Rolfe as our manager for the period Morales is...well, unavailable."

So, I came to manage this small side in the middle of a hostage situation. [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG] Still, I wasn't complaining, it was always my dream to manage a football club, even this small, and even if I hadn't heard of them before. Even if it was very strange that Varese chose me.....maybe it had something to do with those brown envelopes.....

Philip Rolfe

Anyway, lets get the introductions out of the way.

On the 22nd of March 1910 Varese Football Club was born. The biancorossi, as they are affectionately known by their passionate tifosi, had their golden age in the 1920's, before falling into the depths of Italian calcio due to bankruptcy. They flirted with Serie B in the 60's, but ultimately have been down in the lower reaches for some time.

The Stadio Franco Ossola has a 15000 capacity, quite sufficient for a club our size, and has a homely atmosphere.

Stadio Franco Ossola

Situated in Lombardy, it is in the shadows of the Giuseppe Meazza, San Siro, home of the Milan giants.

Time to have a look at the misfits and hopefuls I inherit, known as my Squad.

Goalkeepers
Gioacchino Cavaliere (Age 20) - not too special, likely sub keeper
Emiliano Dei (30) - most likely first choice keeper, good enough for this level

Defenders
Edoardo Gorini (27) - experienced centre back, first choice and club captain
Lennart Lynge Larsen (26) - very good for Serie C, hard working left sided player, should be a regular
Giacomo Nincheri (28) - looks like he'll struggle to displace Larsen from the left side of the team, but able deputy when required
Roberto Bandirali (29) - Another player who regularly plays at this level, and could be a regular starting central defender
Stefano Presotto (18) - right back in his first professional season. With luck and hard work could be a real star
Jean-Toussant Moretti (21) - another left sided defender, again, looks like he'll struggle to get ahead of Larsen
Salvatore Avallone (31) - not the most special of players, but good enough to cover in defence or midfield

Midfielders
Anders Nielsen (28) - Well travelled versatile midfielder, one of the most talented in the squad, and one I'll be looking for to chip in with goals
Gabriele Cecchetto (19) - another one of our youngsters who's not too good now, but in time could be useful
Srdjan Novkovic (19) - Yugoslav import from Red Star, decent passer, puts in a lot of effort.
Mattia Rinaldini (21) - ex-Milan youth prospect, could do well here in a holding defensive midfield role
Zlatko Zebic (22) - anther Yugoslav, has a lot of flair for a younsgter, should be good company for fellow Yugoslav Novkovic
Michele Di Simone (24) - decent centre mid, nothing too special
Piero Ferraresso (30) - moderately talented attacking midfielder, scored a few goals last season for Pro Patria, something similar should suffice.

Forwards
Mauro Ragatzu (18) - Debut season for young striker. Looks sharp enough to get a few goals in our push for promotion
Alfred Santos de Jesus (21) - much like Ragatzu, Brazilian youngster looks at home here, and may grab a goal or two.
Rosario Majella (21) - very determined young man, likes to drop off the front, rated highly here.
Stefano Brognoli (18) - Will lead the line for us.Very little experience but is a fantastic header of the ball, and anticipates very well.

Fortunately I have a quite able coaching staff to back me up as well. [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]

I decide I need to delve into the transfer market. A quick word with the General Manager tells me I have the best part of £170k to spend. Before I know it I've enquired about Abel Balbo, Amado Guevara, and approached Milan of the possibility of loaning Marco Boriello. They all send me away with a no. Seems like it'll be hard attracting players here [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG]

Philip Rolfe

2.8.01
Attacker Mauro Ragatzu injures his neck in training and will be out for 10 days.

21.8.01
My first match in charge is a home game in the Serie C Cup. I'm not too concerned about winning it, as I'd prefer to find out who's good and who's not. An experimental formation of 4-3-1-2 with attacking wingbacks is named as we try and hit Torres with a quick attacking playing style.

Serie C Cup Group C Opening Match
Varese 1
Majella 60

Torres 2
Frau 90
Cazzaro 90

Oh dear [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] Not the best start in terms of results, but the performance was great. A tight first half was dominated by ourselves, and it was Majella who came closest for us. On the hour we took the lead with a great striker by Majella after Nielsen and Larsen had combined well to free the youngster in the area. A 2nd was disallowed by the linesman in the 75th minute, as Ragatzu was adjudged offside. Into injury time we went, and a long range free kick by Alessandro Frau eluded everyone and bounced in over Dei's outstretched arm. I thought "well, a draw isn'y so bad" but I hadn't reckoned on Michele Carrazo, whose header was saved by Dei, but he sroked home the rebound on 93 minutes to steal the points for Dario Pardi's men. Still, not a bad performance, and we now know we need to focus 100% on everything.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Novkovic, Majella, Ragatzu, Jesus

16.8.01
"......it has been announced today that Serie C1 side Varese have agreed a deal to sign English legend Paul Gascoigne on a free transfer. Gascoigne has been without a club since the end of last season, and Varese moved quickly to beat Blackpool and Pistoise to his signature. Gazza has reportedly signed a 3 year deal with the club."

A great signing for us, he could be the catalyst we need to get promoted. even at 34. Now I'm on the lookout for someone to finish his creativity.

19.8.01
After the unlucky defeat last time out we go to Valenza to meet Valenzana in the 2nd group game. I shuffle the pack slightly in hope of a win.

Serie C Cup Group C
Valenzana 3
Viola 31, 40, 77

Varese 0
Larsen s/o 38

[IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif" alt="mad[/IMG] I'm not happy. We were dire and we have some changes to make if we're going to make an impression in the League. A scorcher of a day in Valenza was summed up by a hattrick by ex-Juve youngster Alessandro Viola - and our defenders did very little to stop him as he made his way into the headlines. I was very diappointed in the dismissal of Laursen so early, and so I lodge an appeal immediately after the game. Not even the debut of Gascoigne could change our fortunes, nor the first start of the season for Brognoli up front. Not the best start here eh?

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Gascoigne, Majella, Ragatzu, Brognoli

I now know we need a goalscorer, but a more secure defence.

Philip Rolfe

21.9.01
I make enquiries to the representatives of veteran defender Richard Gough and 34 year old Bosnian Meho Kodro about their wishes to join us here. They both give me details of their requirements, and now I'll see what the club can do.

Meanwhile, the FIGC (Italian FA) get back to me saying that my appeal against Larsen's dismissal is not upheld.

22.8.01
Another chance to improve today, as I change the shape to a flat back 4, with all defenders having been drilled last week in training to keep a solid line. The midfield has more of an attacking look, and I instruct Ragatzu to drop off whenever to assist Majella in supplying Brognoli.

Serie C Cup Group C
Varese 4
Majella 2
Brognoli 5, 79
Nielsen 12
Ragatzu injured 71

Savona 1
Doria 76

That's more like it! [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG] Tactics were spot on today. Majella got us going very early after Gazza had headed down. He spun and beat Ghizzardi in the opposition goal with ease. Before I could catch breath we had another. Majella this time claimed the assist, feeding Brognoli after collecting Ghizzardi's poor goal kick. Anders Nielsen completed the win after only 12 minutes, picking up on a loose ball after Gazza was dispossed, and drove home from 18 yards. Doria claimed a consolation for the visitors, but we had the final word as Brognoli completed a comprehensive win with his 2nd from Nielsen's fine approach play.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Moretti, Nielsen, Zebic, Gascoigne, Majella, Ragatzu (Jesus 71), Brognoli

The diagnosis of Ragatzu's injury was that his achilles tendon is damaged and 2 months is the expected recovery time [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG]

29.8.01
Just the two changes, one enforced, Larsen replaces Moretti, and the injured Ragatzu is replaced by Jesus, as we aim to build on that 4-1 win.

Serie C Cup Group C
Legnano 2
Bonomi 74 pen
Shala 86

Varese 3
Jesus 6
Brognoli 13
Zebic 46

More enouragement with a close yet emphatic win. The 1 goal margin deserved to be more, and all we need to do is focus late on and we'll be fine [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG] Jesus gave us a lead with his first career goal, with a speculative strike from 20 yards. We further silenced the Giovani Mari crowd when Gascoigne created an opening for Brognoli, who continued his fine spell of scoring. More dominance followed, but we only transferred it to the scoresheet when Zebic was put through by Gazza, creative as ever, to make it 3-0. Youngster Matteo Bonomi converted a 74th minute penalty after Bandirali was harshly adjudged to have handled a corner, and it became more nervous when Shala headed home at the near post. But we played out the time and secured another win [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Gascoigne, Majella, Jesus , Brognoli

However, we miss out on further qualification as we only finish 3rd of 5 in the group. Still, we've had a decent start [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Group CPos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Q Torres 4 1 1 0 5 2 1 0 1 2 3 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Valenzana 4 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 4 6 3rd VARESE 4 1 0 1 5 3 1 0 1 3 5 6 4th Legnano 4 1 0 1 5 3 0 2 0 2 2 5 5th Savona 4 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 7 4 </pre>

Next up. An important game in 4 days, as we start a league campaign against Prato.

Philip Rolfe

2.9.01
Our Serie C1/A campaign starts in earnest today, with a visit from Prato. No changes required from the last match.

Varese 4
Nielsen 10
Jesus 30, 90
Gascoigne 89

Prato 1
Isolini 39

Seems like they're finally playing like I wanted them to [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG] Nielsen opened the league season with a towering header from a Gascoigne corner, leaving Sarti standing. Jesus scored a fantastic 2nd, receiving Zebic's pass and turning in one movement before drilling home at the near post. Isolini finished clinically at the other end to reduce the deficit, and it was 2-1 at the break. Gascoigne controlled the second half, his majestic play just couldn't be finished, as hard as Brognoli and Jesus tried. So he took it upon himself to score the crucial winner - taking a pass from Brognoli and unleashing an unstoppable drive past Sarti. Prato were in shock, and Jesus took further advantage with a lovely lofted shot over the keeper to seal a great day in the searing September heat.

We take 2nd place in the League because Cittadella outdid us, with a thumping 6-1 win over Treviso. A first half Mihail Baicu hat-trick did the damage.

9.9.01
Off to Carrara to meet the Gialloblu known as Carrarese in these parts. Again, no need to change the team.

Carrarese 2
Venturini 49
Ferreri 55 pen

Varese 2
Jesus 35, 48

Not a bad performance at all, in fact the first half was very promising. Both Jesus' goals were well taken after some fine creativity by Zebic, but Gianpaolo Pinna did well in the opposition goal. They pulled one back when venturini finished a devastating Colusso cross, and they pegged level when Gorini pushed Colusso and Ferreri dispatched the spot kick. Two games in, and we're 4th - not bad so far [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Gascoigne, Majella, Jesus , Brognoli

13.9.01
Jesus damages his shoulder in 5-a-side this morning, and should miss 2 weeks of action [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] - shame, he's in fine form.

16.9.01
Reggiana come to the Franco Ossola today, in another match we must win in order to keep up our fine start to the season. In the only change needed, the injured Jesus is replaced by Novkovic

Varese 2
Majella 29
Brognoli 82
Gascoigne injured 80

Reggiana 1
Minetti 5

The game started badly for us, as Massimo Minetti headed home his 3rd of the season to send us behind for the first time in the League. But it wasn't long until we were on terms, as Rosario Majella cracked home from another Gascoigne assist. But a quiet match was soured for us by the injury to Paul Gascoigne. He overstretched trying to reach a pass, and ended up tearing his hamstring, meaning a 3 month absence [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] But all was not bad, as Brognoli made it 4 in 6, pouncing on Nuzzo's fumble to keep up our unbeaten run [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG] and put us top [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif" alt="cool[/IMG]

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Gascoigne (Di Michele 80), Majella, Novkovic , Brognoli

18.9.01
Our injury crisis deepens as I learn Stefano Brognoli needs three weeks off with a groin strain. Our thin squad is down to the bare bones.

Philip Rolfe

23.9.01
Albinoleffe are currently 9th in the League, and are our next opposition. I need to shuffle my pack, bringing in Rinaldi for Gascoigne and Jesus for Brognoli - Jesus is not fully fit, so it's a little risky.

Albinoleffe 3
Araboni 3
Pellegris 79
Poloni 82

Varese 0

Our barest of bare bones couldn't handle the heat in the stadium and from the opposition. Clearly, Elio Gustinetti had his men come out to us with a quick and harassing style, as we weren't allowed time on the ball, and they scored an early lead with Araboni heading past Dei. We actually played quite well from then on, but we missed the creativity of Gazza and the finishing of Brognoli in such a way we had no breakthrough. As is common with us now, we conceded two late goals, from Pellegris and Poloni, which shunts us all the way down to 9th in the League. But all isn't lost, it's only been 4 games.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Rinaldi, Majella, Novkovic , Jesus

27.9.01
I agree a deal with Benevento to take 18 year old Alessandro Bruno on loan until the end of the season to beef up the squad a little. He's needed moreso now as Zlatko Zebic is the latest casualty, 10 days with a rib injury.

30.9.01
The fixture list pits us against Lumezzane today, and again we have a real struggle to put eleven fit players out. Bruno makes his debut in midfield, and Gabriele Cecchetto is drafted in for Zebic.

Varese 1
Bruno 87

Lumezzane 1
Cipolla 71 pen

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Cecchetto, Bruno, Majella, Novkovic , Jesus

I'm beginning to think the refs in Italy are against me. That's the third penalty given against us this season, and this was again quite a dubious decision, as Bandirali again was adjudged to have impeded Cortellini. Cipolla stuck the kick home, and it looked as if we were about to lose again, when a draw was fair. But young debutant loanee Bruno took it upon himself to equalise, as he went on a marauding run before sliding past Man of the Match Luca Brignoli to level late on. Not the worst end to the month.

The table looks like this as October starts

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ********************************************** Italian Serie C1/A - Monday 1st October 2001********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2001/2 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Cittadella 5 3 0 0 11 2 1 0 1 2 2 12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Spal 5 1 2 0 3 2 2 0 0 6 2 11 3rd Pro Patria 5 2 0 0 5 1 1 1 1 3 3 10 4th Albinoleffe 5 2 0 0 4 0 1 1 1 3 4 10 5th Arezzo 5 3 0 0 9 6 0 0 2 1 7 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6th Spezia 5 2 0 0 5 2 0 2 1 1 2 8 7th VARESE 5 2 1 0 7 3 0 1 1 2 5 8 8th Lucchese 5 1 1 1 3 2 1 0 1 5 2 7 9th Alzano 5 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 2 3 8 7 10th Lumezzane 5 1 0 1 2 5 1 1 1 4 4 7 11th Cesena 5 2 0 1 8 3 0 0 2 0 2 6 12th Carrarese 5 0 1 1 3 4 1 2 0 3 2 6 13th Reggiana 5 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 3 4 8 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14th Treviso 5 1 1 0 3 0 0 1 2 3 9 5 15th Padova 5 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 9 4 16th Prato 5 1 1 1 7 9 0 0 2 1 7 4 17th Pisa 5 0 2 1 4 5 0 0 2 1 3 2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18th Pistoiese 5 0 1 2 1 3 0 1 1 4 5 2 </pre>

Philip Rolfe

6.10.01
Our injury crisis is clearing, after Ragaztu and Zebic were passed fit for tomorrow's clash at 3rd place Pro Patria.

7.10.01
The two players returning are back into the lineup today, as they replace Novkovic and Cecchetto.

Pro Patria 2
Ruopolo 20
Romano 80

Varese 1
Majella 6

Pro Patria go top, and today I saw why Carlo Muraro's men are favourites for the title. We started very well, and Majella, back in his role in the hole, scored again to give us a surprising lead. We even outplayed them for the first 15 minutes, but Ruopolo equalised with a header. My defenders must learn to defend aerially as well, as a lot of goals scored against us are headers. Romano's winner wasn't, it was a fine left foot volley past Dei, who was outstanding in goal. Statistically, we outplayed the leaders in their own back yard, so I have few worries now - when the squad is fit again we should start moving.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Majella, Ragatzu , Jesus

9.1.01
Gazzetta Dello Sport reports this morning that after surgery to cure a very serious ankle ligament injury, Atalanta's Fausto Rossini may not be back playing for 2 years. [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif" alt="red face[/IMG] - Very harsh on one of Italy's brightest young hopes.

14.10.01
Stefano Brognoli makes his return in place of Jesus as Padova come to our home. Hopefully Brognoli's return will see a return to form.

Varese 2
Brognoli 41, 84
Brognoli m/pen 55
Majella injured 70

Padova 1
Ginestra 32

The wet season in Italy makes it very hard for passing games, and so this game was affected horribly by the dreadful weather. Early on Padova had the advantage of the swirling wind, and lead after 32 minutes from Ginestra's simple finish. But Brognoli made an impact on his return from injury, with a sweet curling effort 4 minutes before the break. That gave us a vital way back into it, and so did referee Ettori Fanesi when he gave us a penalty 10 mins after half time. But Brognoli had his attempt saved [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] and hit the post with the rebound [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] . However, he made up for it with the winner 6 minutes from time, picking up a loose ball and driving in. We got another injury, as Rosario Majella sprained his ankle, and will miss the trip to Alazano.

We are only 4 points off the top, not a bad place to be at all, considering Aniello Manganelli, Director of Football, wanted the team to avoid relegation primarily.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Majella (Jesus 70), Ragatzu , Brognoli

21.10.01
Another important clash in the early battle for the playoff places, as 5th placed Alzano meet ourselved, sitting in 8th. Another change, Jesus for Majella. An added spice is the fact it's a local Lombard derby.

Alzano 2
Torri 34
Marchini 51

Varese 3
Jesus 16
Brognoli 69
Zebic 77

We're starting to show character. A typical bullet-like finish by Jesus early-ish gave us a lead that never looked in peril until Omar Torri converted Solimeno's cross. Just after half time it was Solimeno again who crossed for Marchini to head home. But Brognoli just can't be kept down, as his header from Zebic's corner was his 7th in 8 games this season. Zebic scored the winner with his 2nd of the campaign from Bruno's chip. Zebic was the difference out there today, an absolute gem for us. He may be homesick, but it's not showing. We're just on the brink of the playoffs at the moment, just the right place to be, as if we break too early, we may peak too early and regret it later in the season. Looking at the big picture, we're just great. [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Jesus, Ragatzu , Brognoli

22.10.01
Today saw the first sacking of the season in Italy. Lodigiani's Ubaldo Righetti was given his P45 after a defeat to Nocerina was too much for Chairman Elio Giulivi, leaving the side 2nd bottom of Serie C2/C.

Philip Rolfe

28.10.01
Rosario Majella was passed fit this morning before the match against Spezia, which was a nice boost. He comes in for Ragatzu.

Varese 0
Majella sent off 84
Presotto injured 45

Spezia 1
Sanguinetti 70

One goal was always going to win this one, and unfortunately it was Mauricio Sanguinetti who stole in 20 minutes from time to take the points back to La Spezia with them [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] We weren' t very good, but we weren't bad either. It was one of those games. Majella was passed fit, but a stupid show of petulance saw him dismissed 5 mins from time. He'll find an official club warning waiting in the morning, and Stefano Presotto is injured for 2 weeks with strained ligaments in his knee.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Pressoto (Avallone 45), Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Jesus, Majella , Brognoli

4.11.01
Arezzo are 3rd in the table as we prepare for our afternoon clash at the Comunale. I am forced into two changes; youngster Cristiano Molinaro gets a debut at right back, and Ragatzu returns in place of the suspended Majella.

Arezzo 2
Bianchini 16
Pinamonte 58

Varese 5
Jesus 13, 61
Brognoli 45, 74
Zebic 90

We saw a fantastic performance today, both by the home team and ourselves. Both sides gave it all from the off, and we struck the first blow when Jesus rounded the keeper to put it to 1-0. A lovely free kick by Bianchini levelled matters, but Brognoli scored another header to put us ahead at the break. Lorenzo Pinamonte continued a prolific run with a 2nd equaliser, and the Arezzo tried to take control. But Jesus was set up by Nielsen to score his 8th of the season, and soon after Brognoli was also set up by Nielsen to score his 9th of the season and give us breathing space. The 7 goal thriller was complete when Zebic completed a great team move involving Bruno, Gorini, Ragatzu, Larsen and Jesus before the Yugoslav buried past a shellshocked Proietti, who had only previously conceded 5 goals all season. [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG] The win takes us into the playoff zone again, 4th spot, just above Arezzo.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Molinaro, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Jesus, Ragatzu, Brognoli

11.11.01
I can name an unchanged team for the visit from a Pisa side improving after a poor start.

Varese 0

Pisa 2
Varricchio 34, 73

It amazes me that we can beat Arezzo, a very good team, so emphatically, but can lose to a Pisa side which has only won twice this season :/ But they were more hungry than us, and a brace from Massimiliano Varricchio sent us tumbling down to 7th [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] Varricchio was great - he never gave our defence a moment's peace. His first was a header (again) and the 2nd an unstoppable crashing left foot shot that I don't even think Dei saw.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Molinaro, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Jesus, Ragatzu (Majella 74), Brognoli

14.11.01
Paul Gascoigne's recovery is coming along nicely. Head physio Fabio D'Angelo reckons he's at 90% fitness, and first team football is about 2 weeks away. I might shove him into a reserve game to get him back playing. D'Angelo also tells me that Stefano Presotto has aggravated an ankle injury and needs three more weeks out [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG]

Philip Rolfe

18.11.01
We travel down to Cesena for another tough match, and a feeling I have inside me, call it a hunch, tells me that something won't go our way today.

Cesena 5
Cesari 9 pen
Groppi 45
Meloni 46
Bettoni 55
Paganin 66

Varese 1
Brognoli 17
Dei sent off 9

[IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] I am furious with the referee. How he didn't see that Damiani dived to get a penalty I'll never know, but to send Dei off as well [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif" alt="mad[/IMG] Our game plan was ruined then, and thier extra man gave them such an advantage we never looked like coming back from. Goal after goal went past sub keeper Cavaliere, and our defending was at times abysmal. The team deserve a lock-in after that match, and they got one as I told them in no uncertain terms that things would have to pick up or else. Lets hope they've listened [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif" alt="mad[/IMG]

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Molinaro, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno, Jesus, Majella (Cavaliere 6), Brognoli

25.11.01
A visit from Lucchese gives the team a chance to see if they can rectify the situation we were left in after the shocking display at Cesena. Cavaliere has to play in goal, and it's because of that I fear for us.

Varese 0
Bandirali sent off 54

Lucchese 3
Carruezo 8
Deflorio 36
Memmo 64

I can't even talk about this match. Lets just say we were pathetic, and so was Bandirali for being sent off for a two footed lunge on Memmo. Even the introduction of Gazza at half time did nothing. We're sliding down the table now [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG]

Team: Cavaliere, Gorini(c), Bandirali, Molinaro, Larsen, Nielsen, Zebic, Bruno (Gascoigne 45), Jesus, Ragatzu (Moretti 54), Brognoli

27.11.01
Our next opponents, bottom of the table Treviso, today announced the sacking of Aldo Luigi Ammazzalorso. Player/Assistant Manager Diego Bortoluzzi will take charge against us.

2.12.02
December starts with that game against Treviso. It's a must win, and so Dei, Gascoigne, Moretti, Majella and Avallone all come in in hope of turning around our fortunes.

Treviso 2
Lombardi 29
Lorenzini 84

Varese 1
Brognoli 50
Nielsen injured 64

My patience is really being tested. After a great run we are in dire straits. Today, we were much better, but still got nothing out of it. Treviso have picked up under Bortoluzzi's guidance, and they moved off the bottom and closer to us, now we're 12th [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif" alt="frown[/IMG] . Brognoli may have scored another, but something drastic needs to be done to stop the slide.

Team: Dei, Gorini(c), Avallone, Moretti, Larsen, Nielsen (Bruno 64), Zebic, Gascoigne, Jesus, Majella, Brognoli

Nielsen's injury means a 3 week period out.

Next up: a trip to bottom placed Pistoiese

abu645

Paul Gascoigne [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif" alt="red face[/IMG] [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif" alt="red face[/IMG]

kutgw