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[San Ortelio]

Catrallo Calcio
Your new favorite team if…
You like winning so you support the best club. If you are the best, it’s not arrogant to say so, right?

Details

Home Stadium   Olimpico (9000 seats)
Nickname       Il Capo dei Capi
Manager        Oliviero Tumellero
Sponsor        Banco Fenice (financial)
Since          S1
Last Season    Title in the Serie A, play-off round CC
Won            9 Serie A titles (last S17), 5 Coppa delle Stella (last S15)
Region         San Pancrazio

Outgoing - Alessio Di Masi (Vrnovo Mesto (STL), 1.6m), Manuel Volpe (FC Orsi, 0.5m), Gennaro Di Livio (Forza Catrallo, free)
Incoming - Nidal Thamer (PAS, Tanrısal (PAS), 2m), Emanuele Bignami (Inter Catrallo, 0.4m), Giovanni Ossi (youth academy), Paride Lanchi (youth academy)

Targets and Means - If you’re the king of the castle and things are going well, it is not that difficult to keep the line-up together. Or at least, that’s what Catrallo makes it look like for the second year in a row. The navy blue dominated the table last year and come out of the transfer window with the same air of untouchable quality hanging all around them. The departure of a player such as Di Masi, a heralded international and an important stabilising factor in the tactical plan from Tumellero should in theory weaken them. But with Pasargan Thamer, not only a replacement but an improvement has been found - the young midfielder never became an undisputed starter with Tani but in his years with the Superliga side he honed his skills as both a builder and a destroyer, a combination much approved of by Tumellero. One new ingredient did not alter the taste of the soup, Catrallo Calcio will still play dominant football with high pressure, a crowded midfield and a high-quality defensive block of four. This should not only allow them to challenge for the threepeat title, but also break into the IFCF group stage phase. The board made it no secret that this is their wish for the season (and they might not even mind sacrificing a league game over that).

Between the sticks, Bryony Lindt remains the safest pair of hands on Ortelian soil. Integrated seamlessly, there is a calm consistency and professionalism coming from her which inspires the whole line-up and is a great example for megatalent Dolci. In front of her, Tumellero can pick and choose from a rotating cast of five quality defenders. On key games, we expect the clever Lucarelli and the rock-solid Rocca - whose NT invitation seems overdue - to be complemented with Tequiloan gem Viveiros. ‘The Puma’ pushed hard-as-nails Dema and the much-praised-but-rarely-materialized Crilese to the bench, but both will get their playing minutes to ensure everyone remains fresh in what is aspired to be another packed season. The fourth member of the aforementioned block is newcomer Thamer. One minor worry in the opening part of the season could be how fast he will be integrated - if they want to allow the other six players to move forward and put the pressure on, a perfect coordination is required from the defensive quartet. In days of need, Brescia can step in, the kind of player who disappears in a Calcio line-up but would be a starter for three quarters of the league.

In the remainder of the midfield, everything remained the same: playmaker Salvatori terrorises the opposition with his clever runs, whilst loyal club soldier Mascolo makes the miles in midfield. On the right wing, ‘Motorino’ Moreschini raised his profile last season with a series of important goals and fast decision making. He is a player that can break open a difficult match and the same can be said about his counterpart Sgarbi. ‘Principe Alberto’ Sgarbi is fickle, restive and nervous but has the capacity of the true talents to shine on the big moments. His integration in the team had its bumps in the road, but as the connection with Tumellero improves, he can use his skills for the team more and more. With Agostinone and Marchegiani, there are players on the bench who can give an extra injection of quality and keep an eye out on Lanchi, those in the know claim he’s quite something. Up front there is a duo which has netted 50+ goals together for four years in a row now: Il Buffalo Garofalo is the bulky targetman with the thundering shot, Spadoni forms the Robin to his Batman with movement and pace. Tumellero further cements that big man/shorty dynamic by replacing the good-but-not-Calcio-good Volpe with Bignami, a rather left-field move. Nicknamed Donkey over his physical, technical and mental skills - depending on whom you ask - he’s the weakest footballer in the team but you can throw crosses at him when the need arises. Viteritti and Ossi are both short types who run into space and are fun on the counterattack: Tumellero is far less cynical than his predecessor but in difficult IFCF games, he’s not afraid to use that weapon.

Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo 
GK   1  Bryony Lindt           NPH   28   S16  Start     94    0  Chardonnay R./NPH   94    0
GK  17  Luca Dolci             SOR   19   S16  Bench      3    0  Youth                3    0
CD   3  Federico Dema          SOR   30   S12  Bench    186   12  Esca Unione        324   19
CD   4  Giuseppe Rocca         SOR   26   S15  Start    111    1  Inter Catrallo     205    2
CD   5  Gaetano Lucarelli ©    SOR   33   S07  Start    367   19  Catrallo Athletic  367   19
CD   2  Tommaso Crilese        SOR   23   S17  Bench     18    0  Esca Unione        130    3
CD  13  Vito Puma Viveiros     TEQ   22   S16  Start     56    3  SC Pedregal/TQL     56    3
CD  25  Ercole Labrazzi        SOR   19   S17  Res        5    0  Youth                5    0
DM  15  Mattia Brescia         SOR   29   S15  Res       39    2  Sportiva Montelc.  156    6
DM   8  Nidal Thamer           PAS   23   S18  Start      0    0  Tanrısal/PAS         0    0
CM   6  Fabio Mascolo          SOR   27   S11  Start    222   34  Youth              222   34
CM  19  Roberto Agostinone     SOR   34   S05  Bench    409   68  Esca Unione        429   69
CM  15  Mario Soppola          SOR   22   S15  Res       17    0  Youth               17    0
RM  29  Lorenzo Moreschini     SOR   23   S13  Start    135   17  Youth              135   17
AM  10  Emilio Salvatori       SOR   30   S16  Start     78   19  Virtus Redoccio    295   80
AM  24  Carlo Marchegiani      SOR   27   S13  Bench     97   16  Catrallo Athletic   97   16
AM  14  Albert Sgarbi          SOR   24   S17  Start     38    9  Virtus Redoccio    156   32
AM  17  Paride Lanchi          SOR   18   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
ST  11  Davide Spadoni         SOR   27   S14  Start    140   80  US San Savola      213  103
ST  18  Emanuele Bignami       SOR   29   S18  Bench      0    0  Inter Catrallo     253   70
ST   9  Carmine Garofalo       SOR   32   S11  Start    254  227  Sportiva Montelc.  362  278
ST  20  Franco Vitteriti       SOR   29   S09  Bench    119   30  Youth              119   30
ST  24  Giovanni Ossi          SOR   19   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0

---

Esca Unione
Your new favorite team if…
You like it when a side is literally from the edge of the country and cultivates that stubborn, hard-nosed attitude with powerful football, humming chants and a grizzled gaffer.

Details

Home Stadium   Stadio Scarpa (4400 seats)
Nickname       Il Esercito
Manager        Luigi Delphi
Sponsor        PescaFresca (fishing consortium)
Since          S1 (as AS Esca)
Last Season    Fourth in the Serie B, Cup winner
Won            3 Serie B titles (last S13), 1 Coppa delle Stella (S17)
Region         San Pancrazio

Outgoing - Paulina Philipsdottir (Virtus Redoccio, 0.9m], Luigi D’Annunzio (Robur Astello, 0.5m), Gabriele Tozzuolo (retired to assistant), Alessandro Tozzuolo (Lovani FC, free)
Incoming - Roberto Tebaldi (Madonna Nottori, 0.4m), Imerio Gallicardi (Motori Vitale, 0.3m), Vera Shervatski (SVJ, Interblag (SRS), free), Livio Rinetti (youth academy)

Targets and Means - It sounded unlikely twelve months ago but it happened nonetheless - Esca Unione lines up without a single Tozzuolo for the first time in fifteen seasons. ‘Gabs’ suffered a painful injury during the season, making a courageous return in the business end of the year. An operation over the summer unfortunately made clear that another year of pro football would, best case, see him limping for the remainder of his years so the man who kept the midfield together called it a day… To reappear in a training suit the next morning as Delphi's right hand, an excellent choice. And Gabriele Tozzuolo went out with a bang on the pitch as well, scoring the winning penalty for Il Esercito to win the club's first Cup Final, a moment that has been written in golden letters in Unione's history. The departure of leadership is, however, the central theme of Esca's off-season: Alessandro Tozzuolo's value on the pitch had waned but he still made his mark in the dressing room whilst the energy and quality from Philipsdottir lead the way on the field, even during the difficult mid-season slump. No wonder she got picked up by an ambitious Virtus, a common theme in Unione off-seasons. But the money made available by the Strawberries did substantially supplement the meagre treasury, giving them a bit of margin - it deserves praise that Unione tried to remain frugal, knowing that it will be the only way in the long run to get out of that cycle where every off-season, they sell the gems they laboured for to hone.

Nonetheless, they sought and found an adequate replacement for fan fav Philipsdottir in Savojar Vera Shervatski - a reliable, no-nonsense right back who likes to play the odds but has enough between her ears to pick her moments. It gives the back four a bit of much-needed spice. Central defending duo Moscati and Smith gel together better and better but are focussed on their tasks whilst left back is a bit of a liability: Oliveto rushes in but is error-prone whilst Melchiorri often shows he's a converted central defender. However, the four of them together make a solid line-up supported by a decent bench and an above-average goalie. Jacopo Burrai lurks to a spot on the national selection, being yet barred by Moro for the position as third goalie. He's very present, spectacular to the point of theatrical and gutsy. On top of that, he gets the saves whilst entertaining the crowd. If and when the cards stack up, there's a young but solid back-up in Qusmi Yem. Whilst the quality in that section of the pitch is assured, it is the midfield that worries the fans the most. Last year they mightily struggled and the only addition lies in Imerio Gallicardi, brother of and solid in the Serie B last year - but whether that is enough to shore it all up?

Gallicardi is tasked with the difficult task of anchoring the midfield together with Elio Valletti, who showed the step up from the amateur ranks at a later age is an option, but who also had his games where he simply drowned. Nonetheless, it will be up to those two to cover up a lot of ground and plug the hole of Tozzuolo's forced retirement: Falzerano, an entertaining but inefficient showman, and Ciccone, a journeyman with a lot of energy and dribbles but moderate stats, will not be the ones who make the miles. Nicoletti could have been the guy who combines transpiration and inspiration, but he still struggles with the aftermath of a nasty ankle injury. As such, it is no surprise that Esca has a nose for hardworking strikers. Luigi D'Annunzio, a poacher, got replaced by Roberto Tebaldi, a bulky forward with powder in the legs. 'The Walrus' (over his impressive moustache) scored in bulk in Madonna Nottori but had a roadrunner encircling him there. In Esca, late bloomer Tebaldi will have to reinvent himself as he links up with LQ Roz, the Qusmi nestor of the league. Roz is no longer a scoring machine but has that, especially for forwards, rare capacity to make those around him better. He' ll have to link up with Tebaldi now, and fast, as Baiocco is running on his last legs as a pro and Alba's breakthrough has been in waiting for so long now, we kind of suspect it's not coming. It summarises Esca Unione in their current state: there's something to work with but things will need to fall in place. If they do, Unione could cruise through a calm mid-table season and maybe score an upset or two (who knows, in the Cup Winners' Cup). If they don't, however, the relegation battle which has been announced as the most open in ages could be closer than desired.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo 
GK  13  Jacopo Burrai          SOR   25   S12  Start    144    0  Youth              144    0
GK   1  Forza-Lucex Yem        QUS   19   S17  Bench      7    0  Unattached/QUS       7    0
LD   5  Paolo Melchiorri       SOR   31   S13  Start    124    2  Fagli Cinquanta    170    3
LD  16  Ernesto Oliveto        SOR   28   S14  Res       62    1  Calabrese Club      76    1
CD   3  Jordan Smith           SNL   27   S17  Start     68    2  Sun City Atoms/SNL  68    2
CD   4  Salvatore Moscati ©    SOR   35   S05  Start    388   22  AS Esca            447   23
CD  99  Antonio Sobrero        SOR   33   S09  Bench    161    8  Inter Catrallo     206   10
CD  22  Livio Rinetti          SOR   18   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
RD  28  Scotti Fusco           SOR   21   S16  Bench     12    0  Youth               12    0
RD   2  Vera Shervatski        SOR   24   S18  Start      0    0  Interblag/SRS        0    0
LM  18  Stefano Falzerano      SOR   32   S14  Start    125   20  Virtus Redoccio    233   47
LM  40  Francesco Zanon        SOR   19   S17  Res        3    0  Youth                3    0
CM   8  Elio Valletti          SOR   24   S17  Start     35    2  Catrallo Athletic   35    2
CM   6  Imerio Gallicardi      SOR   23   S18  Start      0    0  Motori Vitale        0    0
CM  26  Domenico Tazzeri       SOR   26   S15  Bench     58    4  Madonna Nottori    120    9
RM  14  Francesco Nicoletti    SOR   23   S14  Bench     85   14  Lovani FC           85   14
LW  17  Alessio Zambataro      SOR   32   S11  Bench    124   20  FC Orsi            134   21
RW  21  Riccardo Ciccone       SOR   29   S16  Start     57   17  Fagli Cinquanta    220   33
ST  33  Stefano Baiocco        SOR   35   S12  Bench    119   22  Robur Astello      206   42
ST  19  Lenpi-Xelez Roz        QUS   39   S16  Start     56   22  KFC Pretarijz/QUS   56   22
ST  23  Mattia Alba            SOR   21   S15  Res       11    0  Youth               11    0
ST   9  Roberto Tebaldi        SOR   26   S18  Start      0    0  Madonna Nottori     62   35

[San Ortelio]

Fagli Cinquanta
Your new favorite team if…
You don’t mind that your side is bankrolled by a shady businessman - a small squad developing into a force by buying known names on a sidetrack is the train you want to jump on.

Details

Home Stadium   Stadio Scarpa (4400 seats)
Nickname       La Fa
Manager        Mario Anza
Sponsor        DiCallare (construction)
Since          S5
Last Season    Sixth in the Serie B, Final of the Coppa
Won            One Coppa delle Stella (last S8)
Region         San Pancrazio

Outgoing - Lorenzo Tosi (FC Pesari, 1.8m), Filippo Pompa (Robur Astello, 0.3m), Filippo Pannati (Pro Patria Foot, 0.1m), Mirco Rossi (retirement), Antonio Lamberti (retirement)
Incoming - Pietro Mazziero (0.8m, FC Pesari), Valentin Spinesi (Juve Redoccio, 0.7m), Gennaro Raltano (FC Pesari, 0.3m), Vera McKinnon (SYL, Avondale Beach SC (SYL), free), Gino Fiore (youth academy)

Targets and Means - In the last two transfer windows, Fagli showed a keen eye for the international market, a quality quickly shoved aside by critics as the result of a thick wallet. But this summer they showed that from now on, they are also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the domestic scene. That Lorenzo Tosi, a nifty number ten who blossomed under the firm but fair hand of Mario Anza, would be highly sought after is no surprise - that Enzo Di Callare, club president and son of the construction tycoon, managed to arm wrestle nearly two million of a desperate FC Pesari is quite a stunt. And apparently I Pappagalli found a willing partner in Fagli when it came to the search for money to fund their squad renovation: picking up the disgraced but capable Raltano is nice, managing to convince international and one-club man Pietro Mazziero is another thing. No one expected the versatile defender to jump ship but his arrival is a sign that Fagli aims to confirm after their surprising IFCF qualification of last year. The target is to annoy the Big Three and they already did just that when they threw a lot of cash in the direction of Juve to pick up Spinesi. The flamboyant youngster is already touted as 'the next Del Prete' and not just by the press. Both Virtus and Calcio chased him but Fagli made the winning offer, a sign that the times are indeed a-changing.

Fagli wants success and they want it now - pundits might claim that that's best for them as the line-up ages rapidly with seven over thirty at the kick-off. Still, there are attempts at growing talents: by example McKinnon who replaces Pompa as back-up goalie. It is also a vote of confidence from the management on Giandonato, who now no longer has a frustrated triple champion behind him, but an eager youngster. Last year, the defensive prowess was a major weapon and even if their real strength lies in the way the collective system chokes the opposition out of space on the Fagli half, just the names alone of the back four have the allure of a top team: Labruzzo is better than what most people give him credit for whilst Ghidotti is loyal club soldier. Simen Haukland runs around with the speed of an injured turtle but his experience in the A-League allows him to outsmart opponents over a decade younger and with the addition of Mazziero, you’ve got a pairing that could go places. The bench is less charming, maybe apart from Liretta. The engine of the success could be found in midfield last year, with Yuezhou international Yao Tang forming the personification of this La Fa - hard, physical and very difficult to develop your own game against. With his class, Tao lifts up those around him, pushing them to give their best: the midfielder has a good connection with coach Anza as well, who adores this type of frontrunner.

If there would be some sort of lack of energy coming from Tao - quite impossible to imagine ahead of his retirement - then the midfield duo will ensure it: Kinsella came over from Tikariot to revive his career and did so in wonderful fashion. He links up with Faini, a player who seems little special but grew with the club, another hardworking type. This energy allows Fagli to sport a traditional number ten, one that barely moves around but focuses on producing dangerous passes. For the starting eleven, this is the most hotly contested position with three candidates: Gennaro Raltano, eager to show FC Pesari that they missed out on him, the slightly plumb but deliciously skilled Giorgio Maio and the only 18 year old raving talent Spinesi. It remains to be seen whether the competition will lift these up or whether - as one observer noted - 3 half players rarely make one good. If one of the trio finds his pace, then one of the best striking partnerships of the league will return in full form. In two seasons, Cobrio’s Chikelu Okonye made his name as one of the most feared forwards out there. His decisiveness eye-to-eye with the goalkeeper is a delight and gives Cinquanta an assurance that a difficult confrontation can be opened up with a goal. He will link up again with Nepharim Rodgers, less of a goalgetter but someone who weighs on a defense and sucks opponents towards him, so Okonye finds the space for his speed. That rounds up a lot of talent and that under the command of Mario Anza, a loudmouth but clever coach who thrives when he can exploit an opponent’s weakness.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Cesar Giandonato       SOR   30   S17  Start     32    0  US San Savola      158    0
GK  12  Vera McKinnon          SYL   19   S18  Bench      0    0  Avondale BSC/SYL     0    0
LD  19  Stefano D’Ausilio      SOR   24   S14  Res       22    0  Youth               22    0
LD   2  Luca Ghidotti ©        SOR   33   S11  Start    190   12  Esca Unione        253   14
CD   3  Simen Haukland         BYN   37   S17  Start     34    1  Pikemouth/BRE       34    1
CD  23  Michele Marchetti      SOR   26   S13  Bench    101    2  Virtus Redoccio    105    2
CD  29  Iuri Stucci            SOR   22   S15  Res       20    0  Youth               20    0
CD   4  Pietro Mazziero        SOR   30   S18  Start      0    0  FC Pesari          266    8
RD  14  Matteo Labruzzo        SOR   25   S15  Start     92    4  Sportiva Montelc.   92    4
RD  17  Daniele Liretta        SOR   20   S17  Res        6    1  Youth                6    1
DM   6  Yang Tao               YZH   27   S16  Start     68    5  Yincheng Cap./YZH   68    5
DM  16  Gino Fiore             SOR   19   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
CM   8  Michele Faini          SOR   26   S13  Start    150   20  Inter Catrallo     161   20
CM  21  Carlo Gennusi          SOR   32   S16  Bench     40    2  Virtus Redoccio    119    6
CM  15  Yannis Kinsella        TKT   32   S17  Start     29    3  Morannon Ath./TKT   29    3
AM  10  Giorgio Maio           SOR   22   S14  Bench     58    9  Youth               58    9
AM  18  Valentin Spinesi       SOR   18   S18  Bench      0    0  Juve Redoccio        0    0
AM  20  Gennaro Raltano        SOR   24   S18  Start      0    0  FC Pesari           20    2
LA  22  Giancarlo Laghi        SOR   35   S16  Bench     31    9  FC Pesari          242   57
ST  26  Chikelu Okonye         OSR   30   S16  Start     66   44  FC Capri/VAL        66   44
ST  11  Yannick Rodgers        NPH   32   S17  Start     30   11  Arrowsmith/EUR      30   11
RA  42  Alex Simonetti         SOR   21   S15  Bench     38   12  Youth               38   12

FC Orsi
Your new favorite team if…
You want to be the first one in town with their bizarre yet popular ‘bear ears’ fan gear.

Details

Home Stadium   Stadio Communale (2500 seats)
Nickname       The Bears
Manager        Bruno Passentini
Sponsor        Viale XXI (care products)
Since          S17
Last Season    Winner in the Serie Regionale Nord, Third in the Serie B
Won            Nothing
Region         San Bonifazio

Incoming - Manuel Volpe (Catrallo Calcio, 0.5m), Ercole Venturato (FC Pesari, 0.2m), Franco Gualdi (Barezzi Calcio, 0.2m), Luca Cigliano (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.2m), Vasco Cardoso (CBZ, Sao Vicente (CBZ), free), Nigel Creighton (TMB, Melwood Rangers (TMB), free), Giovanni Filippi (youth academy)

Targets and Means - A newcomer in the Serie Nazionale, that alone should tickle the interest of every follower of Ortelian football. It has been a decade since a club managed to break through the glass ceiling of professional football but FC Orsi earned their spot in the inner circle fair and square, in as much that most assume the Bears are here to stay. Knowing that last year they already had the quality for a stable Serie B parcours, Passentini focussed on keeping the core of his squad together and signing them to contracts matching their new status. With the limited means left, he signed a string of players which are both young and eager to prove themselves. On paper at least, a great match with the splendid mentality displayed last year, but also with the aging dressing room. Tactically, Orsi opts for a 4-2-2-2 with wingers who operate both on the inside and outside. Of the central midfielders, there is always one that reinforces the backline, allowing the left and right defenders to move forward at times and create a majority on their side of the pitch. Nonetheless, don't expect too much adventure from the newcomers. Organisation always comes first with Passentini, a grizzled gaffer who never quite got his chance at the highest level and who looks forward to making amends. The crowd this will draw will be small, but loyal and fairly vocal - it should give the squad that little push in the back to take some points off bigger names.

Between the stakes, there is no doubt about Cesare Pasticcio. Tall but bullish and broad shouldered, he cannot be described as a modern goalie but in his box, he's an authoritative figure. With his size, he's an easy target for chants but he did respond once by actually bringing two bits of pastry and eating all the pies. A curious figure who will add some flavor to the top tier. This cannot be said about the four in front of him, but they should make a reliable unit - that is, if Venturato can find back the talent which saw him move up the ranks fast in Pesari. The once potential international threw in his own windows, time for him to find back his power and dominance. Central duo Baldini and Crippa are club men who take no prisoners and seem impressed by nothing - their talent is limited, their mutual understanding impeccable. On the right side, Franco Gualdi debuts as pro at 25, a clever scrounge of the amateur ranks by Orsi as his speed and crosses suit the plan like a glove. Don’t underestimate back-up Guerini, a local talent with a mature head. In front of the line of four, two more guards take care of the organisation of the Bears and it is telling that there was no more space for Guido Gorini anymore - or at least not as a starter. Gorini has a marvellous touch but lacks the speed and stamina for the Nazionale, he’s likely to be used as an impact sub. Instead, much confidence is placed on the shoulders of Barozzi and Pelegrino, neither of whom are elegant practitioners. The former is more the butcher type, the latter will do the miles. So far, as you see, it's result over style but a good mentality could go a long way in this league.

However, for those fearing the whole line-up is made up of gritty figures, there are four players left in the line-up which give the newcomer some on-pitch flair. The most lauding comments were made about Nino Valenti who amused during the LBTC confrontations with his dribbles and stellar finishing. An amusing shorty, always up for a joke during the interviews, he quickly gained a following in the stands and much is expected from him here. His counterpart Scapelli might be less noticed, but like many in the line-up, he once was ousted from the ranks of a pro team and runs now on a sense of revenge. Also worth a second look is Valenti’s back-up Cardoso, one of two youngsters (next to Tumbran Nigel Creighton) who are complete unknowns at the moment but who should pick up minutes from the bench based upon the preparation games. For the striking duo, Stefano Parti plays a big role. Last season, he was at the pinnacle of his game, banging them in left and right. If the tall powerhouse can reproduce that level this season, a big stride towards prolongation of Orsi’s stay is taken. To support him, he can rely on either Izzardi - a bit of a poacher - or Manuel Volpe. The latter is a peculiar story: his move from small amateur side Gruppo Compatto to national number one Calcio was too large a step, although he rarely disappointed for the navy blue. In theory, FC Orsi should be exactly the level where he can showcase himself as a mobile, versatile forward. He forms one of the rare changed parts in what looks to be a good plan from a club with a tight dressing room. FC Orsi will not challenge for the prizes, but if they keep their collective spirit, have enough on board to escape immediate relegation.


Selection

GK   1  Cesare Pasticcio       SOR   25   S11  Start      0    0  Youth                0    0
GK  12  Danilo Charlione       SOR   21   S16  Bench      0    0  Virtus Redoccio      0    0
LD   3  Ercole Venturato       SOR   26   S18  Start      0    0  Robur Astello      155    4
LD  15  Rino Uliano            SOR   30   S14  Bench      0    0  Juve Redoccio        0    0
CD  13  Luca Cigliano          SOR   26   S15  Bench      0    0  Sportiva Montelc.   18    0
CD   4  Giorgio Baldini ©      SOR   33   S04  Start      0    0  Youth                0    0
CD   2  Giuseppe Crippa        SOR   27   S11  Start      0    0  Youth                0    0
RD   5  Franco Gualdi          SOR   25   S18  Start      0    0  Barezzi Calcio       0    0
RD  26  Tranquillo Guerini     SOR   20   S16  Bench      0    0  Youth                0    0
DM  18  Nigel Creighton        TMB   19   S18  Bench      0    0  Melwood Rang./TMB    0    0
LM  30  Vincenzo Ranucci       SOR   32   S15  Res        0    0  VC Pesari            2    0
CM   6  Alessandro Barozzi     SOR   28   S10  Start      0    0  Lovani FC            0    0
CM  14  Guido Gorini           SOR   35   S17  Bench      0    0  Inter Catrallo     241   14
CM  11  Pietro Pelegrino       SOR   31   S12  Start      0    0  Pro Stampano        86   12
CM  25  Renato Petinatti       SOR   24   S12  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
LW  45  Illio Scapelli         SOR   25   S17  Start      0    0  Pro Patria Foot      7    0
RW   7  Nino Valenti           SOR   23   S15  Start      0    0  VC Pesari            0    0
RW  23  Vasco Cardoso          CBZ   17   S18  Res        0    0  Sao Vicente/CBZ      0    0
ST  12  Manuel Volpe           SOR   24   S18  Start      0    0  Catrallo Calcio     26    9
ST  10  Eduardo Izzardi        SOR   32   S13  Bench      0    0  Robur Astello       24    4
ST   9  Stefano Parti          SOR   29   S14  Start      0    0  US San Savola       71   13
ST  22  Giovanni Filippi       SOR   19   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0

FC Pesari
Your new favorite team if…
You like to support the challenger. Not the capital, but the second biggest town. Not the money club, but the one that has enough money to fight for titles while acting as the underdog.

Details

Home Stadium   Stadio del Fiume (5800 seats)
Nickname       I Papagalli
Manager        Roselyn Bentum (TLI)
Sponsor        ReZix (HR)
Since          S1
Last Season    Sixth in the Serie A, first prelim of the Challengers Cup
Won            3 Serie A titles (last S16), three Coppa delle Stella (last S10)
Region         San Bonifazio

Outgoing - Dennis Spaviero (Vantanoch FC (TKT), 1.4m), Jules Haney (Inter Catrallo, 1m), Pietro Mazziero (Fagli Cinquanta, 0.8m), Alberto Bortolotto (Pro Stampano, 0.7m), Sandro Zanoni (US San Savola, 0.3m), Gennaro Raltano (Fagli Cinquanta, 0.3m), Ercole Venturato (FC Orsi, 0.2m), Aniello Furlan (VC Pesari, free)
Incoming - Lorenzo Tosi (Fagli Cinquanta, 1.8m), Archer Pearson (SSD Borgonovo, 1.4m), Kathleen Lagrange (ZWZ, Orling College (ZWZ), 1m), Illario Gallicardi (Inter Catrallo, 0.6m), Christian Valeri (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.5m), Giulio Boffeli (SSD Borgonovo, 0.2m), Franco Zappaterra (youth academy), Faustino Del’Ora (youth academy), Froila Urdampiyeta (ASG, Ituraitz FC (ASG), free)

Targets and means - After an abysmal season, it is out with the old and in with the new for FC Pesari who saw a rotation of four managers fail to bring any success to Stadio del Fiume. Only narrowly winning a ticket for the Serie A after a poor international showing was already a disappointment for the club, but being the hapless red lantern in that series made clear that some things had to change. And boy, did the board deliver on that. First and foremost, there is a new leader at the helm. Roselyn Bentum, a 53-year old with limited domestic experience - her record at St Bart’s Dutch has its ups and its downs. But her reputation as a hard nosed gaffer suited the ambition of FC Pesari, who saw their dressing room fall apart like sand last season and desired someone with a disciplinary style. This also meant the departure of a variety of names who each got the blame one way or another: from captain Zanoni and veteran Furlan whose leadership was disputed, over players such as Raltano and Spaviero who did not deliver what had been hoped for. Especially the departure of the latter, a major talent struggling with himself and the world once benched, can be considered quite a bump in the road for I Pappagalli who thrive on a reputation to be a fertile ground for youngsters. However, parting with players who haven’t delivered rarely brings in a big capital, so more names had to go even if they could have a spot in the future plans of Bentum.

Losing Bortolotto to Stampano was met with mixed feelings - his style suits the house but his efficiency and injury proneness caused question marks. Seeing defensive rock and international Mazziero leave to the upcoming powerhouse Fagli is seen as a grave mistake - especially at this mild price as he’s nowhere near his expiration date. But the departure the fans will lament the most is that of Jules Haney, the likeable Tikariotian who even at the deepest lows of last season always gave his best and remained an assurance on goals. It is the kind of transfer that puts the pressure on the coach from the first moment onwards. However, the exodus of starters also meant that there came funds for newcomers and the board dug deep to rejuvenate the lineup, a fairly risky move. Spending over five million in a single transfer window is unseen in San Ortelio and can well be described as a gamble: either I Pappagalli bounce back at once or they could be digging their own hole. Nonetheless, when it comes to talent, the cards look good for FC. Walter Moro paid his dues for his inexperience but tall and calm, he grew into his role as reliable guardian. In front of him, Audioslavian veteran Matteo Corriere picks up the captain’s ribbon in a back four that represents all experience in the line up. With Rota there is another international up there but one can wonder whether players such as Passuello and Boffeli - a clear afterthought as the confidence in young Gioia dropped - suffice to shore up a title-winning side. It immediately parks Pesari one level lower.

When we scout one row higher, there immediately is more optimism. Attilio Quintarelli has everything in him to become a club monument, a natural leader who doesn’t shy away from the dirty work but also picks the right moments to pop up in the box. He will be matched with Gallicardi, one of the breakthrough players last season with Inter - curious to see if he’s ready for the next step, but if they find a connection, this could be a long-term partnership for Pesari. With Gallicardi, we’ve opened up a whole can of newcomers which puts guys such as Albertoni - a bit inconsistent - and Mammarella - gifted, but not always crafty - on the bench. The trio of attacking midfielders was brought in for 4.2 million and that immediately dubbed them as the ‘Money Bags’. Left wing Lagrange is a character, but uses that for a good purpose as well and can find a teammate even with the smallest of space. Right wing Pearson got rewarded for two years of consistent growth with Borgonovo - his infiltrations wreak havoc for sure. But the lion’s share of the eyes will be on Lorenzo Tosi. With Fagli, he restarted his career as a short but skilled number ten after a false start for Calcio. One cannot deny that he developed into a versatile player, but the added mental pressure of a club with high expectations will be a new step up for Tosi. This trio is expected to deliver good assists for Jessica Murphy. The Cassadaiguan debuted last year in difficult circumstances, in a club in trouble but still netted fourteen goals. If Bentum aligns the troops and gets Murphy in position more, we could see her grow in a challenger for the top scorer title. It is clear, there is talent a-plenty but Bentum will have to bring confidence to players, board and fans.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Walter Moro            SOR   23   S16  Start     69    0  Virtus Redoccio     78    0
GK  23  Franco Zappaterra      SOR   19   S18  Bench      0    0  Youth                0    0
LD   4  Giancarlo Passuello    SOR   33   S04  Start    359    3  Youth              359    3
LD  28  Faustino Del’Ora       SOR   20   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
CD  26  Giuseppe Proietto      SOR   31   S14  Res       29    0  Inter Catrallo     174    1
CD  17  Alberto Gioia          SOR   21   S16  Bench     17    0  Youth               17    0
CD  18  Matteo Corriere ©      AUD   37   S16  Start     69    4  AC Izotz Zubia/AUD  69    4
CD   3  Giulio Boffeli         SOR   30   S18  Start      0    0  SSD Borgonovo      285    9
RD   5  Alessio Rota           SOR   29   S13  Start    167   23  Sportiva Montelc.  285   35
RD   2  Fabrizio Partipilo     SOR   24   S12  Bench     39    1  Youth               39    1
DM  15  Attilio Quintarelli    SOR   22   S15  Start     97    9  US San Savola      127   11
DM   6  Gioacchino Russo       SOR   35   S03  Bench    243   21  Youth              243   21
DM  18  Illario Gallicardi     SOR   26   S18  Start      0    0  Inter Catrallo     149    7
CM  14  Carlo Albertoni        SOR   24   S17  Bench     32    3  Esca Unione        141   17
CM  30  Emanuele Mammarella    SOR   21   S15  Res       19    1  Youth               19    1
CM  16  Froila Urdampiyeta     ASG   18   S18  Res        0    0  Ituraitz FC/ASG      0    0
AM  10  Lorenzo Tosi           SOR   25   S18  Start      0    0  Fagli Cinquanta    113   30
AM  24  Eberardo San Pietro    SOR   20   S16  Bench     11    1  Youth               11    1
LW  19  Kathleen Lagrange      ZWZ   22   S18  Start      0    0  Orling College/ZWZ   0    0
RW   7  Archer Pearson         MUR   21   S18  Start      0    0  SSD Borgonovo       60   18
ST  11  Jessica Murphy         CDG   22   S17  Start     31   14  Chester Guns./CDG   31   14
ST   9  Christian Valeri       SOR   29   S18  Bench      0    0  Sportiva Montelc.  185   55
ST  13  Michele Cambasso       SOR   26   S10  Res       32    4  Youth               32    4

Inter Catrallo
Your new favorite team if…
You hate Calcio. You like the alternative side of the city, with trendy outfits but also grit. You hate Calcio. You want quiet transfer seasons. You really hate Calcio.

Details

Home Stadium   Olimpico (9000 seats)
Nickname       Il Viola
Manager        Pietro Fezzardi
Sponsor        Mapeo (building materials)
Since          S1
Last Season    First in the Serie B
Won            3 Serie B titles (last S17)
Region         San Pancrazio

Outgoing - Illario Gallicardi (FC Pesari, 0.6m), Emanuele Bignami (Catrallo Calcio, 0.4m), Raffaele Marchese (0.4m, SSD Borgonovo), Giuseppe Nicoletti (Retirement), Antonio Loreto (Astello Mare, free), Flavio D’Oriano (RES Quartella, free)
Incoming - Jules Haney (TKT, FC Pesari, 1m), Aldon Busk (TKT, Bul Khungur Miners FC (TKT), 0.5m), Sonny Betrucci (Ars et Labor Rattaglie, 0.1m), Brieux De Harlus (OAM, Kerlaudy University (OAM), free), Gianni Marchegiani (youth academy), Roberto Faresin (youth academy)

Targets and means - Coming off a very good second part of the season, Pietro Fezzardi made it no secret that he aspired to keep the side together and aim for the Serie A. For the longest time, the board seemed able to align with that aspiration and even reinforce the club until no prolongation with Gallicardi was found and the midfielder parted for the greener pastures of Pesari. Even then, nothing much will change about what Inter stands for: lots of grit and craftsmanship, little spectacular, decent efficiency and if possible, a banger of a match against them bastards from Catrallo Calcio. In a way, that’s more than enough for the fans, especially as they are aware of the financial situation: as long as no big investor walks in and starts splashing the cash, that’s plenty of ambition as it is. In goal, Roscioli and his antics catch the attention: he’s a great shot stopper but a few times each year, things go blank in his head. Luckily for him, Pandolfi is barely good enough as a back-up. The back four from last season, which molded together over the course of the year, has been retained as it is a good mix of experience and youth. The central duo, captain Calcaterra and Brenecian Kerraway, are hard as nails and might pick up a good number of cards - young Valetti is a decent back-up - but the ‘Smash Bros’ do what they need to do in the low organisation from Fezzardi.

By their side, two defenders are building their career step by step. Mirko Chiurato is a fixture with the Young Swordfishes and his rushes forward become better and better timed. His counterpart, Ciro Sandri, surprisingly gained a spot in the line-up last year after being thanked for no services with Calcio, but he’s not the first who gets ousted by the big rival and then builds a proper career for himself with the modest neighbours. According to the rumour mill, Sandri was contacted by Calcio for a return but social media posts made clear that he's now a Viola for life. As such, stability is key in the organisation with only one defensive name changed. Tikariotian Aldon Busk picks up where Gallicardi left. The right-footed midfielder never really made his breakthrough with the Dwarves but could become a solid addition to this side. With the consistent Fidanza, owner of a piercing long-distance shot, by his side, there is a reliable square in front of the goalkeeper. Add to that Giuseppe Aymo, an underestimated hero of this squad with his workrate and rushes, and you understand why Inter hold a reputation for being a stubborn opponent, one which allows the opposition the ball but rarely gets torn apart themselves. It suits the hardy fan base which has its roots in the docks and industrial parts of town.

And all that is good and well, but from time to time, you'll also need to score a goal. Within the line-up from Fezzardi, there is only room for one creative midfielder and that place is well disputed. A few seasons back, Fabiano Scirea would have been the evident option: elegant, subtle and caresses the ball like a painter. But his star is waning early and we have seen too little for a player with still a good number of years in front of him. Marco Dotti, at 38, refuses to run out of steam and picks his moments but can't carry the team anymore. As such, many eyes will be on Ciro De Luca who was satisfactory last year. Not the virtuoso of his two seniors, fewer backheels and nutmegs - but at least some efficiency. His role will be to feed two bonafide strikers, two guys who get the appreciation from football fans across clubs. The only question is whether they can also find one another in the box. Giovanni Saligari is one of the rare players to mark a hundred goals for the same squad. He's not the type who will score all the time but with his power and presence, there always is a chance. Energetic and respectable, he is a natural leader and a face of this Inter, symbolising that they can reach heights even without a list of stars. Saligari will be partnering up with someone who, possibly against his will, did make a high-profile transfer. Jules Haney seemed destined to become a club monument at Pesari but in need of money, Il Viola saw an opportunity to pick up a high-quality finisher for a modest prize. With now two scoring strikers, as the departed Bignami, Marchese nor Loreto ever really gained that title, Inter could be more dangerous than ever - solid in the back, confident in attack can get you far in the race for the Serie A. If the bench, with currently unknown quantities such as Betrucci and de Harlus, can match the level of the first eleven, we wouldn't rule out Il Viola for an IFCF spot.

Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Davide Roscioli        SOR   30   S11  Start    216    0  Catrallo Calcio    225    0
GK  13  Daniele Pandolfi       SOR   23   S14  Bench     17    0  Youth               17    0
LD   2  Ciro Sandri            SOR   21   S17  Start     42    2  Catrallo Calcio     53    2
LD  29  Roberto Faresin        SOR   19   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
CD   3  Mariano Calcaterra ©   SOR   31   S05  Start    297    3  Youth              297    3
CD   5  Evan Kerraway          BRE   34   S16  Start     75    2  Falkner United/BRE  75    2
CD   4  Luigi Valetti          SOR   20   S17  Bench     12    0  Youth               12    0
RD  17  Mirko Chiurato         SOR   21   S15  Start     80    2  Youth               80    2
RD  25  Stefano Abagnale       SOR   28   S08  Bench    121    2  Youth              121    2
DM  16  Roberto Cecchin        SOR   29   S12  Bench    135    4  Fagli Cinquanta    215    5
DM   6  Eros Fidanza           SOR   32   S13  Start    160    5  Robur Astello      273    6
DM   8  Aldon Busk             TKT   29   S18  Start      0    0  Bul Khungur M. FC    0    0
DM  22  Luca Signorelli        SOR   21   S16  Res        9    0  Youth                9    0
CM  14  Giuseppe Aymo          SOR   24   S14  Start    102    4  Catrallo Calcio    105    4
CM  24  Sonny Betrucci         SOR   23   S18  Res        0    0  Ars et Labor Ratt.   0    0
AM  10  Fabiano Scirea         SOR   27   S12  Bench    180   26  Madonna Nottori    224   28
AM  23  Marco Dotti            SOR   38   S06  Bench    358   51  Catrallo Calcio    405   55
AM  16  Ciro De Luca           SOR   26   S17  Start     29    5  Madonna Nottori    114   13
ST   9  Giovanni Saligari      SOR   32   S10  Start    244  100  SSD Borgonovo      363  127
ST  11  Jules Haney            TKT   33   S18  Start      0    0  FC Pesari           56   34
ST  18  Brieux de Harlus       OAM   23   S18  Bench      0    0  Kerlaudy Univ./OAM   0    0
ST  20  Gianni Marchegiani     SOR   20   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0

Pro Stampano
Your new favorite team if…
You like being frustrated and the laughing stock. But then again, if and when they do manage to break through, that last laugh will be a very good one. If.

Details

Home Stadium   Corsa Quersia (3500 seats)
Nickname       The Postmen
Manager        Romolo Pambianco
Sponsor        FederIT (IT services)
Since          S1
Last Season    Fifth of the Serie A
Won            5 Serie B titles (last S16), 1 Coppa delle Stella (S9)
Region         Santa Sofia

Outgoing - Domenico Cappa (Montfort Wanderers (TLI), 1.7m), Roberto Pella (Madonna Nottori, 0.4m), Ugo Cianci (Robur Astello, 0.3m), Gian Maria Cerretti (Juve Redoccio, 0.1m)
Incoming - Jordan Watson (PFA, Dury Juniors (PFA), 1m), Alberto Bortolotto (0.7m, FC Pesari), Federico Granocche (Madonna Nottori, 0.6m), Massimo Giusti (youth academy)

Targets and means - After a string of disappointing years, larded with last-minute heartbreaks and poor stints, the Postmen finally managed to shed off the veil of ‘dissatisfaction’ and properly use their potential. We are not saying that Romolo Pambianco is a tactical mastermind, but he did manage to get all noses in the same direction and push them to a common goal. The result was a satisfactory end season and compliments from the whole tier, although a few lamented no more being able to point to Pro Stampano as the example that “things could still be worse for the fan”. However, it is not supposed to end here. For some reason, there is a strange idee-fixe with the board of Stampano that they should be able to park themselves in the same class as the Big Three. Nice words, but the off-season doesn’t fully back this up as Domenico Cappa parts for a bigger name in international football. “When the Montfort Wanderers come around, you don’t hesitate,” the young midfielder shared and with it, Pro Stampano not only sees its highest valued player depart, but also the young captain and heart of the line-up. Cappa, at his age, was no finished product yet but steered the side on enthusiasm and vision - his departure could leave a big hole in the eleven from Pambianco. Initially, attempts were made to find a pound-for-pound replacement but domestically, there was little lust among the few targets to move to Pro. And internationally, people have no clue who Pro Stampano is - one of the downsides of narrowly missing out on international football.

As such, the money from Cappa was used to reinforce each line and saw some seeds in the form of young talents, with the aspiration to target to harvest later on. It is a tactic which deserves its credit, after years of chasing long-term success, although one can wonder whether the fans will appreciate it (and the potential dips in the trajectory) after finally tasting some glory after the grey seasons. Pressure is on, as such, and most notably on the defensive compartment. Goalie Ettore Trasciani is a household name there: just not good enough for the NT but for his club a reliable centerpiece. In front of him, his brother Roberto is supposed to guard the troops. At the start of last season, Roberto lost his captain’s ribbon to Cappa which led to some conflict but the current return to the position seems to indicate he and the gaffer are like peas and carrots again: at least for now. Especially as Roberto, a cunning and strong devil but a bit sluggish, will have a pivotal role in guarding the youngsters around him. His sidekick should be Pilati, a good manmarker but a bit hesitant at times, whilst on the right Qualla grows into a strong first tier defender. Both youngsters still make their mistakes, will Roberto be able to cover them? On the left, young Poafmersian newcomer Watson pushed Arrigoni to the bench in the preseason games. Pacy and energetic, the new kid on the block showed potential but he will need to learn to pick his moments.

All in all, this is a flawed base to rebuild a midfield on. Looking to the preseason, we expect a diamond midfield with quite a bit of reshuffling. Polidori, a raw and rumbling type, should act as the number six with Stanco as a younger, less clever back-up. Anderson Pill, the breakthrough star of last year, will fall back a little as box-to-box and pick up more dirty work, to allow his midfield partner to find space. That could be at times young Delafonte, a nifty talent, but will usually be Bortolotto. Everyone is in agreement he’s a dashing player but he struggled at Pesari to find consistency in his performance. Can Pambianco get more out of the already 25y old midfielder or will he remain an eternal talent? Mastermind and in-all-but-number-the-real-number-ten is Giaco Sanmicheli, the modest Savigliani who is held in high esteem by the fans for his marvellous free kick and positive attitude. Over the years, Sanmicheli raises his stats and stature - can this be the year he really carries the team? Sanmicheli provides for the striking duo, where Pro waved goodbye to veterans Cianci and Pella. Both had good days with the club, but neither matched, personally or professionally, with Lenore Ransom. Capricious and dribble-prone at times, she remains the one who ensures double figures and is vital for the line-up. Stampano might have done an undervalued steel by picking up Federico Granocche for a soft price at Nottori. But no one can tell if the two, both characters and fairly goal oriented, will manage to improve their partner or rather will focus on their own success. Still, a 20y old talent with these stats now dropped in a better team, that must give sparks, right? Right? Pambianco has question marks all over the field, but if he can turn enough of them in exclamation points, this Stampano is even better than last year’s version (but maybe not as consistent). Interesting times ahead - surprisingly interesting for Pro.

Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK  13  Ettore Trasciani       SOR   29   S14  Start    136    0  SSD Borgonovo      265    0
GK  24  Ivan Siano             SOR   22   S15  Bench      2    0  Stampano Socio       2    0
LB  22  Jordan Watson          PFA   21   S18  Start      0    0  Dury Juniors/PFA     0    0
LD   2  Mattia Arrigoni        SOR   26   S13  Bench    134    1  Virtus Redoccio    142    1
CD  23  Luca Ilari             SOR   27   S15  Bench     91    1  US San Savola      185    1
CD   3  Roberto Trasciani ©    SOR   34   S07  Start    327   24  FC Pesari          333   24
CD  26  Manuele Pilati         SOR   20   S16  Start     31    0  Youth               31    0
CD  15  Patrizio Grillo        SOR   21   S17  Res        1    0  Youth                1    0
RD  19  Simone Rossi           SOR   36   S09  Res      149    3  Sportiva Montelc.  248   12
RD   5  Carlo Qualla           SOR   22   S16  Start     66    3  FC Orsi             66    3
DM  13  Giacinto Polidori      SOR   29   S13  Start    109    5  Sportiva Montelc.  156   10
DM  19  Filippo Stanco         SOR   22   S14  Bench     16    0  Youth               16    0
CM  10  Anderson Pill          CMT   26   S17  Start     30    3  GT Molding/GRF      30    3
CM  21  Ezerio Delafonte       SOR   19   S17  Bench      6    0  Youth                6    0
CM   7  Alberto Bortolotto     SOR   25   S18  Start     22    2  FC Pesari          158   19
AM   8  Pietro Bunino          SOR   31   S14  Bench     80    3  Stampano Socio      80    3
AM  25  Giaco Sanmicheli       SVG   25   S16  Start     61   12  Porto Vecchio/SVG   61   12
ST   9  Lenore Ransom          CMT   31   S16  Start     66   25  Urrheddiao/CMT      66   25
ST  29  Lorenzo Nannetti       SOR   24   S15  Bench     50    5  FC Pesari           60    6
ST  27  Gregorio Boccardi      SOR   21   S15  Res        9    0  Youth                9    0
ST  11  Federico Granocche     SOR   20   S18  Start      0    0  Madonna Nottori     58   33
ST  35  Massimo Giusti         SOR   18   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0

[San Ortelio]

Robur Astello
Your new favorite team if…
You like to push the ‘nobody likes us but we don’t care’ card. And don’t really care about good or academic football.

Details

Home Stadium   Valle Farnese (5000 seats)
Nickname       I Detenuti
Manager        Elio Senze
Sponsor        Birra 52 (alcoholic beverages)
Since          S2
Last Season    Sixth in the Serie B
Won            1 Serie B titles (last S6)
Region         San Servazio

Outgoing - Romeo Gozzi (þingsnitz (GRF), 1.5m), Mirko Pellizarri (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.3m), Mattias Soomre (HRK, Kuinopi Club (HRK), 0.1m), Christian Sassi (Delta, free), Alessio Bondioli (retirement)
Ingoing - Vsevolod Bogolyubsky (PYA, Dinamo Krasnograd (PYA), 0.75m), Luigi D’Annunzio (Esca Unione, 0.5m), Ugo Cianci (Pro Stampano, 0.3m), Filippo Pompa (Fagli Cinquanta, 0.3m), Laurence Bryger (BRE, Robur Astello, 0.2m), Paolo Varelli (youth academy)

Targets and means - It is the end of an era for Robur but maybe, after a season where they slowly slipped from ‘just good enough for midtable’ to ‘inches above the relegation line’, this could be the turnaround they are looking for. The Prisoners, after their striped outfit, part ways with Romeo Gozzi, one of the most eventful football players to ever grace the Ortelian pitches. After more than a hundred goals with the club and a similar amount of scrimmages, dramas and conflicts, he will take on the role of target striker with Graentfjaller promoted side þingsnitz. For a few seasons now, the line-up of Robur fully depended on him with all players acting in his service. After years of giving in to his pleas and demands, Astello is left with a line-up of players of whom no one is entirely sure whether they didn’t bloom due to Gozzi putting them in the shadow, or whether they’re just barely good enough to make Gozzi shine. Without him, Senze will need to rethink the strict 5-4-1 but he hasn’t lost his defensive ways: expect a five-man defensive line still in top shape. Well… Top shape. It’s more or less the same old: a series of players who focus on putting opposition against the grass and making it till the ninetieth minute without a red card. In a competition with a fair share of ruthless defenders, it is fair to say that Robur sports the most cynical, negative bunch of them all.

The rare exception to the rule, and the sole one who could find employment elsewhere, would be Maurizi, who possesses a neat crosspass and knows other ways to halt opposition than sniping their legs. The latter is a specialty of the house of both Martorelli and Lomolini, two elements feared by more nimble opponents. We should also pardon Lodgian Usher Collins, who showed footballing promise in his appearances and who could - due to the cards piling up - play quite often this season. Behind the hardest ragtag bunch of defenders, we would expect Yuri Scampini. He’s at least as dirty as the rest of the troop but also blessed with some actual skill, taking possession of his box and often having the kind of save which photographers crave for. Unfortunately, his wires cross a few times a year. In the past, Pellizarri would pick up the gloves then but he got snapped up late in the silly season by Sportiva. This suddenly offered a last chance for Filippo Pompa to get a second spring out of his career. Pompa once stood on goal for the title-winning Catrallo Calcio and seemed destined for the national team until he collided with the board over his more… worldly interests. His guru Mario Anza gave him a shot at Fagli but that didn’t materialize - in part due to a good run from Giandonato, in part due to Pompa spending more time in the nightlife. The match with Astello, the riviera city with the tourists and the clublife, could as such spell various things, few of them truly promising for a professional footballer.

If the defensive line builds around the same names, then the midfield sees a bit of a shake-up with the arrival of veteran Laurence Bryger. The Brenecian dragged the dead horse called Nottori to an extra year at the highest tier but there is only so much a man can do with a lot of stamina, swearing and kicking ass. Whilst the transfer policy from Robur is not always stellar, we do get the idea behind linking him up with young TJUN-ian Petor Szektkovsky, a modern six with a great attitude. Together, they can form the much-needed engine of this line-up. With Grandolfi and Pozzi, the replacements aren’t top notch but decent enough, at first sight. Question is who will carry the side as attacking midfielder. Marcellusi is homegrown, technically astute but lacks a bit of confidence - Iotti has tons of that going on but barely manages to bring consistency in his play. One of them will need to step up, or the two strikers will need to content themselves with running after long balls. With the cash left by Gozzi, three newcomers were brought in for this task and it seems as if Robur tried to find the three most diverse profiles possible, dreaming that somehow two of them will match. Luigi D’Annunzio is a poacher and a nuisance for a defense. He can be dominated, but could as well pop up at the second post for an easy tap-in. Veteran Cianci adds some amibility to the club but with the years, he slowed down and one needs to wonder whether his fine shot alone suffices for a role in this line-up if he struggles to get in position. The third entry, young tongue twister Bogolyubsky showed speed and nerve in the first encounters, if he can turn this into goals, he could be the sensation this club needs to steer them away from the relegation battle.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Yuri Scampini          SOR   25   S17  Start     29    0  Politecnica         29    0
GK  23  Filippo Pompa          SOR   30   S18  Bench      0    0  Fagli Cinquanta    174    0
LD  22  Matteo Martorelli      SOR   30   S13  Start    157    3  Virtus Redoccio    248    3
LD  21  Lorenzo Giacobbe       SOR   22   S15  Res       20    1  Youth               20    1
CD   3  Filippo Maurizi        SOR   29   S12  Start    185   12  Juve Redoccio      185   12
CD  19  Sebastiano Lomolini ©  SOR   34   S03  Start    471    6  Youth              471    6
CD   4  Michele Giulotti       SOR   28   S11  Start    126    2  Astello Mare       126    2
CD   2  Usher Collins          EFL   19   S17  Bench     13    0  Mount Salt FA/EFL   13    0
CD  26  Claudio della Torre    SOR   20   S16  Res        4    0  Youth                4    0
RD   5  Emanuele Carletti      SOR   25   S14  Start    128    2  Catrallo Calcio    128    2
DM   6  Federico Pozzi         SOR   31   S12  Bench    181    5  US San Savola      274    7
DM  20  Petor Szektkovsky      TJU   23   S16  Start     48    3  CSTO Academy/TJU    48    3
LM  16  Bernardo Ravelli       SOR   23   S16  Res       17    0  Astello United      17    0
CM  18  Gabriele Grandolfo     SOR   25   S15  Bench     80    9  Madonna Nottori    166   13
CM   7  Laurence Bryger        BRE   35   S18  Start      0    0  Madonna Nottori     70    8
CM  14  Paolo Varelli          SOR   19   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
AM   8  Jacopo Marcellusi      SOR   27   S08  Start    210   19  Youth              210   19
AM  10  Marco Iotti            SOR   29   S17  Bench     25    3  Pro Stampano       234   38
AM  30  Luca Bulevardi         SOR   23   S12  Bench     80   11  Youth               80   11
ST  55  Ugo Cianci             SOR   32   S18  Bench      0    0  Pro Stampano       293   70
ST  29  Vsevolod Bogolyubsky   PYA   19   S18  Start      0    0  Di. Krasnograd/PYA   0    0 
ST  23  Matteo Carannante      SOR   22   S15  Res       16    0  Youth               16    0
ST  20  Luigi D’Annunzio       SOR   23   S18  Start      0    0  Esca Unione         64   25

Sportiva Montelcampo
Your new favorite team if…
You like chaos and footballing fun. It's not always perfect but it's a spectacle with goals - and sometimes, they even end up with a trophy.

Details

Home Stadium   Corsa Quersia (3500 seats)
Nickname       The Robins
Manager        Etern-Tylyr Von (QUS)
Sponsor        Gianculasi (car manufacturing)
Since          S1
Last Season    Third in the Serie A, first prelim of the Challengers Cup
Won            1 Serie A title (last S6), 2 Serie B titles (last S11), 2 Coppa della Stelle (last S16)
Region         San Bonifazio

Outgoing - Christian Valeri (FC Pesari, 0.5m), Luca Cigliano (FC Orsi, 0.2m), Claudio Zagaria (Catrallo Athletic, 0.2m), Fabio Priola (Porto Querio, 0.1m), Aventurine Kolar (NPH, AFC Treason (NPH), end of loan), Grigory Rijkhart (FPT, SSD Borgonovo, loan)
Incoming - Nunzio Tornaghi (US San Savola, 0.8m), Giorgio Gucci (MRC, Cazadores Cathair (AUD), 0.5m), Markus Swyripa (QUE, Zenit Attawapiskat (QUE), 0.3m), Mirko Pellizzari (Robur Astello, 0.3m), Filippo Covi (youth academy), Fiorenzo Magnaldi (youth academy)

Targets and means - Twelve more months of Qusmiball! The board from the Robins announced with a big smile and the fans nodded in agreement, these are great days in the history of this club which might be the only one who truly, structurally, can put their foot next to the Big Three - whilst running on half the budget or even less. More of the same was also the steering motive in the off-season: in part because things are going well, in part because it is a fairly cheap tactic. Things ended however with Aventurine Kolar who, after two years of physically dominating Ortelian midfields, returned to the Zenith to win a spot with one of the best - if not, the best - club teams in the multiverse, AFC Treason. Quite a task, but during her time with Sportiva, she was both feared and inspiring. Kolar’s departure leaves a far bigger hole in the line-up than the other ones, which range from mediocre substitutes (Zagaria, Priola, Cigliano), over players needing minutes elsewhere (the appreciated Rijkhart) to players who simply didn’t fit the philosophy: journeyman Christian Valeri is a gentle giant and a hard worker, but going to your fourth club in as many seasons is never a good sign - maybe being a likeable back-up in a bigger club, rather than the sole technically limited element in a line-up, could be a lucrative career move for him. All in all, you could say that only one player’s departure will be lamented in the stands.

This means that Von can bring more of his signature, energetic 3-4-3 to the pitch. Between the stakes, Pino - the first player to hit five-hundred games at the top level in San Ortelio - gets a better back-up with Pellizzarri, although you could debate whether someone who didn’t play for Robur will form a genuine reinforcement for Sportiva. And, considering the international agenda, Pino will need some relief days. No changes in the defensive unit as, after a few ups and downs, the trio there grew to a higher level. Edoardo Ferrera needed some time to grow into his role as back three leader, being accustomed to having four guys in line, but seems closer than ever to an invite for the national selection. In due time, the same will go for Valerio Cattai, if he gets his headers sorted out. Nameless soldier Giannoti or veteran stand-in Sarcinella are some of the lesser known elements of this club, but they do what they need to do without much complaints. However, if an injury would hit Ferrera or Cattai, one can wonder whether the defense has enough mobility and passing skills to survive a high pressure. It seems as if Von has grown aware of that as well, especially as Kolar used to balance out the side. Despite tight finances, the Robins managed to take the ‘Moneyball’ approach and replaced her with two types. Nunzio Tornaghi is technically limited but the type of player you miss when he’s not around - he can pick up the defensive work for now. Operating from the left side, Giorgio Gucci is intended to fit in, bowing on his rich experience with Caza, he can have the volume and forward-thinking required in this tactical plan. Both additions seem to suit the house style - regular guys with a taste for teamwork.

Their addition leaves space for the maestro behind the line-up to do his thing. As the years go by, Jon Nonhagatte has completely given up on the physical work and we can't remember him actually sprinting, but as long as he keeps spreading those passes like butter on a hot toast, the Sportiva fans will adore him. The deep lying playmaker is the face of this eleven and that comes with a downside - without Kolar, he's hard to replace as the bench contains hard workers who boot it forward: Delvino, Sparandeo, Magnaldi, … good elements but there it is. The sole solution if and when Jon needs to sit out a game is to pull back Ercole Mazzone. No one would call him a star and he lacks the sparkly bit for that but for Montelcampo, he's a top notch attacking midfielder. His back-up Barletta has more potential but struggles with consistency and can be bullied out of a game. Von sticks to his three-man attack with Pambianco, the man who never seems to age, on the right. His production is a steady assurance and he does it through all methods, making him hard to stop. Opposite to him, the short and fast Cadili ravages opposition with his rushes. If he can convert a few more of the numerous chances he creates, he must be on his way abroad. Lastly, there's the deep striker. The experiment with the tall Valeri didn't work out, giving youngster Cotillard the floor. The Quebecois-Ortelian took his chance and looks ready to be a starter. However, given his inexperience, Von deemed it wise to cover him with a veteran back-up. Swyripa might be 35 already but doesn't seem to be here just to cash out. Curious whether the two will reinforce one another or not. In summary, Sportiva has a great attacking section but they can't rely on a defensive front - expect goals, drama and a spot near, but not in, the title race.

Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Pasquale Pino          SOR   37   S01  Start    519   0   Youth              519    0
GK  13  Mirko Pellizzari       SOR   24   S18  Bench      0   0   Robur Astello       19    0
LD   2  Manuele Giannoti       SOR   30   S12  Start    162   2   Robur Astello      211    2
CD   4  Francesco Sarcinella   SOR   35   S11  Bench    178   6   US San Savola      277    8
CD  20  Valerio Cattai         SOR   22   S15  Start     53   2   Youth               53    2
CD   3  Edoardo Ferrera        SOR   29   S17  Start     38   1   Fagli Cinquanta    203    4
CD  25  Filippo Covi           SOR   20   S18  Res        0   0   Youth                0    0
RD  15  Daniele Spureo         SOR   31   S15  Res       41   1   Fagli Cinquanta    181    9
DM   6  Fabio Sparandeo        SOR   31   S12  Bench    198   8   FC Pesari          246    8
DM  18  Nunzio Tornaghi        SOR   24   S18  Start      0   0   US San Savola      143    4
LM  18  Giorgio Gucci          MRC   28   S18  Start      0   0   Caza. Cathair/AUD    0    0 
CM   7  Leonardo Delvino       SOR   28   S09  Bench    198  18   Youth              198   18
CM   8  Joan Nonhagatte ©      FFD   36   S16  Start     65  15   KT Moreazerua/AUD   65   15
CM  14  Fiorenzo Magnaldi      SOR   18   S18  Res        0   0   Youth                0    0
AM  10  Ercole Mazzone         SOR   26   S11  Start    187  51   Youth              187   51
AM  22  Giusto Barletta        SOR   22   S16  Bench     30   5   Youth               30    5
RW  11  Andrea Pambianco       SOR   34   S14  Start    130  70   Pro Stampano       385  151
RW  19  Francisco Priola       SOR   27   S13  Bench     86  20   Fratelli d’Anezzo   86   20
ST  12  Angelo Cotillard       SOR   20   S16  Bench     36  15   Youth               36   15
ST   9  Markus Swyripa         QUE   35   S18  Start      0   0   Zenit Attawap./QUE   0    0
LW  17  Luca Cadili            SOR   21   S16  Start     74  17   US San Savola      104   23
LW  16  Salvatore Rocco        SOR   24   S16  Res       19   4   Catrallo Calcio     38    9

SSD Borgonovo
Your new favorite team if…
You believe that football should be for the regular people and not some cash cow. Oh, and you vote for the Partito Socialista Popolare, of course.

Details

Home Stadium   Stadio del Fiume (5300 seats)
Nickname       Il Socio
Manager        Diego Chiesa
Sponsor        NutriPe (canning)
Since          S3
Last Season    Second in the Serie B, semi-finals in the Coppa
Won            1 Serie B title
Region         San Bonifazio

Outgoing - Archer Pearson (Pesari, 1.4m), Mattia Santoro (Catrallo Athletic, 0.2m), Giulio Boffeli (FC Pesari, 0.2m), Gianluca Boffeli (Stampano Socio, free), Giorgio Fietta (retirement)
Ingoing - Faith Krupp (ESL, Ottawa Geese (ESL), 0.5m), Raffaele Marchese (Inter Catrallo, 0.4m), Marco Fazio (Virtus Redoccio, 0.4m), Simone Pasciolo (Madonna Nottori, 0.2m), Grigory Rijkhart (FPT, Sportiva Montelcampo, loan)

Targets and means - One point four million. Well how about that. Il Socio won the lottery with the departure of Archer Pearson but as much as the Murphtannian youngster adds to the treasury, he leaves as a hole on the pitch. His infiltrations and goal oriented skills gave Borgonovo their best season in a decade with a deep run in the Coppa and a Serie B appearance where there was no need to look behind (aka a massive success). When Diego Chiesa took over three years ago, there was a lot of doubt on the laptop manager but the club stuck to their guns and got rewarded for it. Question is whether he will be able to continue building his club without the star talent. The off-season didn't look particularly bad, but it was difficult to determine a logic. The goodbye to Santoro made sense, he never really fitted in. That the homegrown brothers Boffeli left was met with more raised eyebrows. Chiesa calmly explained that the static defenders no longer suited the style of play and whilst this seems to be a valid argument, expect the fans to chant the names of the local, popular duo when things go downhill. On the incoming side there was… A bit of everything as long as it wasn't too expensive. It's a continuity throughout the transfer windows of SSD so we're not too surprised but it makes it hard to look to the upcoming season with a 100% certainty they won't battle against relegation again.

In goal, the duo remains the same. Giulio Mosca still suffers from ups and downs. For Chiesa it suffices that he's tall and has decent feet, so that works out. The notably anonymous back four gets reinforced with Simone Pasciolo and that could be a good steal. His club Nottori was known for its defensive inaptitude but many direct opponents had positive words for his workrate and tackle. Still, it leaves Borgonovo with a back four which is on the slower side and will not push forward that much - so without the Boffeli's, they mainly lose experience. Take a second look at Bertolini, he's got potential to be a starter once the years inevitably get Puuk. Are most alternatives meagre in defense, than the central midfield is rather stacked. Four names with a claim for a spot and only two positions. Based on the warm-up games, we put our money on Fazio and Lang, which would remarkably prioritize work rate over technical baggage. Luo Lang has the profile of a basketball player but his miles and sacrifice get appreciated by fans and teammates. Next to him, newcomer Fazio is out for a vengeance. Tossed aside by Virtus over his age, he wants to prove that his fighting spirit, energy and omnipresence still can add something to a Serie Nazionale side. A born captain, expect him to push his mates to the limit. But that means that the actual man with the ribbon, Paolo Castelli, needs to wait for playing minutes. A deep-lying general, Castelli has been vital to this side so often it seems unthinkable to bench him - Chiesa is taking another risk here. Luckily, Castelli is a gentleman, but the passionate fan base might not appreciate this move.

Next, there are the 19y old talents, starting with Carlo Carlesi who convinced during his ample playing minutes and will make the decision making only harder for coach Chiesa. Fairly short for his position, he nonetheless is both crafty in possession as in getting in possession. Lastly, there is Sportiva loanee Rijkhart who came here in search for on-pitch time but who will have an uphill battle - despite his hard work and positive spirit. In some games, one of the benchers could take up the spot of the creative but fragile number ten, Spizzichino. Slightly mopy off the pitch, he's no fan favourite. This cannot be said about Nkechi Orjee, the lightning bolt on the left wing. A proud Kitaran-Ortelian, he quickly grew into a household name for the leftist club. Curious whether his counterpart Faith Krupp can win the hearts of the fans as swiftly but during preseason, the Eshian seemed ready for the hard task which will be replacing Pearson. A good pair of wingers, in short, but one that lacks backup in this rather unbalanced squad. For the position of sole striker, that backup exists although the quality is contested. Homegrown Ciriello has some potential but hasn't scored anything which wasn't a tap-in and newcomer Marchese got his marching orders from Inter over his lack of production. So expect more of born Borgonovan Federico Celli, a peculiar figure with a loud and clear opinion, but a decent enough targetman for this club. In general, this SSD has a strong engine in the heart of the pitch and a good enough attacking line-up, but Chiesa will need to work miracles with the defensive setup to truly aim for more than a "season with not too much worries".

Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK  99  Giulio Mosca           SOR   26   S13  Start     70    0  FC Pesari           71    0
GK   1  Roope Helminen         HRK   20   S17  Bench      7    0  Dünamo Tüparu/HRK    7    0
LD  13  Luca Mangano           SOR   29   S12  Start    174    2  Esca Unione        240    3
LD   2  Lorenzo Gambino        SOR   33   S10  Res      156    3  Motori Vitale      156    3
CD   4  Tommi Puuk             HRK   36   S16  Start     55    0  Linn. Harseni/HRK   55    0
CD  14  Simone Pasciolo        SOR   25   S18  Start      0    0  Madonna Nottori     65    3
CD  16  Fausto Bertolini       SOR   20   S17  Bench     11    1  Youth               11    1
RD   5  Davide Dellavedova     SOR   24   S14  Res       50    1  Virtus Redoccio     50    1
RD  17  Giovanni Fontana       SOR   28   S17  Start     71    4  Forza Catrallo      76    4
DM   6  Paolo Castelli ©       SOR   36   S09  Bench    276   38  Inter Catrallo     396   58
DM  21  Carlo Carlesi          SOR   19   S17  Bench     16    2  FC Pesari           16    2
CM  66  Luo Lang               YZH   27   S16  Start     62    5  Yincheng Guo./YZH   62    5
CM  16  Marco Fazio            SOR   34   S18  Start      0    0  Virtus Redoccio    350   26
CM  27  Grigory Rijkhart       FPT   19   S18  Bench      0    0  Sportiva Montelc.   10    0
AM  10  Lorenzo Spizzichino    SOR   26   S15  Start     83   19  FC Pesari          106   22
AM  20  Mario De Lucia         SOR   28   S11  Res      102   10  Forza Catrallo     102   10
LW  23  Nkechi Orjee           SOR   22   S16  Start     59   16  PRIND Razzi         59   16
RW  11  Faith Krupp            ESL   23   S18  Start      0    0  Ottawa Geese/ESL     0    0
ST   9  Federico Celli         SOR   29   S17  Start     47   12  Sportiva Montelc.  225   84
ST  15  Pasquale Ciriello      SOR   20   S16  Bench     31    5  Youth               31    5
ST  22  Raffaele Marchese      SOR   23   S18  Bench      0    0  Inter Catrallo      99   13

US San Savola
Your new favorite team if…
Ehm. That’s a tough one, they’re the grey mouse of the league despite those shirts. San Savola sits on the geographical outside of the map and does its own thing. It’s not sexy but it works. If that’s your thing?

Details

Home Stadium   Dietro Baracche (3000 seats)
Nickname       None, really. No one talks about them enough for that
Manager        Rafael Hythewater (NPH)
Sponsor        Il Falco (household tools)
Since          S1
Last Season    Fifth in the Serie B
Won            2 Serie B titles (last S14), 1 Coppa delle Stella (last S4)
Region         San Mamerto

Outgoing - Rafael Hythewater (NPH, retired to coach), Nunzio Tornaghi (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.8m), Saverio D’Agostino (RES Quartella, free), Alessandro Cappelluzzo (Nyva Zvornik (MYT), 0.3m)
Incoming - Sandro Zanoni (FC Pesari, 0.3m), Pietro Spedalieri (Madonna Nottori, 0.2m), Flavio Stramaccioni (Virtus Redoccio, 0.4m), Ansom Payne (NPH, Anhedron Wanderers FC (TKT), free), Emilio Jørnsson (GRF, Altendalur (GRF), free), Guiseppe Zungri (youth academy)

Targets and means - From today onwards, US San Savola starts a new era with Rafael Hythewater at the helm. The Nepharim globetrotter had two prolific years in the defense of the club and has been handpicked by former manager Oscar Fincato as his successor. The previous one disappears behind the screens as director, a role possibly better suited to his character and will do his best to help the debutant to make it through a potentially difficult debut season. In part as he gets thrown for the lion's cage with no experience, but also with little budget and a mixed bag of a squad. US San Savola has a small but nifty talent factory on its premises, but it's par for the course that they finance the whole undertaking - sponsor Il Falco puts the least money on the table of all Serie Nazionale outfits, according to those in the know. This year, it was Nunzio Tornaghi who balanced the books by exchanging Dietro Baracche for glory at Sportiva, leaving behind some money but also tactical woes: whilst not a completely finished product yet, he did more than his bit for the balance. Hythewater, aware that staying up is the key task now weakest link Nottori dropped for the promising Bears, focussed on getting experience and fighting spirit on board, players with something to prove and hopefully the same grinta as the skipper.

Between the stakes, Nobile got mixed feedback but did grab some key points in last year's Serie B where relegation came too close for comfort. As long as his back-up is Agnano, we don't see much reason for worry for the man with the number one shirt. He might scratch his head a bit, nonetheless, when inspecting the state of the four in front of him. The gaffer was replaced by another battle-hardened Nepharim in Ansom Payne but in combination with Biancu, that’s not really the recipe for mobility with back-ups that are either quite old, very young or inexplicably still signed with a professional club (I’m looking at you, Santi). Fast feet are available on the left with the energetic Trisha Nzonzi whose diminutive size hasn’t stopped her from becoming a fan favourite. She’s both an asset and a liability, depending on the game and might need her side to play forward more to really shine - but can San Savola execute that? On a positive note, she is an example of the youth that Hythewater hopes to develop amidst the relegation woes: her back-up Pardini has some potential and on the right, old-timer La Rosa got surpassed by Zungri, a youngster that could develop into a reliable wingback. Whilst in individuals there are good things available, it will be Hythewater’s first and foremost task to mold them together into a strong unit so their limitations are covered. We can expect this to go with ups and downs. This sentiment of a ‘mixed bag’ runs on towards the midfield which has theoretically a bit of everything: working horses, playmakers and wingers. The question is what four will get the highest result.

Based on the pre-season, Hythewater tried to shield his back four with a fairly defensive line-up with often unnoticed number six Ladinetti taking care of the dirty work. He’s a player with limitations, but opens up the floor for others. In his two seasons with the club, Rashid Averroes grew into a determining player with his initiative and volume. Not everything the former Alqamar player touches turns into gold, but last year he often was the sole link between attack and defense. This should be reinforced with Sandro Zanoni who parted with FC Pesari but arrived with lots of hunger for vengeance. The former Pesari captain was deemed a negative force for the club but his experience and grit could bring out the best with young talent Giovanni Letti. In this squad, few doubt that he’s the one who possesses that rare (definitely in San Savola) magic but as much of a crafty passer he might be, he needs a better action radius. This weakness might lead to chances for Spedalieri, the prototype of a big talent but at his third club in as many seasons - if he fulfills his potential, he’s a great playmaker near the box, but that’s an ‘if’. Similar sounds around Tarallo, who exchanges the best with the worst to the frustration of the stands. And there’s more unhoned talent there, with the nifty Emilio Jornsson. The general sense of the midfield is that talent is not the issue but turning that into statistics. For that, we’ll probably need to turn to the four forwards who each make a decent claim for a starting position. Flavio Stramaccioni was barred at Virtus and left in search of minutes - he’s hardworking and a very good second striker, but no goal machine. Brand-new captain Kowac ain’t either (anymore) but he does have the positioning and header to score that difficult first one. Based on the numbers, Astograthian Elizabe might be the clearest head in front of goal - he really took a step forward last year and grew from an unknown quantity into a looked-after forward. In theory, the nimble Marigu should challenge all three but his last years were unconvincing and he might be on the road down despite not hitting thirty yet. Considering the young talents and diversity in the selection, this is not the worst San Savola selection in recent history but Hythewater will have a lot of work to turn that into an effective, winning team that escapes relegation.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Giacomo Nobile         SOR   26   S17  Start     35    0  Madonna Nottori    177    1
GK  22  Domenico Agnano        SOR   22   S14  Bench      7    0  Youth                7    0
LD   2  Trisha Nzonzi          CYI   22   S16  Start     61    5  Rosche. Pride/CYI   61    5
LD  12  Mattia Pardini         SOR   20   S17  Res        8    0  Youth                8    0
CD   3  Giorgio Biancu         SOR   25   S14  Start     89    2  Lovani FC           89    2
CD   4  Antonio Cocco          SOR   36   S05  Bench    308   33  AS Esca            364   37
CD  24  Rafaelle Santi         SOR   28   S13  Res       41    1  FC Pesari           64    1
CD  13  Ansom Payne            NPH   31   S18  Start      0    0  Anhedron Wand./TKT   0    0
CD  17  Giuseppe Zungri        SOR   17   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
RD  15  Paolo La Rosa          SOR   34   S07  Bench    305    1  Pro Stampano       325    1
RD   5  Gaetano Zungri         SOR   20   S16  Start     19    0  Youth               19    0
DM   6  Bernardo Ladinetti     SOR   28   S10  Start    190    8  Youth              190    8
CM  20  Giovanni Letti         SOR   21   S15  Start     76    9  Youth               76    9
CM   8  Sandro Zanoni          SOR   35   S18  Start      0    0  FC Pesari          433   74
CM   7  Rashid Averroes        AMH   26   S16  Start     64   11  Alqamar/AMH         64   11
CM  21  Flavio Sbrissa         SOR   19   S17  Res        3    0  Youth                3    0
AM  25  Pietro Spedalieri      SOR   21   S18  Bench      0    0  Madonna Nottori     32    6
LW  99  Emilio Jørnsson        GRF   20   S18  Res        0    0  Altendalur/GRF       0    0
RW  23  Benito Tarallo         SOR   21   S16  Res       25    1  Youth               25    1
ST  10  Flavio Stramaccioni    SOR   32   S18  Start      0    0  Virtus Redoccio    234   84
ST  11  Samuele Marigu         SOR   29   S12  Bench    151   37  Pro Stampano       218   50
ST   9  Wlatko Kowac ©         ZRH   38   S16  Start     61   23  DD Porto Nowi/ZRH   61   23
ST  34  Zadornin Elizabe       ASG   24   S17  Bench     27   10  Bakartirla B./ASG   27   10

Virtus Redoccio
Your new favorite team if…
You think that the ideal moment to support a topclub is when they’re at their lowest. Only success ahead, right? If you ignore the question ‘when’.

Details

Home Stadium   Valle Farnese (5000 seats)
Nickname       The Strawberries
Manager        Albino Romero (JUV)
Sponsor        Odiol (shipping manufacturing)
Since          S1
Last Season    Second in the Serie A, semis of the Coppa
Won            4 Serie A titles (last S12), 3 Coppa delle Stella (last S13)
Region         San Servazio

Outgoing - Alberto Di Cosmo (Lanar (CMT), 1.2m), Marco Fazio (SSD Borgonovo, 0.4m), Flavio Stramaccioni (US San Savola, 0.4m), Domard Prudhomme (GVN, Railyard (SFD), 0.3m), Alessandro Cernigio (Juve Redoccio, 0.2m), Iacopo Fantacci (Northern (SFD), 0.1m)
Incoming - Bryant Marshall (BOL, Vreton City FC (BOL), 1.2m), Paulina Philipsdottir (0.9m, Esca Unione), Luca Bonomi (Politecnica, 0.4m), Falco Borghesi (youth academy), Marcello Tomei (youth academy), Yegor Uralets (PYA, Pyazhnny Futbolni Akademiya (PYA), free)

Targets and means - It’s the third year since the Odiol company took over the ownership from the second-most decorated club of the country and they surely are not regretting it yet. Was Albino Romero mainly focussed on cleaning the rubble in his maiden year, then last year focussed on looking up again. The result of this process remained processing, challenging the unbeatable Catrallo Calcio for quite a bit of the road. But in the business end, the gaps in the line-up glared through and made clear that there still was a gap between being a force and being dominant in this league. It is no secret that Virtus aims to close that gap, but they clearly have no intent to sacrifice the long-term target - becoming that hegemon - over a quick title. The off-season seemed centered on getting a younger, more consistent squad and emotions were not to get in the way. Even some loyal club players such as Stramaccioni and Fazio, with respectively five and ten years in the red-and-green shirt to their name, were kindly escorted to the exit. Hard choices, but any foreign analyst would ask the simple question “what would they add from the bench otherwise”. More surprising was the goodbye from Prudhomme who, despite the limits of his profile, always played his game from the right-back, but the coach looks forth to more attacks and pressure from the wings. The sympathetic Gouvanarchan parts for Sanford, as does young globetrotter Fantacci. But the highest profile switch - and a welcome capitalization from the treasury - came from Alberto Di Cosmo. Despite a few worldclass games, Di Cosmo never really clicked with the style from Romero. After all, he’s at times a highlight reel player, missing efficiency - let’s hope he can turn that image around in Chromatika, away from the pressure and expectations from the domestic press.

Despite this royal check from Lanar and a supportive sponsor, the club managed a perfectly balanced transfer record. That they can do so is in part the result of a strong youth system which has dominated the Serie Primavera for three years running, not only ensuring two more youth players of a pro contract but also giving the Strawberries an attractive image for young players both domestically and abroad. In this philosophy, the acquisition of Philipsdottir from Esca raised an eyebrow or two. Whilst it was obvious that the energetic right wing could handle a higher level than Unione, she just hit thirty. Still, Albino Romero considers her rare profile - attacking and efficient without being too rash - and knowledge of the league a good tool to make his back four more forward-oriented. It has been a sore point for a while, with Curiale and Prudhomme being reliable but conservative on each side - the former, an Ortelian international after all, could stay. The central duo mixes the slow but shrewd Pace with Mallerbury, the Ko-orenite who in little time become one of the best and talented defenders in the league. Behind these four, a string of eager youngsters such as Tomei, Riggiano and the incredibly mature Alessandri are ready to pick up any chances for minutes. As such, the experienced Serafino Evacuo knows things will look good in front of him - and in case of trouble, he’s more than a decent goalie himself. Goofball reserve 10N F10 is a fan favourite. The fortress in the back gets topped off with Fabrizio Confalonieri, the brand-new captain and a prime example of a no-prisoner-taken number six. A ‘mean machine’ type, but he will get his troops fall in line and execute their tasks, so he’s excused for his limited technique.

With a brutal slasher such as ‘Confa’ on the pitch and a loyal, crafty box-to-box as Bagheria by his side, your other midfielders immediately get relieved of their duties and can bring out their creativity. For long, additional names were expected in this compartment of the pitch but Romero trusts in his young guns to get on the case. Putting over a million on the table for a 21-year old raised a fair few eyebrows but already in preseason, Bollonischian Bryant Marshall showed that Virtus will not be the final station of his route to the top. Combining vision and execution, he will be a major weapon in the build-up. By his side, there is 18-year old Falco Borghesi who transfers from the youth to the first team in a blink. Madness or even tokenism, some claim, but Falco is something special for sure. He’s difficult to label, being mobile and roaming the pitch, but he always does something good and vertical when given the leather. Can this pair of nuggets already carry the team? It’s an open question but the trust from the staff is telling. If they manage to direct the play, they will provide for possibly the best-matched striking partnership of the league. Zsinko, the powerful, iconic and laconic Pasargan goal machine not only makes nets and opponents tremble, he also forms a point of confidence for the team and someone to toss a ball to in difficult times. His buddy, on and off the pitch, Péricard might miss his strength but runs rings around opposition with his sprints and whimsy. It’s a classic formula, but such a thing becomes a classic because it works. In the shadow of this duo, two newcomers to professional football will try to earn their stripes: Bonomi got stunning figures in the second tier but let’s see how that translates and no one heard Uralets speak a word yet, but he did rip a net with his shot during his first training session. This club is loaded with talent and has a strong setup, but it will take another big step forward from Borghesi and Marshall to put this club level with Catrallo Calcio.


Selection

Pos Nr  Name                   Nat  Age  Since Role    ClGa ClGo  Previous Club     CaGa CaGo
GK   1  Serafino Evacuo        SOR   31   S12  Start    209    0  US San Savola      397    0
GK  10  Ion Fio                AUD   26   S16  Bench      1    0  Equipo Caiman/TEQ    1    0
LD   2  Luca Curiale           SOR   26   S09  Start    213    8  Youth              213    8
LD  29  Marino Tomei           SOR   23   S14  Bench     35    1  Youth               35    1
CD   3  Rocco Mirarchi         SOR   30   S12  Bench    178    1  Sportiva Montel.   287    2
CD  22  Ricardo Pace           ETN   35   S16  Start     61    1  Silexhera FC/AUD    61    1
CD  15  Livio Alessandri       SOR   18   S17  Bench      3    0  Youth                3    0
CD   4  Jubenar Mallerbury     KOR   23   S17  Start     34    1  Zilverstr. SC/KOR   70    1
RD   2  Paulina Philipsdottir  GRF   30   S18  Start      0    0  Esca Unione         70    7
RD  13  Elia Riggiano          SOR   20   S16  Res       12    0  Youth               12    0
DM   6  Fabrizio Confalonieri© SOR   32   S08  Start    317   18  Juve Redoccio      317   18
DM  14  Giovanni Lazarri       SOR   27   S15  Bench     34    2  Madonna Nottori    132    5
DM  92  Marcello Tomei         SOR   20   S18  Res        0    0  Youth                0    0
CM   8  Francesco Bagheria     SOR   27   S14  Start    113   25  Pro Stampano       178   34
CM  17  Falco Borghesi         SOR   18   S18  Start      0    0  Youth                0    0
AM  10  Bryant Marshall        BOL   21   S18  Start      0    0  Vreton City FC/BOL   0    0
AM  18  Lorenzo De Feo         SOR   20   S17  Res        1    0  Youth                1    0
ST   5  Boldizsar Zsinko       PAS   30   S16  Start     64   38  Miare CosmoSt./HIN  64   38
ST  19  Padrig Péricard        GVN   25   S17  Start     35   14  SC Gavados/GVN      35   14
ST  20  Francesco Allieva      SOR   25   S15  Bench     40   12  Esca Unione         87   26
ST  33  Luca Bonomi            SOR   19   S18  Bench      0    0  Politecnica          0    0
ST  27  Yegor Uralets          PYA   16   S18  Res        0    0  Pyazhnny FA/PYA      0    0

DM   8  Alessio Di Masi        SOR   26   S13  Start    188   26  Robur Astello      217   34
DM  16  Domenico Cappa ©       SOR   24   S12  Start    132   11  Youth              132   11
CD  22  Gennaro Di Livio       SOR   36   S08  Res      202   19  Fagli Cinq.        343   24
ST  10  Alessandro Tozzuolo    SOR   31   S06  Bench    271   71  Youth              271   71
CM   6  Gabriele Tozzuolo      SOR   29   S07  Start    275   49  Youth              275   49
CD   4  Mirco Rossi            SOR   38   S03  Bench    330   12  Politecnica Foot   330   12
DM   6  Antonio Lamberti       SOR   38   S12  Bench    131    7  Esca Unione        266   11
RA  60  Filippo Pannati        SOR   27   S08  Res      133   19  Youth              133   19
ST  19  Dennis Spaviero        SOR   22   S14  Bench     88   36  Youth               88   36
GK  22  Aniello Furlan         SOR   35   S11  Bench     27    0  VC Pesari           27    0
LD   2  Giuseppe Nicoletti     SOR   35   S15  Bench     70    3  Sportiva Montelc.  245    7
AM  15  Flavio D’Oriano        SOR   25   S14  Res       31    2  Politecnica Foot    31    2
ST  37  Antonio Loreto         SOR   21   S15  Res       22    4  Youth               22    4
LD  18  Gian Maria Cerretti    SOR   33   S10  Bench     81    1  Pro Patria Foot    142    3
ST  11  Roberto Pella          SOR   31   S17  Start     24    3  FC Pesari          336  103
RD  13  Mattias Soomre         HRK   31   S16  Bench     19    0  Kuinopi Club/HRK    19    0
CM  15  Christian Sassi        SOR   37   S06  Bench    370   22  Catrallo Calcio    398   24
ST   9  Romeo Gozzi            SOR   28   S12  Start    170  113  FC Pesari          217  132
ST  17  Alessio Bondioli       SOR   36   S10  Bench    111   30  Pro Stampano       213   51
GK  13  Claudio Zagaria        SOR   24   S14  Bench      9   0   SSD Borgonovo        9    0
DM  15  Aventurine Kolar       NPH   24   S16  Start     60  11   AFC Treason/NPH     60   11
CM  14  Fabio Priola           SOR   27   S13  Res       26   1   Fratelli d’Anezzo   26    1
CD   4  Gianluca Boffeli       SOR   30   S07  Start    212    4  Youth              212    4
CM   8  Giorgio Fietta         SOR   31   S13  Bench     50    1  Sportiva Mont.      70    3
ST  19  Mattia Santoro         SOR   29   S16  Bench     45   14  Pro Stampano       201   52
CM  10  Saverio D’Agostino     SOR   24   S15  Bench     21    0  RES Quartella       21    0
CD  14  Rafael Hythewater      NPH   39   S16  Start     63    6  Strathcon/KSK       63    6
ST  30  Alessandro Cappelluzzo SOR   25   S16  Start     53   19  Catrallo Athletic   53   19
RD   9  Domard Prudhomme       GVN   34   S16  Start     61    4  Olym. Sarantec/GVN  61    4
CM  26  Alessandro Cernigio    SOR   29   S13  Bench     71    9  Porto Querio        87   10
AM  17  Alberto Di Cosmo       SOR   26   S16  Start     59   13  Sportiva Montel.   172   43
ST  28  Iacopo Fantacci        SOR   22   S14  Res       16    1  Youth               16    1

[San Ortelio]

Serie Nazionale

Serie Nazionale           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Catrallo Calcio         22  11   9   2    31   16  +15    42
 2 Virtus Redoccio         22  12   4   6    46   33  +13    40
 3 Fagli Cinquanta         22   9   9   4    26   19   +7    36
 4 Inter Catrallo          22  10   5   7    40   38   +2    35
 5 Sportiva Montelcampo    22   8   8   6    34   29   +5    32
 6 FC Pesari               22   8   6   8    22   19   +3    30
 7 Pro Stampano            22   7   8   7    18   21   −3    29
 8 FC Orsi                 22   6   6  10    18   24   −6    24
 9 SSD Borgonovo           22   6   6  10    23   31   −8    24
10 Robur Astello           22   5   8   9    18   27   −9    23
11 Esca Unione             22   4   9   9    19   25   −6    21
12 US San Savola           22   5   4  13    16   29  −13    19

Serie Interregionale

Serie Nord                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Vittorio Club Pesari     18   12   3   3    34   18  +16    39
 2 RES Quartella            18   10   3   5    36   26  +10    33
 3 Lovani FC                18   10   2   6    31   26   +5    32
 4 Pro Patria Foot          18    8   2   8    29   29    0    26
 5 Porto Querio             18    6   6   6    21   22   −1    24
 6 Sparta Varisa            18    6   4   8    26   28   −2    22
 7 PRIND Razzi              18    7   1  10    34   42   −8    22
 8 Stampano Socio           18    6   4   8    29   38   −9    22
 9 Ars et Labor Rattaglie   18    5   4   9    29   35   −6    19
10 Circulo Prata            18    3   5  10    16   21   −5    14

Serie Sud                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Juve Redoccio            18   11   3   4    41   27  +14    36
 2 Catrallo Athletic        18    9   5   4    27   18   +9    32
 3 Acciaierie Bondone       18    8   2   8    24   25   −1    26
 4 Nottori Duo              18    6   6   6    31   27   +4    24
 5 Politecnica Foot         18    7   3   8    26   28   −2    24
 6 Astello Mare             18    7   3   8    32   35   −3    24
 7 Madonna Nottori          18    6   5   7    36   41   −5    23
 8 Fratelli d'Anezzo        18    5   7   6    29   31   −2    22
 9 Barezzi Calcio           18    6   2  10    26   32   −6    20
10 Motori Vitale            18    5   4   9    23   31   −8    19

Serie A

Serie A                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Catrallo Calcio        10    6   2   2    19    8  +11    31
 2 Virtus Redoccio        10    5   3   2    20   11   +9    30
 3 Fagli Cinquanta        10    4   1   5    11   16   −5    22
 4 FC Pesari              10    4   1   5     7   12   −5    21
 5 Inter Catrallo         10    2   3   5    12   15   −3    19
 6 Sportiva Montelcampo   10    2   4   4     6   13   −7    18

Serie B

Serie B                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Pro Stampano           14    8   4   2    18    9   +9    28
2 SSD Borgonovo          14    8   3   3    22   15   +7    27
3 Esca Unione            14    5   6   3    15   10   +5    21
4 FC Orsi                14    6   3   5    21   18   +3    21
5 US San Savola          14    5   2   7    14   17   −3    17
6 Robur Astello          14    4   4   6    10   17   −7    16
7 Vittorio Club Pesari   14    3   4   7    17   23   −6    13
8 Juve Redoccio          14    3   2   9    14   22   −8    11

Serie Primavera

Serie Primavera          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sportiva Montelcampo   22   14   4   4    61   41  +20    46
 2 FC Pesari              22   14   1   7    43   33  +10    43
 3 Inter Catrallo         22   11   3   8    23   21   +2    36
 4 Virtus Redoccio        22    8   9   5    30   28   +2    33
 5 Catrallo Calcio        22    9   4   9    40   29  +11    31
 6 Pro Stampano           22    9   3  10    19   19    0    30
 7 FC Orsi                22    8   5   9    31   30   +1    29
 8 Fagli Cinquanta        22    9   2  11    26   30   −4    29
 9 Robur Astello          22    9   2  11    18   27   −9    29
10 SSD Borgonovo          22    8   3  11    23   32   −9    27
11 Esca Unione            22    7   3  12    21   34  −13    24
12 US San Savola          22    6   1  15    16   27  −11    19

Serie Interregionale

Serie Interregionale       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Catrallo Athletic        35   18   9   8    62   44  +18    63
 2 RES Quartella            35   19   6  10    63   55   +8    63
 3 Lovani FC                35   16   8  11    61   50  +11    56
 4 Astello Mare             35   16   6  13    67   60   +7    54
 5 Politecnica Foot         35   17   3  15    56   50   +6    54
 6 Stampano Socio           35   15   9  11    61   60   +1    54
 7 Pro Patria Foot          35   15   6  14    63   63    0    51
 8 Porto Querio             35   12  10  13    58   63   −5    46
 9 Fratelli d'Anezzo        35   11  12  12    53   50   +3    45
10 Sparta Varisa            35   12   8  15    55   62   −7    44
11 Motori Vitale            35   12   8  15    54   64  −10    44
12 PRIND Razzi              35   13   5  17    52   66  −14    44
13 Madonna Nottori          35   12   7  16    69   77   −8    43
14 Acciaierie Bondone       35   13   4  18    47   56   −9    43
15 Ars et Labor Rattaglie   35   10   9  16    44   55  −11    39
16 Barezzi Calcio           35   11   5  19    51   61  −10    38
17 Nottori Duo              35   10   8  17    60   62   −2    38
18 Circulo Prata            35   10   7  18    48   56   −8    37

Coppa delle Stella

Opening Round

Vittorio Club Pesari 3–5 Politecnica Foot
PRIND Razzi 1–1 Club del Rei
Robur Astello 1–0 Il Leone
Nottori Duo 0–0 FC Orsi
Juve Redoccio 1–2 Virtus Redoccio
Inter Catrallo 1–1 Forza Catrallo
FC Pesari 2–0 Sporting Camporeale
Lovani FC 1–3 US San Savola
Pro Patria Foot 3–3 Acciaierie Bondone
Pro Stampano 0–0 SSD Borgonovo
Sparta Varisa 1–3 Madonna Nottori
RES Quartella 1–3 Catrallo Athletic
Astello Mare 3–5 Sportiva Montelcampo
Fagli Cinquanta 1–0 Porto Querio

Opening Round - Rematches

Club del Rei 0–1 PRIND Razzi
FC Orsi 2–1 Nottori Duo
Forza Catrallo 0–3 Inter Catrallo
Acciaierie Bondone 2–0 Pro Patria Foot
SSD Borgonovo 2–2 Pro Stampano (4–3 AET)

Second Round

Robur Astello 1–3 Virtus Redoccio
Catrallo Athletic 0–2 Sportiva Montelcampo
Fagli Cinquanta 3–0 Politecnica Foot
FC Pesari 3–2 Madonna Nottori
Catrallo Calcio 6–2 Acciaierie Bondone
Inter Catrallo 1–0 FC Orsi
US San Savola 0–0 SSD Borgonovo
Esca Unione 3–1 PRIND Razzi

Second Round - Rematches

SSD Borgonovo 0–2 US San Savola

Quarterfinals

Virtus Redoccio 2–0 Sportiva Montelcampo
Fagli Cinquanta 0–3 FC Pesari
Catrallo Calcio 0–3 Inter Catrallo
US San Savola 1–0 Esca Unione

Semi Finals

Virtus Redoccio 4–0 FC Pesari
Inter Catrallo 2–0 US San Savola

Final

Virtus Redoccio 1–2 Inter Catrallo

Awards

Goalkeeper of the Season

Bryony Lindt (Calcio - NPH)        234
Serafino Evacuo (Virtus)           139
Cesar Giandonato (Cinquanta)        62
Walter Moro (Pesari)                37
Jacopo Burrai (Unione)              26
Ettore Trasciani (Stampano)         22
Cesare Pasticcio (Orsi)              9
Yuri Scampini (Robur)                6
Davide Roscioli (Inter)              3
Pasquale Pino (Sportiva)             2

Defender of the Season

Jubenar Mallerbury (Virtus - KOR)  137
Giuseppe Rocca (Calcio)            124
Pietro Mazziero (Cinquanta)        101
Pau. Philipsdottir (Virtus - GRF)   45
Gaetano Lucarelli (Calcio)          34
Matteo Corriere (Pesari - AUD)      26
Vito Puma Viveiros (Calcio - TEQ)   21
Edoardo Ferrera (Sportiva)          16
Alessio Rota (Pesari)               12
Jordan Smith (Unione - SNL)         10
Franco Gualdi (Orsi)                 4
Simone Pasciolo (SSD)                4
Mirko Chiurato (Inter)               3
Manuele Pilati (Stampano)            2
Trisha Nzonzi (US - CYI)             1

Midfielder of the Season

Lorenzo Moreschini (Calcio)        139
Bryant Marshall (Virtus - BOL)     126
Attilio Quintarelli (Pesari)        56
Nidal Thamer (Calcio - PAS)         47
Yang Tao (Cinquanta - YZH)          38
Emilio Salvatori (Calcio)           36
Francesco Bagheria (Virtus)         27
Giaco Sanmicheli (Stampano - SVG)   19
Lorenzo Tosi (Pesari)               17
Yannis Kinsella (Cinquanta - TKT)   11
Giorgio Gucci (Sportiva - MRC)       9
Alberto Sgarbi (Calcio)              4
Aldon Busk (Inter - TKT)             4
Gennaro Raltano (Cinquanta)          3
Anderson Pill (Stampano - CMT)       2
Petor Szektkovsky (Robur - TJU)      1
Ercole Mazzone (Sportiva)            1

Attacker of the Season

Boldiszar Zsinko (Virtus - PAS)    159
Jules Haney (Inter - TKT)          115
Carmine Garofalo (Calcio)           89
Chikelu Okonye (Cinquanta - OSR)    55
Padrig Péricard (Virtus - GVN)      40
Jessica Murphy (Pesari - CDG)       24
Yannick Rodgers (Cinquanta - NPH)   11
Luca Cadili (Sportiva)               9
Kathleen Lagrange (Pesari - ZWZ)     8
Lenore Ransom (Stampano - CMT)       6
Angelo Cotillard (Sportiva)          6
Giovanni Saligari (Inter)            5
Faith Krupp (SSD - ESH)              4
Davide Spadoni (Calcio)              3
Zadornin Elizabe (US - ASG)          3
Manuel Volpe (Orsi)                  2
Federico Granocche (Stampano)        1

Golden Boot

26 goals - Zsinko (Virtus)
23 goals - Garofalo (Calcio)
21 goals - Haney (Inter)
15 goals - Okonye (Cinquanta)
14 goals - Volpe (Orsi)
13 goals - Murphy (Pesari)
12 goals - Péricard (Virtus), Cotillard (Sportiva), Saligari (Inter), Elizabe (US San Savola)
11 goals - Celli (Borgonovo), Ransom (Stampano), Spadoni (Calcio), Granocche (Stampano)

Save of the Year

Winner * Davide Roscioli - Stopping a penalty thrice in the semi-final of the Coppa
Nominated * Bryony Lindt - Amazing dive on a Zsinko header in the clash between Calcio and Virtus
Nominated * Jacopo Burrai - Avoided getting a long-distance chip with a perfect bicicletta
Nominated * Ion Fio - Fairly regular save which reminds us to stop televoting this thing

Goal of the Year

Winner * Valentin Spinesi - Fifty-yard dribble past six opponents of FC Orsi to backheel it in the net
Nominated * Jessica Murphy - Acrobatic volley on an outside foot cross from Lagrange
Nominated * Vera Shervatski - Unstoppable cannonball from forty metres gives Esca a victory over Calcio
Nominated * Chikelu Okonye - Chips it from a tight corner over Walter Moro through a backheel overhead kick

Trainer of the Year

Winner * Albino Romero (Virtus)
Nominated * Oliviero Tumellero (Calcio)
Nominated * Roselyn Bentum (Pesari)
Nominated * Diego Chiesa (SSD Borgonovo)

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Player - Pasquale Pino, ends a career with Sportiva Montelcampo which spanned all eighteen editions of the Serie Nazionale and over 550 games.

Trainer - Luigi Delphi, after decades in the lead at Esca Unione, the phlegmatic 'magician' is forced to retire due to health issues.

Official - Assistant referee Paolo Duttini, gets lauded for twenty-five years of service.

[San Ortelio]

18th of July
Football
Preseason Wrap-Up

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Transfer Overview

Catrallo Calcio
OUT   Mattia Brescia (Pro Stampano, 0.7m)
IN    Gianluca Trepin (youth academy)

Esca Unione
OUT   Antonio Sobrero (retired), Stefano Baiocco (Sparta Varisa, 0.1m)
IN    Dominica Aguero (JUE, FC Tiscan (JUE), free), Bruno Bordonali (youth academy)

Fagli Cinquanta
OUT   Giorgio Maio (Inter Catrallo, 0.5m), Iuri Stucci (Juve Redoccio, 0.2m), Giancarlo Laghi (Porto Querio, free)
IN    Samantha Alexander (TLI, Stonehouse Athletic (TLI), 0.354m), Adalberto Siboni (Vittorio Club Pesari, 0.3m), Giorgio Finco (youth academy)

FC Orsi
OUT   Rino Uliano (Ars et Labor Rattaglie, 0.1m), Guido Gorini (retired)
IN    Mladen Sikimic (ZRH, Aleiusia Capitals (ZRH), 0.5m), Mauro Furlan (youth academy)

FC Pesari
OUT   Michele Cambasso (US San Savola, 0.2m), Giuseppe Proietto (retired), Gioacchino Russo (retired) 
IN    Usher Collins (EFL, Robur Astello, 0.8m), Lorenzo Nannetti (Pro Stampano, 0.6m), Pier Luigi Vitali (Haitiens (TEQ), free)

Inter Catrallo
OUT   Marco Dotti (retired)
IN    Giorgio Maio (Fagli Cinquanta, 0.5m)

Pro Stampano
OUT   Lorenzo Nannetti (FC Pesari, 0.6m), Ivan Siano (Stampano Socio, 0.1m), Simone Rossi (retired)
IN    Mattia Brescia (Catrallo Calcio, 0.7m), Gregory Nana (QAD, National Academy (QAD), free), Vincenzo Milan (youth academy)

Robur Astello
OUT   Usher Collins (EFL, FC Pesari, 0.8m), Federico Pozzi (retired)
IN    Ernest Garrison (TKT, Guillarim Blades (TIK), 0.5m), Daniele Spureo (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.4m)

Sportiva Montelcampo
OUT   Daniele Spureo (Robur Astello, 0.4m), Francisco Priola (SSD Borgonovo, 0.4m), Pasquale Pino (retired)
IN    Elpidio Campoy (1m, HSP, Royal Mandrid), Filippo Bartoli (FC Lovisa, 0.2m), Carlo Panini (youth academy)

SSD Borgonovo
OUT   Tommi Puuk (HRK, Stampano Socio, free), Mario De Lucia (Club del Rei, free), Lorenzo Gambino (retired)
IN    Rocco Mirarchi (Virtus Redoccio, 0.5m), Francisco Priola (Sportiva Montelcampo, 0.4m), Valerio Zamboni (youth academy)

US San Savola
OUT   Samuele Marigu (Motori Vitale, 0.1m), Sandro Zanoni (retired), Domenico Agnoni (Nottori Duo, free)
IN    Michele Cambasso (FC Pesari, 0.2m), Davide Trillo (Barezzi Calcio, 0.2m), Sigmund Perth (NPH, Leichhardt (NPH), free)

Virtus Redoccio
OUT   Rocco Mirarchi (SSD Borgonovo, 0.5m)
IN    Carthy Yila (CMT, Avidia City (KRY), 0.7m)

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The Ten Best Stories of the Transfer Window
A selection of excerpts by our editors from Tuttosport

Quiet for no Storm - When the Silly Season goes Sensible

With the deadline now fast approaching, it can be anticipated that the lack of activity on the transfer market will just carry on till the finish line. For a few years on end, each summer someone lit the fire, leading to a flurry of moves and board rooms suddenly finding bags of cash left and right. But this time, it will rather fizzle out until some bean-counter over at the SOCCER [ed. San Ortelio Confederazione Calcio Extra Regionale or FA] calls it a day and puts us all out of our misery. And at that point, it will have been plenty enough. As foolish as it sounds, it’s the sensibility we have to blame. The voice of reason which suddenly sweeps through the management staffs from the Big Three. In a usual cycle, these tended to (over)spend on players from lower-ranked teams who in turn could pass around the buck once the big guns had opened up their bank accounts. But right now, all are looking in the direction of a Big Three who seem entirely satisfied with the early completed line-up.

Champion Catrallo Calcio has been standing by their ‘never change a winning team’ for a while now, but this season there was not even a move out of bare necessity. With Thamer last year, the puzzle fitted and Tumellero hopes to simply bring more of that with the same old names on the drawing board - bar reserve Mattia Brescia. Similar vibes over at Virtus Redoccio. Since the Juvencan staff from Odiol took over the key positions in the club, there suddenly seems to be a plan behind their transfer policy. Last season, when they came inches short of the title, it was clear that that plan had as good as come together. For the last bits, the Strawberries are looking abroad rather than domestically. Only FC Pesari gave as much as a gentle push to the market, picking up two players who moved a step up the ranks last season in Collins and Nannetti - but both recipients remained calm and Pesari manager Bentum declared the homework done early on. Add to that a Sportiva which makes its key move on the international rather than the domestic market and we can snooze through till deadline day - and beyond.


”Hey captain, where’s your ribbon?” Why Sandro Zanoni deserved a Different Last Chapter

Esca Unione - US San Savola was a dead rubber, both in terms of the classification and in spirit. The ample fans on the stands were already discussing their holiday plans, as were the tourists on the pitch. Near the end of the bloodless draw, visiting coach Rafael Hythewater waved Emilio Jørnsson from the bench. No minute too late, as Sandro Zanoni - fifteen years older than his replacement - already limped to the touchline after what had been his last moments as professional footballer. Seventeen seasons at the highest level ended with a meagre applause. A key part in three titles and a Coppa but it seemed as if a ghost left Stadio Scarpa: no interviews, no flowers, no souvenirs. No one knew that Sandro Zanoni called it a day there and then, a man who should deserve at least a standing ovation from a packed stadium the next time Sportiva and Pesari - the two teams in whose shirt he got immortalized - meet.

Although we fear it will have to be in Montelcampo, as the departure from Pesari came as a blow. Overnight, the energetic midfielder, the reliable captain became a hesitant veteran and, during the last few months, in San Savola, a liability. Brought in to lead the young midfield from US, Hythewater found a man heartbroken from the harsh goodbye from I Pappagalli. Scrapped out of the plan by Bentum, Zanoni still had the desire to make a difference but the holy fire appeared to have been quenched by the decision from the Licentian. Rather than taking the lead, he looked out of place in the difficult relegation battle for which San Savola rather had to believe in players such as Averroes, Letti and Elizabe. Away fans easily picked out Zanoni as a heckling subject but rather than giving him a bit more fuel, each snide seemed to hit him straight in the tendons. So rather than the shadow of a man that hobbled off the pitch at Stadio Scarpa, we will remember Sandro Zanoni lifting the Champions’ Trophy for Pesari or leading the midfield battle for the Robins as it is that player that has earned his cantù for not one but two supporter gangs. Let us hope they once sing them together, in honour of this valiant player, an example for every young Ortelian footballer.


Fallen Angels - The Other Side of the Coin

When the Ortelian football burst onto the international scene and flabbergasted the multiverse with their triumph in the Di Bradini Cup, some youngsters couldn’t be fast enough to part ways with the mainland. Gold, glory and griumphs were predicted on their paths. And indeed, for some this dastardly move did work out fine - a Daniele Gagliano transferred to Atlantian Oceania and earned his spot in the line-up of the internationally reputed Soldarian FC. But as we kick of the nineteenth season of the Serie Nazionale, two of those fortune seekers are back at the threshold of the domestic clubs, having to make their way back from the bench. For Pier Luigi Vitali, who saw his Tequiloan employer implode, ambitions could be held even if at 21, he has seen far too few first-team minutes - let alone games - for his deployment. The unpredictable, technically apt striker should still be there and with his arrival, Roselyn Bentum gets an extra weapon. But she will have to point it in the right direction, as his tendency to proverbially disappear on the pitch is a known issue. As Bentum seems to keep focus on one-woman attack Murphy after her consistent season, Vitali will have to take his moments to make himself important enough to bend the tactics.

Two years ago, we would have predicted that a club like US San Savola would throw out all its gameplans just for the arrival of a Davide Trillo. But the attacking midfielder only gained a minimum contract for the financially weakest side of the league based on his name and - according to the rumors - a personal sponsor. Despite a good start at Ethanian Cadadale, things quickly unraveled for him. Rumors of public drunkenness were followed up by speeding tickets, a hazy story on shoplifting and an eviction for violence. Being rock bottom, only the amateurs of Barezzi Calcio considered allowing the overweight and out-of-form player on their training ground. In six games with the club, who fell to the third tier, Trillo couldn’t get on the scoreboard and didn’t stand out. Although he looked sharper again when Hythewater collected his troops for the start of the year, those in the know claim he’s a shadow of the exciting prospect he once was with Nottori.


Losing their Mind or One Step Ahead? Pesari and the Collins Case

In what has been a mellow transfer window, the name of Usher Collins is a rather surprising one to lead the financial tables for a domestic-to-domestic transfer and it was Pesari who whipped out the wallet to grab that position. Something which is slowly but surely becoming a pattern with I Pappagalli after last year’s shopping spree which saw Tosi and Pearson arrive for ludicrous sums. Once again, having the Eastfield Lodgian top the table seems to be an overspending at first sight. Not that the youngster has not shown merit at Robur - during his second season he worked his way to a starting spot and keeping himself adrift in a notably tough-as-nails line-up as Astello’s at nineteen shows potential. But whilst they previously placed cash on the table for a player who had excelled at their club, FC Pesari now didn’t hesitate to throw a bunch of green ones to Astello just for the promise of what could be. A foolish tactic for some, especially as veteran captain Corriere needs immediate support by his side to not only face the return to the IFCF but also to challenge the top two for domestic glory. But maybe in due time, when a Champions’ Cup club transfers a multiple of that record sum to the Pesari bank account for Usher Collins, we will have been proven wrong.


Mattia Brescia or when the Loyal Soldier goes Rogue

"It is, I think, something I needed to do for myself." From the mouth of Brescia, glancing down and fiddling his keys, it comes across as an apology, an excuse for an unasked question. From the twenty-three who ensured Catrallo Calcio of the three-peat, only one will not be putting on the navy next season. Mattia Brescia exchanges it for the brighter blue from Stampano. During his four seasons with the record champions, Brescia never made it into the starting eleven. Then again, that was not what he was getting paid for and Brescia knew that. Being as fit as can be, always ready to step in when Di Masi and later Thamer weren't up for it, never uttering an off word inside or outside the dressing room. In his time, he might have collected as many in-vain warm-ups as actual appearances but no one ever heard a complaint. Quite a few had locked him in already as uno di mobili - a veteran of the dressing room who gets respect from the youngsters on his seniority and guards the club identity. But Brescia, much to everyone's surprise, had other plans. Other ambitions of his own. "I think I can make a difference here in Stampano. Give the midfield something." With the Postmen, he can link up again with his old friend Giacinto Polidori. As talkative as Polidori is, as much is Brescia looking forward to the end of this interview. He is mumbling some hackneyed phrases on the potential of the club but his power never was in his words. It will be in his collected tackles, his positioning. It will be in the assurance for coach Pambianco that the tasks will be executed, the promises held and - if he would ask - the training pitch cut. For Brescia, it's all part of his job and in that respect, Pro Stampano bought one of the best.


When the Maio is not Runny enough

Two of my friends discussed the transfer from Giorgio Maio to Inter, seated along the bar at the taverna and initially agreed that half a million was a ridiculous sum for him. Well, they believed to agree until they considered his actual worth. One saw such a sum for a player with a grand total of six playing minutes since the second half of February as an abomination. How could the always cautious Inter waste this amount on a third-choice player? The other claimed that for the craftiest, ballsiest attacking midfielder of his generation, this was an unseen steal. And in a way, they can both be right. It stood out that at Fagli, Maio’s story was written, being barred by the raw talent of Spinesi and the industrious energy from Raltano. For La Fa, getting this return on a youth player was not just a record, but also an unexpected bonus.

A harder question to pose is whether this also covers the full potential from Maio - making it a chicken or egg situation. Do we focus on his metres due to the complaints or is Maio simply not mobile enough to shine at this level? The statistics, which place him as the player with the lowest volume of the team, point into the second direction. Manager Anza needs more energy coming from him to fit in the plan that has lifted Fagli to the IFCF. And that is, at the same time, the key opportunity offered by Inter. Il Viola also employ what is in theory a 4-4-2 but Fezzardi is inclined to let his attacking midfielder wander, sometimes to the point where Haney, Saligari or de Harlus put in the negative press. What might be not runny enough for Cinquanta, could be the perfect sauce that sticks it together for Inter Catrallo.


FC Orsi goes International - Ambitions from a Small Club

With the amiable Tumbrian Creighton and the quicksilver Cabo Azuran Cardoso, FC Orsi already had two players with an international passport in their ranks. Whilst both racked up some minutes across the year, the latter with a string of substitutions, the former when covering for the injured Barozzi, neither youngster is yet an essential cornerstone in the tight but effective tactical plan from Passentini. This summer, that is intended to change for the Bears as the manager was seemingly rewarded for the excellent opening season - at least, that’s what we assume the board makes from a year without major relegation woes for the newcomer. Those close to the club claim that Passentini is given up to half a million to spend on a player to reinforce the midfield. Even if Guido Gorini no longer was a starting player in the final months, his departure adds to the limited technical ability of that section of the pitch. Rumour has it that the initial target from Passentini was Alice Jégou, a Savigliani playmaker in the vein of Stampano’s Sanmicheli. As the latter’s control of the ball has given the Postmen a growing advantage in the last few years, it was no surprise that FC Orsi, aiming for a similar brand of well-organized football ‘with a little extra touch’ turned their heads towards Rizieres for this. But competition from the Q-League forced the aim to be swung to Zeta Rekan Sikimič, who charmed Passentini as well with his range. But it is telling for their international pedigree that for a club like Orsi, this is a sellers market and time is running out.


”I would rather have a year too many than one too few, I used to say”

Sportiva's opening friendly against Anezzo was a one-sided stroll and as such the half-time whistle neared already when the fans witnessed the skills from their brand-new goalkeeper for the first time. It wasn't such an impressive cross but the ease with which the towering Elpidio Campoy picked it out of the air, got all hands on eachother. The former Mandrid keeper looked a bit flabbergasted - did this suffice to get an applause here? Whilst the skills from the Hispanian goalie already charmed Montelcampo supporters and neutrals alike, it is also telling of the craving from the Robins for someone with such dominance in the box. With a transfer like his, Von not only gains a goalkeeper but could see a blossoming from youngster Gioia and newcomer Bartoli.

And as such the defensive compartment could well be in a sharp contrast with the section that took in the fourth-most goals of the Serie Nazionale last year. Few in or around Corsa Quersia would dare to point fingers for that but how the quality from Campoy is received is telling. Immediately, he wiped out the on-pitch memory of Pasquale Pino. It is a painful reminder that the year too much exists, even - or especially - for someone with eighteen seasons at the highest tier. Doubts were already voiced last summer and the late arrival from Pellizarri looked like a rare sign of panic from the otherwise collected Sportiva staff. Week by week, it became clear that Pino could no longer compensate his waning punch and reactions with exceptional positioning. Gaffes remained rare - a testimony to his quality - but in a year where Sportiva struggled for the top four, they needed someone who won them points and Pasquale Pino no longer was that man. The hesitant cameos from his back-up allowed him to stumble on and stop the counter at an impressive 552 top tier appearances. It is a record that will stand a bit longer, we assume. From the bottom of our heart we hope for the always sympathetic and open goalkeeper that by the time it gets broken, the memories to his career will not have been marred by the unneeded appendix.


An Ode to the Magical Jester

"You want a cigar with that?" The supporter, frustrated over the two-goal deficit and the lacklustre attitude from the number ten of his own Viola, shouted it across the pitch, spitting it almost. Marco Dotti, hands in his side and getting his haircut back in shape with one hand, batted an eye as if an annoying fly had landed in his vicinity. "Per favore, I'ld say, but you and your teeth only seem to smoke cheap shit." Even the ref chuckled. The opposition did as well but that died down when Dotti dribbled two opponents for the 1-2 a few minutes later. His first touch in fifteen minutes but with that swift movement of his short and sturdy legs, Dotti electrified his side again, allowing Inter to drag a draw out of the derby. The clash of the Catrallo sides remained the most important day of the year for Dotti, himself cast aside by the big brother of his beloved Inter Catrallo at 26.

He left the navy blue as a sparingly used sub but would carve his name in their memories. Countless derbies were set alight by his erratic yet brilliant intuitions - that he would mentally sit out a match against a relegation candidate, was only a small price to pay for the Viola fans when 'Il Giullare Magistrale' had given them a chance to stick it to the hated rival. That Calcio targeted him on and off the pitch only added to the legend of the attacking midfielder who often barely seemed interested in the game, until he unleashed those feet of his: short whips which showed the leather unknown corners. People say that with age, Dotti slowed down. It is the reverse: the internationalisation of the game saw those around him speed up and chase the ball. Marco Dotti didn't need to as the ball was his friend - it would always come to him as he stood there, hands in his side and with a disinterested grin on his face. One would see him as an artefact of an older, different brand of game but the departure of the magical one is a loss for all supporters, even the Calcio ones. As the cantù goes: 'Grazie Dotti, for colouring our evening, grazie for painting the city in purple'.


Tipping the Scales - the Final Puzzle Piece for Virtus?

So close yet so far, was the underlying tone of any analysis from the title battle. With just a single point splitting the Strawberries from the record champion, Virtus can look at various games as the one that tipped the scales in favor of their mighty foe. However, most will point their finger to the four confrontations with the rival of which three were lost. When directly confronted with Catrallo Calcio, a club living on the heights of a Challengers’ Cup appearance, Redoccio got confronted with the flaw in their refreshed game plan. One which offered opportunities for the wingbacks, of which Philipsdottir made most use, but which left the defensive fortress vulnerable for rapid counters in numbers, something of which Catrallo Calcio doesn’t shy away when tactically required. Rather than showing the tactical shrewdness of Tumellero - although he has become more of a realist than in his Sportiva days - it is a testimony to the multitool which is the Catrallo dressing room.

Too often, Mallerbury was left to fend for his own in those games: Ethanian Pace is a key player in the dressing room but lacks the… Well, pace for this type of game, Livio Alessandri needs more miles on the counter for this and it is telling that coach Albino Romero didn’t mind parting ways with Rocco Mirarchi. And so the Juvencan sponsored club opted to turn its head abroad for an addition that should allow the green and red to take on their nemesis Catrallo Calcio. Initial target Zhu Mingxia was sniped up quickly by Parrhesia, freshly promoted to the Zenith but according to the insiders, talks with Carthy Yila are moving in a better direction. The 25-year old Chromatikan still has to put the pen to paper but in terms of profile, he ticks plenty of boxes for Romero. After a long, tiring and unsuccessful battle against relegation with Krytenian Avidia City, a venture to the Ortelian shores might be favorable for the player. Question remains whether his club will accept the offer from Virtus or if Odiol will have to whip out the billfold to complete the perfect puzzle for their gaffer to aim for a fifth Serie A title in their history - the first in seven long years.

[San Ortelio]

20-21st of July
Football
IFCF - Preliminary Round

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Liga B Champions Trophy

Catrallo Athletic (SOR) 1-2 Amberwood (LFD)

Challengers Cup

FK Khadur (SAJ) 2-0 FC Pesari (SOR)

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Nothing was like he expected. And then Pier Luigi wasn’t talking about the gargantuan Niurka Stadium. The monumental homage to a liberation fighter with the retractable roof housed the opponent of tonight - FK Khadur. It was a name that rang louder in Sajnur then abroad but the sixty thousand ecstatic supporters made sure it resounded well, even with the kick-off still an hour away. Pier Luigi Vitali opened and closed his shinpads for the umpteenth time, getting a sideways look from Matteo Corriere, the veteran Audioslavian captain. When he first took a step at the training grounds Corriere had tackled him with two feet, twice, in the first five minutes.

“We’re gonna make you tough, Pencil,” he had muttered.

Pencil. It sounded derogatory at first, but in those two weeks, Pièl had discovered that the cap had this sort of nickname for all - springy defender Gioia was Big Zipper over his braces and only from the back of his jersey Vitali could tell that the talented Astograthian midfielder was called Urdampiyeta, rather than Pineapple. He ogled Corriere a bit longer, investigating how he was going over each and everyone of the starters with his eyes. Despite only missing a single season, only a handful of players had previous experience in the IFCF - and only Corriere a ton. But it seemed as if confidence was peaking: Pearson was trying to call home, Lagrange had her headphones on with an intriguing mix between folk rhythms and drum’n’bass whilst a few midfielders were playing cards. The tactical board, with the Khadur line-up and the name of Viskorov circled in red twice, seemed of no one’s interest.

Was this it? He had heard horror stories about the iron fist with which Roselyn Bentum reigned the dressing room but so far he hadn’t seen anything strange from the gaffer. To the contrary, she had been welcoming to Pièl, trying to introduce him to the 4-2-3-1 and how he could play multiple roles in that. And to say that the coach had been the sole reason Vitali had hesitated to sign for Pesari - but then again, it was the only team with as good as a Serie A subscription that had invited him now the adventure in Tequilo had come to an abrupt end. He yearned for an actual, full game but understandably, for the first real game, Bentum held on to the trio from last season that had assured international football. The interaction between Murphy and Lagrange was something to behold and worthy of a test at this level. All in all, the group looked calm and assured, even with half of Ciarkhan eager to get them.

…

Six. Six minutes Vitali had been given and yet he felt completely exhausted. With a thud and a sigh, he sank on his bench. Already two down - two roses from Polna Viskorov, of course - Vitali hadn’t been able to change the course of the game. Once he had gotten in the box but veteran goalie Piotr Laghiev looked unphased by his strike. FK Khadur had overpowered them and suddenly a horror scenario popped up: an elimination already before the season proper had started. It would not just be a shame but also a huge missed opportunity. Something in the void of silence of a disappointing dressing room forced him - yeah, him Vitali, by most of those around him described as a social recluse - to share that sentiment and he turned to Corriere.

“We really need t-”

The captain lifted his hand as a warning but Pièl would never see the fourth word of that sentence go to completion.

“I DON’T WANT TO HEAR A THING! I WANT A SHAME SO PURE AND SACRED THAT IT SPONTANEOUSLY MAKES A STRING OF DEITIES BURST OUT OF THEIR LOINCLOTHS!”

With each accented vowel, Bentum had smacked the door behind her, till the point where the hinges suspiciously gave way to the woodwork.

“I don’t know who has given them the permission to just walk through our defense line! I don’t care! Give them some red f’ing carpet to go on or get your shit together!”

One could hear nothing apart from reserve Mammarella, anxiously trying to swallow away a small cough in a feeble attempt to escape the wrath.

“Hey! Hey! Mammarella, you’re not interested or what?! I sure hope you’ve packed some running shoes, my friend, because we’re going on a little forest run, immediately,” Bentum went on, her Licentian accent shimmering through as she turned more and more angry. Amidst the mask of quivering hatred, only those close to her could recognize the sardonic smile. She turned around and continued, “But we won’t let our friend Emanuele run alone, shall we? After all, it seems as if no one had much more than a stroll already tonight. So get your boots on, we’ll get going right away.”

Vitali hesitated a little. What was this, some hyperbole or something? But the leaders of the dressing room quietly scrounged their bag for the right shoes.

“She’s… She’s for real?” Pièl asked Corriere with a muffled voice. The Audioslavian nodded with his eyes fixed on Bentum who waited without any patience, replying “and you better get them cleaned sufficiently, Pencil, because there’s a big chance we’ll be having forest runs all the way up till the return game.”

Fifteen minutes later, a string of football players in yellow-and-blue tracksuits walked out on the streets of the Khadur burrough, looking for a patch of green in the huge metropolis. And Vitali wondered why on earth he hadn’t picked one of the smaller, less prestigious teams. Teams that didn’t have their players go up and down a green playground in the middle of the night.

[San Ortelio]

20-24th of July
Tennis
Banco Fenice Series - Montelcampo Open

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Singles men

Quarterfinals
Luca Masciarelli            6   6   6
Gianluca Baronti            4   7   4

Andrea Vergnani             6   7
Valentino Zinetti           4   6

Graziano Giunti             2   5
Luciano Crepaldi            6   7

Leandro Baliani             4   4
Mirco Tonti                 6   6

Semis
Luca Masciarelli            1   6   2
Andrea Vergnani             6   4   6

Mirco Tonti                 2   7   6
Luciano Crepaldi            6   5   1

Final
Andrea Vergnani             6   4   7
Mirco Tonti                 1   6   5


Singles women

Quarterfinals
Claudia Borchi              6   6
Monia Baronti               1   4

Milena Cucotta              2   3
Giorgia Pirola              6   6

Alessandra Lazzerini        2   7   3
Elena Fiori                 6   6   6

Daniela Tognali             3   6   2
Giulia Balestri             6   1   6

Semis
Claudia Borchi              1   6   3
Giorgia Pirola              6   2   6

Elena Fiori                 6   6
Giulia Balestri             1   4

Final
Giorgia Pirola              3   4
Elena Fiori                 6   6


Doubles
Semis
L. Baliani/M. Tonti         7   6
M. Recinella/O. Recinella   6   2

E. Fiori/G. Giunti          6   4   6
D. Tognali/M. Tognali       3   6   1

Final
L. Baliani/M. Tonti         6   6
E. Fiori/G. Giunti          2   1

Few things are so satisfactory as wrapping up the game on a break and Elena knew, as soon as she hit the return, that she would do just that against Giorgia Pirola. The eighteen-year old challenger would be the talk of the town over this confrontation but to take home her first Ortelian Major, she would have to learn a bit more. The crowd had filled up quite nicely already ahead of the clash between Andrea Vergnani - seething over being snubbed for both the Olympics and the Britonish Open - and the eager youngster Mirko Tonti. Both hadn’t been present in Electrum, creating the narrative that the added rest allowed them to shine in Montelcampo. That Tartoni decided to sit this one out only threw oil on that fire, but they easily overlooked Fiori’s pathway.

She was, Olympics included, now at seventeen games in just nineteen days. The doubles confrontation against the up-and-coming duo Tonti and Baliani had been shambolic and the thought alone of the long flight to Doportedas tonight made her sigh. But for now, for a second of triumph amid the gentle applause of the fans, she would not think of that. Ok, now she did. Fitting the Montelcampo in between a heavy Olympics and the all-important Britonish Open, her debut at the NSTT, was madness in theory. But the painful truth was that it was necessary to bridge the periods without a tournament financially. Fiori had invested heavily in this NSTT entry and the special bonus given by Banco Fenice to those who won all three legs of the Series would be a welcome supplement. And so she played on, with the quarters from Electrum still lingering in her body, battling her way through what became an increasingly strong women’s field. A new generation, spearheaded by Borchi, Lazzerini, Pirola, Dall’Ante and Cucotta - all in their early twenties - was taking over with even younger ones were knocking on the door, all turning the opening rounds into a minefield.

And still, here she stood with another trophy to put on the mantle, trying to enjoy the moment a little. When she snapped back to the here and then, Elena noted that Pirola still stood at the net for the traditional handshake, looking increasingly annoyed. It had not been intended, yet it felt quite good: sometimes it's just too bad to waste a good coincidence, so Elena took a second longer. She knew Pirola hated her guts already but that was no difference from most of the court. By now, Elena had stopped caring about that.

Someone with a microphone waved her closer, requesting some oneliners for television. Without blinking, Fiori asked: "Did you broadcast the game itself?"
Reporter and cameraman glanced at one another - the former muttered "We'll bring a highlight reel before the Tonti - Vergnani match so…"
"So I'll give short answers," Elena snided, "fine."
The duo lifted their shoulders, did a quick countdown and started.

"Elena Fiori, for the third time in your career, you have won the Montelcampo Open. How does this one feel, also in comparison with the previous ones?"
"Good," she replied with a toothpaste smile.
"Can you guide us a little through the decisive set, because it looked close till the end."
"Sure I can," and another silence. The reporter, increasingly nervous and with someone crying out in his earpiece, simply ignored the brick wall in front of him and laboured on through his questions.
"Next week you will celebrate your debut in the NSTT, are you looking forward to it?"
"Of course,"
"The draw has been announced for the opening round, pairing you up with Goran Bogdanovich from Beepee. Not the easiest of starts or what is your sentiment?"
"No, that's right."
"Ehm…" Some panic was building up now, "are you looking forward to the doubles tournament where you will play with Olympic medallist Fiorenzo Tartoni?"

Here, Elena halted for a second. 'No' was such a blunt answer, she knew.

"Not particularly," she spoke and turned away. Maybe, she thought as she packed her bag, I should try and have more friends internationally than on the domestic scene.

[San Ortelio]

23-24th of July
Waterpolo
Lega Pallanuoto Nationale - MD10

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Results

Astello Mare         4–8       Barceglie Club
Focarsane            8–6    Tridente Toccagno
PN Catrallo          5–10   Pesari Pescadores
Stampano ANC         9–7        Stella Anezzo
Neptunus Pollagno   10–7                FARPE

Table

Lega Pallanuoto Nazionale  Pld   W  D  L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1 Barceglie Club           10   7  3  0   87   69  +18   24
 2 Stampano ANC             10   7  2  1   92   67  +25   23
 3 Pesari Pescadores        10   6  1  3   90   68  +22   19
 4 Focarsane                10   5  2  3   83   80   +3   17
 5 Neptunus Pollagno        10   5  2  3   80   81   −1   17
 6 Astello Mare             10   4  1  5   75   84   −9   13
 7 Tridente Toccagno        10   3  1  6   80   87   −7   10
 8 Stella Anezzo            10   3  1  6   70   82  −12   10
 9 PN Catrallo              10   2  1  7   69   78   −9    7
10 FARPE                    10   1  0  9   68   98  −30    3

Revenge or confirmation?
Opinion piece of journalist Ugo Daliani in La Stampa Quotidiana

Fabio Quinzi did not support his point with words. After all, the first mesmerizing interview with the Stampano forward is yet to be printed and he once more bathed in platitudes about 'team performance' and 'one game at a time' after scoring a 'quintuplo' against a stubborn Stella Anezzo. But there was a bit more clench in his fist after each goal, a tad extra splash in his celebration. As powerful in the duel with an opponent breathing down his neck, as fragile between the ears remains Quinzi when confronted with the limits of his own ability. The endeavour in Electrum reminded us all of the youngster who made his first appearances off the bench for Stampano. Whilst teammates claimed they had witnessed a new world wonder in training, it took two seasons and a very dedicated coach in Stefano Bartelli to also show that promise to the outside world. It would take even longer for Quinzi to get the discouraging lows out of his season, silent testimonials to his difficulty to stand the heat.

After all that time, that junior version of the reigning topscorer resurfaced in the pool of the Somer Olympic Natatorium. After two difficult encounters with later quarterfinalist Amuaplye and the feared Raspotochje, where the Swordfishes were blown to smithereens, the dead rubber against Tikariot should have been the rehabilitation. But under pressure for a decisive performance, Quinzi left the water without a single goal to his name, allowing scouts across the multiverse to scratch his name from their longlists. The water polo had travelled to the Olympics with limited ambitions, understandably in their first endeavour, yet this failure to make any dent from Quinzi turned the sentiments rather sour. It became clear that at 25, Quinzi reached his peak.

That peak, it must be said, still allows him to make the difference in domestic games. The glance from Anezzo goalie Locatelli after the crucial 8-7 was telling, there was no stopping this man for them. And still there remains a taste of unfulfilled promise hanging around Quinzi. Whilst his individual records are pumping out topscorer figures, his actual trophy cabinet is far less impressive. Only nineteen at the time of the only Lega title for Stampano, he was far less decisive for the Carabinieri back then. In the current title race, the leader of the goals scored rankings sit one point behind Barceglie, who showed no mercy towards Astello and look as much a title candidate as hot favorites ANC and Pesari. Revenge upon himself, for Quinzi, lies not in scoring five against Anezzo. Nor in breaking his own goal league record across the season. If Fabio Quinzi truly wants to show he still makes strides forward, he will have to lead Stampano ANC to the second title in their history. It is a dire task and one that will ask more of him than ever before, as it relies not on his physical or tactical capacities, but also on his mental strength.

[San Ortelio]

27-28th of July
Football
IFCF - Preliminary Round

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Liga B Champions Trophy

Amberwood (LFD) 0-2 Catrallo Athletic (SOR)

Challengers Cup

FC Pesari (SOR) 4-1 FK Khadur (SAJ)

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Nostre Punti
Player Ratings for FC Pesari as have been distributed by the Gazzetta dell’Ortelio

Walter MORO - 7 - Got clear instructions from coach Bentum to get involved and did so, according to his possibilities. Not the standout player of the night and looking slightly hesitant on the 2-1. Deserves some leniency as his performance in the opening leg was the only reason why Stadio del Fiume got the magical IFCF night they were craving for.

Giancarlo PASSUELLO - 7 - In a game where the focus was on attacking, making up a two-goal deficit for most of the game, the wing defenders are left in a bit of a conundrum: press on or avoid the goal against that might turn things sour. Kept his focus on the latter and did it in his usual style, barely noticed but fairly tidy. Took a needed yellow in the final minutes.

Usher COLLINS - 8 - The Eastfield Lodgian raised a few eyebrows upon his arrival with the Pappagalli, but after a moderate debut, he now showed why the board was inclined on splurging for the young defender. Guarded Polna Viskorov up close and had learned from the defeat in Khadur, winning his aerial duels. Looked worn out after the match, but so did Viskorov.

Matteo CORRIERE - 8 - Played his role in the defensive line-up, cutting passing lines left and right. But the veteran Audioslavian excelled mostly in his role. Kept his squad focused after a few time wasting efforts from the opposition whilst leading the fight with some timely tackles. Will suffer with his waning speed in later rounds but the stabilising defensive force tonight.

Alessio ROTA - 7 - Did his best to add offensive impulses to the squad, making a few expeditions along the wing. Was not always lucky with his crosses, but his overlapping with Pearson did add dynamic and forced the Sajnuri into a more defensive position. A bit too eager, which made it possible for Khadur FK to score the 2-1 from the right side of the pitch.

Attilio QUINTARELLI - 9 - Once more looked ready to assume the starting position in the national team. Authoritative, present, focussed, precise, … Despite a different set of tasks in his position, having both other midfielders in front of him, he determined the outcome of the midfield battle. Managed to extinguish two very dangerous counters, stellar performance.

Carlo ALBERTONI (<73) - 7 - The surprise of the gaffer did the task he was signed up for: making miles and disturbing the organisation from FK Khadur where possible, disabling them to gain dominance on the ball. Could not always make his mark when in possession and missed an early chance on the opener that could have made this less tight, but deserves praise for his efforts.

Froila URDAMPIYETA (>73) - 8 - Replaced Albertoni after the 3-1 for an extra boost in creativity. The Ituraitz FC youth product took risks in his execution which did not always land, but did force Khadur for the fault which led up to the decisive goal. Gives Bentum an extra weapon when in dire need for goals, making the calls for a starting spot louder and louder.

Lorenzo TOSI - 10 - Gave the word ‘impeccable’ an extra meaning. In what was quite possibly his best game for Pesari, Tosi looked nothing like the shambling midfielder from last week. Broke the spell with a majestic free kick for 1-0, delivered two assisting passes and was simply impossible to dispossess for the Khadur defenders. Always available for a pass for his teammates.

Kathleen LAGRANGE - 9 - As the game ran on and the pressure raised, Lagrange grew above herself. The Zwangzugian started to ravage the left wing, both with rushes into the sixteen and deep crosses on her partner-in-crime Murphy. It is telling that three separate FK players grabbed a yellow card trying to stop her. Produced so much danger, it is bizarre the stats sum up to just one assist.

Jessica MURPHY (<87) - 9 - In her third season with I Pappagalli, Murphy has blossomed into the targetwoman that could see them proliferate on all three fronts. Dominant at the edge of the sixteen, showcasing the range of her potential: from a lashing strike that whizzed past Laghiev till a clever appearance at the second post to tap in a Lagrange pass for the winning one.

Pier Luigi VITALI (>87) - N - Did not make enough minutes for a grade, but did come in energetically to defend the narrow lead.

Archer PEARSON (<61) - 7 - Could not always make the infiltrations he desired to from the right, with some brutal manmarking from the visitors going unnoticed by the referee. Created a beautiful chance for the 3-0 but saw it explode on the crossbar. Replaced, to his disappointment, after an hour by Bentum despite having a lot of energy and grinta.

Lorenzo NANNETTI (>61) - 8 - Debuted in perfect conditions - with his third touch of the game, he surprised Laghiev with a cheeky chip on a brilliant Tosi through pass for the 3-1. Was not always that stellar on his first touches afterwards, but played closer to Murphy and as such disallowed FK to play out from the back. Gives Bentum more options to play with.

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Catrallo Athletic Man of the Match - Nello TORCHIO - Had last year’s run only faltered at the edge of the group stage after two close legs against Guilder, then few were giving Athletic a shot to overcome a one-goal deficit in the Dream Theatre. The number three of last year’s Lathamford’s Nationwide League started off furiously but were cut short in their efforts by Torchio. The 28-year old defender kept last week’s boogeyman Shamus Blackburn away from the goal with some unreal duelling power. With the attacking wings from Amberwood clipped, Catrallo could find the net twice. A late equalizing effort from Claymoore was wiped off the line by… Torchio.

[San Ortelio]

30-31st of July
Waterpolo
Lega Pallanuoto Nationale - MD11

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Results

Neptunus Pollagno    8–11        Astello Mare
FARPE                5–12        Stampano ANC
Stella Anezzo       11–9          PN Catrallo
Pesari Pescadores    8–4            Focarsane
Tridente Toccagno   10–10      Barceglie Club

Table

Lega Pallanuoto Nazionale  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Stampano ANC             11    8   2   1   104   72  +32    26
 2 Barceglie Club           11    7   4   0    97   79  +18    25
 3 Pesari Pescadores        11    7   1   3    98   72  +26    22
 4 Focarsane                11    5   2   4    87   88   −1    17
 5 Neptunus Pollagno        11    5   2   4    88   92   −4    17
 6 Astello Mare             11    5   1   5    86   92   −6    16
 7 Stella Anezzo            11    4   1   6    81   91  −10    13
 8 Tridente Toccagno        11    3   2   6    90   97   −7    11
 9 PN Catrallo              11    2   1   8    78   89  −11     7
10 FARPE                    11    1   0  10    73  110  −37     3

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Oddi’s Odd Odds
Blog on toplr.sor by Massimiliano Oddi discussing best betting tips in San Ortelian sports

Hi all - great news from the betting world! From this week on, Scomme724.sor also offers on odds on domestic water polo making it easier to spread the risks around. With three companies now dipping their toe into the [wait for it] pool, let’s take a look at what they offer for the title and why there’s one best strategy to go with here. For ease, I’m just looking at how short the three remaining candidates are offered. If you want to [waaaait for it] splash some bucks on a miraculous comeback from Neptunus Pollagno or Astello Mare, I’m not going to stop you but let me give you a slice of better advice: bet on their title next season. With young guns Taccone and Battistini by then integrated in the Pollagno line-up and Velucci recovered, they could only be on the way up. And if Beppe Moser and Matteo Coste get an extra year of experience, Mare will only be better. But ok, without further ado, let’s take a glance at who of our three bookies is [waaaaaaaaaait for it - ok last one, promise] on the ball.

BetMondo         BalleriniOdds    Scomme724.sor
Stampano ANC           2.15             2.30             2.25
Barceglie Club         3.15             3.00             3.30
Pesari Pescadores      3.30             3.15             2.95

Here’s a thing, you love to see - bookmakers who aren’t in complete agreement with one another, offering some opportunities. It’s not yet a fair book among the three of them but it gets closer than before. What they do agree on is the favorite for the title and whilst it is an uninspired choice to pick the leader for this one, I can only agree on putting Stampano ANC in the hot seat. Not because they thrashed FARPE because well, everybody has been thrashing FARPE so far this year. (Except Mare. Seriously. It’s been a month and a half and I still cannot understand how the fuck you lose that game after a three-win streak. Insert a shame gif.] But they have a bit of a cushion now and barely drop points outside of the top three. Their key players, Quinzi, Fallerini, Romagnoli and Berrazon are all in stellar form, they can rely on a good home crowd. Are they currently good betting value? They do look tempting, with over double odds still hanging on so I’m quite sure that these attract more flies than honey. I won’t say it’s a stupid bet at 2.30 - I’m just saying I won’t.

The Carabinieri already had the better bets compared to Barceglie Club before the weekend, but the ones from BC floated like a balloon over just one game, prompting the newcomers on the market to offer a 3.30 - which sounds plainly ridiculous for a team just one point off the lead. Small addendum to that, Barceglie hasn't lost a single game yet this year. So why are the bookies inclined to price them down? Only five minutes in, star forward Angelo Piscaglia had to leave the pool, pointing to his aching shoulder. We're a day later and there still hasn't surfaced a goofy social media post from 'The Flying Fish' or any other good news for that matter. That makes me believe that he might be out for a long time. And what Barceglie can do without the tall goalgetter became awfully clear with his back-up Bronzini in the water. This still is a tough formation, but people started to overdo their tasks, opening up opportunities elsewhere. If Toccagno can get ten against the net, so can others…

...starting with Pesari Pescadores. Indeed, next week Pesari will make the trip to Barceglie. The Pescadores normally are a bit less in the Baia than in the pool, so the visit is traditionally chalked up as one of the toughest of the year for them, but this time around, Pesari might overcome their Angstgegner with a great result. And if that happens - which is more likely than usual - you will see the numbers on Pesari plummet like a rock. My advice: be early and put something on it. BetMondo is making it almost feel like stealing cash and credits to Scomme724.sor that they recognized the great out for Pesari. The ease with which they disposed themselves of revelation Focarsane testifies their great streak with danger coming from all corners. If Paolo Beretti beats his brother Stanzo next weekend, the Pescadores not only navigate into second position, they will also get in the position to chase for Stampano. It's a spot the reigning champions enjoy being in. Last year, they waited till match 17 to get in the hotseat, this time, it could go all the way till the final game. A home game to bookend the season against… ANC. If the Carabinieri don't keep Pesari at a four point distance, something only guaranteed by a flawless record with some difficult away games on the agenda, they could see their opponent [last one, I promise] resurface just in time for the back-to-back triumph. So get your cash on them before BetMondo realises what the new kids on the block have already figured out.

[San Ortelio]

31st of July
Boxing
BBSO Fight Night

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Welterweight
Felice Soldano vs Cione Di Lisio
Soldano wins by knock-out in the fifth round

Heavyweight
Stefano Bonomi vs Piero Vitucci
Vitucci wins by split decision

Middleweight
Roberto Bracco vs Sinibaldo Colantoni
Colantoni wins by knock-out in the sixth round

Lightweight
Iacopo Peretti vs Lando Oldani
Peretti wins by technical knock-out in the twelfth round

Featherweight - Belt Fight
Simone Biaggi vs Lorenzo Tiano
Biaggi wins by split decision
Biaggi successfully defends his title for the fifth time

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Few people outside the boxing scene would know who Paride Cinquetti would be, especially not those thousands who had spent a number of lira for a pay-per-view of this Fight Night. But in the Montelcampo Hall, an event location which yearly was the backdrop of a Fight Night, everyone who was someone in this world made a point of paying a short visit to his ringside chair. Those at the bottom of the pyramid limited themselves to a humble greeting, a few of the bigger names made a short conversation.

“We’ve seen better cards, Mr. Cinquetti,” a manager who didn’t have a single fighter in the ring noticed.
Paride calmly stroked his chin before replying, “we’ll see about that.”

It was sufficient an answer to send him home. And I? I stood there in total awe, eavesdropping on every conversation. Mr. Cinquetti did not bother to introduce me to anyone. At first, I wondered whether this was a minor insult but it took me little time to realise that - as had seemingly every word or action of his - there was a well-defined purpose behind it. I had always been mad about the sport but lacking the physical abilities to make as much as a dent, I had bluffed my way into the BBSO. On one beautiful morning, I had gathered all my guts and requested a short meeting with Mauro Pardini - fifteen minutes later, I was the social media officer of the organisation. For the onlooker, Pardini represented the BBSO but knowing the inside of the organisation, it became clear he was nothing but a figurehead. An entertaining one, it must be said, whose bold statements and daft quips garnered the desired press attention. No, the BBSO, that was Paride Cinquetti.

We were already there for over an hour. Everyone arounds us who had a badge of the organisation seemed to be running around, focussing on their detail. But Mr. Cinquetti simply sat there, seemingly available for audiences from the public as if he was a king which, in a way, he truly was in this world. Because he was the gatekeeper, the man who decided which fighter became part of the small inner circle of professionals, the fifty fighters with a license. But Mr. Cinquetti also determined who would challenge whom and at what rate. He could make or break you. What made him not just the most important but also the most respectable man in the organisation was that - or at least, according to my seven years with the BBSO - he could not be bought. For every sly manager, every desperate fighter who tried to settle something under the table, he had a simple message: ‘deliver me spectacle’.

“What do you think of the fight card, Renzo?” he suddenly inquired. It came out of nothing as he hadn’t spoken a word to me after he instructed me to sit down next to him.

I hesitated a second for my reply as I knew that every word would be processed, weighted and judged. After four months on the job, I spoke to him for the first time. About thirty seconds into that conversation, he had bluntly stated that he knew I knew nothing about my job - the first and only one to ever read through my cover: every night, I browsed and searched on how I had to execute my work the following day.

"I get why at first sight, it is not such an eyecatcher as some other nights."

He pondered for a second, then nodded. I passed the opening test.

"Because of?"
"Only a single title fight and that in a category where Biaggi seems so dominant that any challenger will need an exceptional day."

Apparently, this answer pleased him less. He didn't say a word until after the first bout, a shorter one than expected with Cione Di Lisio dominating the clash between two anonymous welterweights.

"Why is this the opening fight?" Mr. Cinquetti asked.
"Ehm… They're the least known fighters?"
"No," he nodded, "that's a negative thought. If that was all, they should not be in this arena."
"Well…" I scrambled for words, "Di Lisio was a pleasant surprise for someone his age so…"

A first smile.

"Always open your night with a little treat to the specialists. The big fans, the ones that will watch from start to finish. Cioni barely fought at amateur level but from every punch you could see he was something. Maybe in three years, his name will be in the big print on the leaflets - and a handful will be able to claim they saw it on his Fight Night debut. He delivered."

Without much asking, he continued.

"Next up, the heavyweights. They sell. Even if they are lesser known ones, they get a spectacle out there. Neither will ever grab a belt but they are offensive fighters, who don't mind risks. You need them in your stable to get the crowd in - especially because those have a memory. Last year, Vitucci fought a valiant fight, a loss but with blood streaming from an eyebrow, in this arena. The crowd admired him, so it's good to bring him back."

Things started to click in place.

"And then, first peak of the evening," I spoke, suddenly more confident, "a boxer with roots in Montelcampo. Good old Roberto Bracco in front of a home crowd against an old foe."

The second of silence crumbled my self assured smile, but Mr. Cinquetti saved my day.

"That's a bingo."

From that point on, he gave more pointers. Why the seats on the north side were closer to one another (sold via local channels, to get a better atmosphere). Why you have two entrance points (keep every supporter on their toes). Why the lady with the round plates needs to be more than just pretty (a good one is not an ornament but plays and warms the crowd). During the fourth fight, Mr. Cinquetti fell silent. It was a cagey, close fight which could have gone both ways, until Peretti made full use of a short loss of focus with his opponent to give him a nasty jab.

"He'll never learn," Mr. Cinquetti muttered to no one in particular - but possibly me, "you give him a chance to win some hearts but the people are siding with Oldani after such a fight. He earned his belt fight but he'll face Di Pinto and the crowd."

I slowly processed his words, starting to realise why all other moving parts of this world were playing checkers in his 4D chess world.

"And now, the title fight. Crowd is ready, the viewers are still hungry." I remarked.
"What do you think about it?"

An open question, a million potential pitfalls.

"So far, Biaggi looks unbeatable. He might actually be for a few more years - Fredo Saracco is the clear number two in this category but was already the opponent in three of his five victorious fights, so you needed a fresh name."
"True… You could have Biaggi up six or eight times a year. That was what they would have done before the BBSO. Just milk it, cash it and after three years, you've got a mumbling piles of boxers left. The pool - if you want spectacular, attractive boxers - is small. Few have enough quality for a high level. Use them sparingly, twice a year and they will give the fans the world."

We conversed almost as equals and blood raced through every of my veins.

"And Lorenzo Tiano is a good alternative rival," I spoke, "a bit of a bulldog next to the stylish Biaggi. Bit more a brawler, bit more loudmouth, can ensure a long fight whilst looking competitive." Mr. Cinquetti nodded encouragingly. "Even if Tiano loses, he can make Biaggi look well… not really invincible. And that's good for when you inevitably have to pit him against Saracco again, because Fredo also won against Tiano."

In the ring, the two fighters punched their gloves against one another, ready to devour the other on the way to glory. The largest part of the crowd sided with the favorite but a vocal minority cheered for 'Wardog' Tiano, a former military man. Despite 'a weak line-up', people were shouting, cheering and standing before the first hit was made.

"You start to get it, Renzo. That's good."

And then he said something which made the twelve round fight a haze.

"Cause in a few years, you will be making the fight cards.

[San Ortelio]

25th of July - 4th of August
Football
Copa Pavola

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Results Sportiva Montelcampo
Sportiva Montelcampo 1–0 Þingsnitz (GRÆ)
Parakleion Firebird (TKT) 2-0 Sportiva Montelcampo
Sportiva Montelcampo 2-0 ESK Storevik (SVJ)
Sportiva Montelcampo 0-0 (1-2 AET) RLSK Pawlograd

Results Pro Stampano
Pro Stampano 1-1 (2-3 AET) Gugola United (NYK)
SC Lagos (BOL) 2-2 (3–3 AET) (4–2 pen.) Pro Stampano
Pro Stampano 2-1 Martin Luther (SFD)
Marda CF (BOL) 3-1 Pro Stampano (SOR)

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The Quest For Stability

Will the Kids Be Alright?

Any good goalie has a natural resentment against taking in a goal but the temper from Ettore Trasciani after the decisive 3-1 from Marda CF was telling, shouting profanity and waving with large gestures. Moments earlier, two Bollonischians had broken through the offside trap, kept a cool head and left the Pro Stampano goalie scrambling. In front of the outgunned keeper stood already the fourth different defense in as many games and so far, none has really managed to execute the plans from Pambianco and salvage the worries of the fans. Four games into the new season, it would be harsh to say that there hasn't been good work during the off-season. Newcomer Brescia was off to a decent start and strikers Granocche and Ransom learn to connect better and better, in that they rarely pass to one another but do put in the effort to create space. It was that partnership which pushed Martin Luther's Meyer into the mistake which allowed the Postmen to grab their sole victory. And yes, both against SC Lagos and Gugola United, the tables could have turned in Stampano's favor. But the bottomline of ten goals against looms in the background as a potential season long worry: an iron defense has been a key selling point of Pro for years on end.

Poafmersian Watson seems to have picked up the best start of the back four but the forward-thinking left back remains a risk-taker. A good organisation should be able to handle the resulting space in his back but none of this materialized so far. Veteran Roberto Trasciani grows less and less accustomed to the pace. He might point to being a diesel who needs the miles to get the engine running, but we wonder whether his model ain't too outdated to join the race. Against SC Lagos, Manuele Pilati was given the keys to the back four but whilst a promising talent, he is far from that position at 21. Backup Grillo had two abysmal appearances and amidst the disorganisation, Qasdeni newcomer Gregory Nana was thrown into the deep. It did not help that right-back Carlo Qualla failed to find his usual balance between executing his tasks and pushing the opposition to their own half. The result was loose sand and a return to the drawing board for Pambianco and his team. Without the much-needed stability and a chance on a botched start, Pro Stampano runs the risk of chasing the top six again all season long.

The Road To Recovery

ET Von 2 - The Extra-Tactical

After some consideration, it was decided by the Montelcampo board to continue the reign of the beloved Qusmi Von - despite the lowest end result of his tenure with the Robins. His energy and inspiration had blown a new wind through the club and whilst resulting in only limited silverware, although that sole Coppa tasted sweet, it did get the neutral fan on the hand of Sportiva. The red-and-white eleven played in the style of their coach's press conferences: chaotic, lively, admirable and straightforward. But all love stories eventually must go into a relationship, so the board made it quite clear that they wouldn't stand for another season with the IFCF tickets out of reach. It could well mean the end of the popular Qusmiball, although one dares to wonder how much of that was left after the poor Serie A appearances which saw Sportiva score only six goals in ten fixtures. Etern-Tylyr Von knew that he would need to reinvent his style, quite a task for a coach more known as an apt man manager rather than a shrewd tactician.

The line-up against Þingsnitz put an example out. The confrontation with the title holder of the Graintjaller second tier - and with old foe Romeo Gozzi - could have had the line-out of a goalfest but whilst Von still fielded a theoretical 3-4-3, the days of dashing forward seem indefinitely over. With Gucci, Sparandeo and Tornaghi at the kick-off, the balance in midfield tilted from creativity to security. Even if that means that the talismanic Nonhagatte gets sacrificed, leaving Mazzone as playmaker behind a trio of strikers. It must be said that none of the forwards really excelled in the Copa Pavola, but that cannot be said of newcomer Campoy. It seems as if the Hispanian giant needed no acclimatisation period: he clicked well with defense leader Ferrera and played a crucial role in the victory over last year's finalist ESK Storevik. The end result, a sixth place out of sixteen makes the balance tilt in the advantage of this new approach from Von but it remains to be seen whether it will survive the litmus test domestically.

[San Ortelio]

2-4th of August
Football
IFCF - First Qualifying Round

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Liga B Champions Trophy

Western Avondale (SYL) 0-2 Catrallo Athletic (SOR)

Challengers Cup

Virtus Redoccio (SOR) 1-1 Elspachia (MRC)
FC Pesari (SOR) 2-1 Kimbishtki Royals FC (SPI)
Catherina FC (DEL) 2-1 Fagli Cinquanta (SOR)

Champions League

Ottawa Geese (ESL) 0-3 Catrallo Calcio (SOR)

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Catrallo Athletic Man of the Match

Mattia Santoro dropped out of the Serie Nazionale before the age of thirty, but found a second spring with the capital’s “biggest smallest club”. Never much of a goalgetter, Santoro thrives in a strong tandem with youngster Valerio Pizzi around whom he can make the miles. It usually places his teammate in the spotlight but against the Sylestonians, it was Santoro who shined with a marvellous goal past keeper Angry. “I’m feeling more comfortable on the pitch than ever,” he explained his new-found success and we must say that this ease of mind shows.


Virtus Redoccio Man of the Match

In their opening match of the season, Albino Romero’s Virtus struggled to dictate their will against the number four of last season’s MPL - but the same could be said for Elspachia, eager to break into their first IFCF group stage. In these circumstances, stability and calmth in possession is crucial and Francesco Bagheria delivered just that. Sharp like a knife in the duels with Tripi and Johnson, Bagheria managed to keep the difficult balance between a hacker and a builder - giving the assisting pass for the sole goal from Zsinko. After a year in the shadows, Bagheria could play himself back into the spotlight like this and - why not - the national selection.

FC Pesari Woman of the Match

Landing just below the ‘one goal per two games’ barrier in her two first seasons with I Pappagalli, Cassadaiguan Jessica Murphy took a headstart in the Stadio del Fiume. The numbers were against the visitors from the Southern Palm Islands as they were yet to win a Challengers’ Cup doubleheader, but an early miscommunication in the back gave the underdogs the chance to lean back. It is a testimony to the development of Murphy that despite the lack of space, she managed to escape her direct opponents twice, showcasing the whole scala of her skills: the first one was a piece of clever positioning to rattle in a Lagrange cross, for the second one she needed to use her strength to get in possession - but she finished it off with a velvet touch.

Fagli Cinquanta Man of the Match

In a game in which the Delaclavan home team dominated the debate, it seems to make sense to nominate one of their star duo Soto or McBride. But the Ortelian MotM trophy nonetheless goes to Adalberto Siboni who, despite only playing for twenty-five minutes, came as close to a dream debut as possible. Coming on for an aching Okonye, he accidentally stopped the 3-0 on a corner kick before marking with a marvellous volley - 2-1 and a new hope for Fagli’s ambitions. For a man who two years ago was on the edge of the roster at Serie Regionale’s VC Pesari, the dream continues and the question is where it stops for the 24-year old. Can he do the unthinkable and break up the invincible pairing of Okonye and Rodgers who lifted this club to a new level?

Catrallo Calcio Man of the Match

There are a lot of obvious candidates for the glowing performance in Eshialand: from Carmine Garofalo who opened the year with a brace, over the uncatchable Lorenzo Moreschini and the dominant Gaetano Lucarelli. But it’s Pasargan midfield director Nidal Thamer who must have made his way into the most notebooks of international scouts. Made one or two rough tackles when needed, but knows perfectly when to apply brute force and when not. Not only formed an unbreakable buffer ahead of the defense but was almost impossible to dispossess. It shows that his teammates in any situation dare to pass him the leather as even under pressure, he always finds a simple but effective solution. Not a spectacular star for the stands, but extremely crucial for the plan of this team.

[San Ortelio]

6th of August
Triathlon
LaLoda Piccolo powered by SpyriSol

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Men’s

1 Rinaldo Loda            1:51:56.49
2 Enzio Cerutti           1:53:28.96
3 Filippo Ronchetti       1:53:56.87
4 Antonio Valeri          1:54:12.42
5 Arnulfo Tursi           1:55:00.70

Women’s

1 Lauretta Cipriano       2:04:19.02
2 Silvia Lucarelli        2:04:41.73
3 Daria Del Mastro        2:05:05.42
4 Lina Piola              2:05:20.54
5 Eva Brigante            2:05:28.66

“Once again, congratulations Rinaldo - a good final rehearsal for the real thing!”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Let’s hope for some good energy there!”

Rinaldo Loda, the man who had become synonymous with triathlon in San Ortelio, walked out of the meeting room. It had been a fruitful one, in theory. Together, they had debriefed the first LaLoda Piccolo to be held in Pesari. There were some just remarks on the course setting, but a good crowd had showed up to welcome home the finishers and the enthusiasm had been contagious. Up next, Rinaldo and the team from Spyrisol had looked forward to the actual LaLoda, the most brutal sports event in the country which was scheduled in five weeks. Entries were once again not flowing in, but it gave the whole thing a certain grandeur - only the fittest dared to tip their toe into this challenge. And yet, as the footsteps from Loda on the modern concrete floor died down, the remaining trio looked to one another. It was Letizia, the ambitious marketing manager, who dared to voice the general concern.

“Rinaldo is a good egg, but there’s only that much that people want to see of that.”
“He was, is and remains a key brand ambassador - he wears our corporate t-shirt more than our installers,” Theodoro noted. After all, it had been him who had recognised his likable nature, brought in the young daredevil and turned him into the figurehead of the renewable energy company: a success Theodoro enjoyed claiming.
“Of course, of course,” Letizia smoothened things with the VP, “but there will be a point where the audience is sick and tired of Rinaldo Loda dominating the field. He still had the Olympics in his legs and still beat Cerutti by over a minute and a half.”
“Maybe he needs a female counterpart,” Theodoro mused, “Daria Del Mastro is only twenty-one, if she can keep up that development, who knows where she could land?”
“I was thinking in the direction of a rival, someone to combat against in the closing minutes of the race rather than clapping hands with the roadside spectators,” Letizia replied.

The third man around the table hadn’t spoken a word anymore since Rinaldo’s exit. Claudio Vignali was only 41, but had built San Ortelio’s main solar energy company from the ground up. He believed in the ‘giving back to the people’ message which Loda distributed, but he believed a bit more in commerce.

“If we don’t find someone who is his match,” he stated with the aplomb of an oracle, “we won’t make a single headline anymore with LaLoda Piccolo. Find me a rival - being it in Esca, in San Mamerto or just at some god forgotten dirt track in Anaia, I don’t care. Someone you love to hate and who doesn’t mind being the antihero for the right price.”

[San Ortelio]

6th-7th of August
Waterpolo
Lega Pallanuoto Nationale - MD12

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Results

Astello Mare       8–6    Tridente Toccagno
Barceglie Club     5–10   Pesari Pescadores
Focarsane          8–7        Stella Anezzo
PN Catrallo        8–7                FARPE
Stampano ANC       8–8    Neptunus Pollagno

Table

Lega Pallanuoto Nazionale  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Stampano ANC             12    8   3   1   112   80  +32    27
 2 Pesari Pescadores        12    8   1   3   108   77  +31    25
 3 Barceglie Club           12    7   4   1   102   89  +13    25
 4 Focarsane                12    6   2   4    95   95    0    20
 5 Astello Mare             12    6   1   5    94   98   −4    19
 6 Neptunus Pollagno        12    5   3   4    96  100   −4    18
 7 Stella Anezzo            12    4   1   7    88   99  −11    13
 8 Tridente Toccagno        12    3   2   7    96  105   −9    11
 9 PN Catrallo              12    3   1   8    86   96  −10    10
10 FARPE                    12    1   0  11    80  118  −38     3

"And we are going live to Barceglie for the closing moments of the clash of the matchday, where Pesari Pescadores are having a field day, it seems?"

"Indeed, Ettore, this is slowly but surely turning into a humiliation. Barceglie had not been beaten yet this season but now they get caught by a team with more speed in possession, more movement of the ball and simply more talent. The Pescadores struggled in the opening part of the year in absence of key players Piero Moresi and Rodolfo Valeron but right now, the engine has not just turned on but is speeding at full force towards the leader position. The news of the Stampano draw at the hands of Neptunus has not only reached the crowd but also the reserves and they are cheering on their mates in the water as if the title is already a fact.
It will remain an uphill, or should we say upstream, battle for them but now Pesari has their faith in their own hands: one streak and they might lift another title trophy. They're now monopolizing possession, Beretti to Signorelli, to Tosatto, back to Beretti, and Barceglie even stopped sticking to their direct opponent. It's an uppercut for Club, on their way to a dream but tonight, it turns into a nightmare. Can they, oh, I was going to ask, can they recover from this but it is another attack from Pesari and yes, there is number ten. Valerio Tosatto with his third of the confrontation and it must be over now - ample seconds left before Club is relieved and the Pescadores can celebrate a crucial and deserved win over their longstanding rivals."
"Thank you, Stefano, we will get back to you after this lovely tune from I Alveari."

---

"It is time to head back to the seaside in Barceglie as Stefano has Paolo Beretti with him, author of two points for a triumphant Pesari."

“Indeed, I have the triumphant Pesari key player here with me. Paolo, tell me, how does this feel?”
“Well, good of course. It’s for those big games that you train and work so when we can turn that into a victory, that feels good.”
“We just saw your brother Stanzo walk past, no congratulations or nothing - bit of a tension or am I interpreting that the wrong way?”
“Nah, I mean. It’s not the moment to poke him with this result now, but in a day or two, that will be fine. It is normal that he is now focussed on his own team and their performance. Let us face it, this wasn’t the best Barceglie we have seen so far this season, so I understand he is not in the mood for joking around.”
“What made the difference today because there was a huge gap both on the scoreboard and in the water?”
“We really managed to keep the flow of possession going, fast passing game and they couldn’t cope with that.”
“It is a remarkable result especially as this is the first time in history that the Pescadores could win over here - and then with such a result?”
“In the opening years of the league, a ‘pool’ club like us always struggled over here in a ‘bay’ arena but that gap closed down. I mean, we must have picked up something in all these years, right?”

[San Ortelio]

7th of August
Football
Serie Nazionale - MD1

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Results

Virtus Redoccio 0–1 Inter Catrallo
Esca Unione 1–0 Pro Stampano
SSD Borgonovo 2–2 Sportiva Montelcampo
Fagli Cinquanta 1–1 FC Pesari
Catrallo Calcio 2–1 FC Orsi
US San Savola 0–0 Robur Astello

Table

Serie Nazionale          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Catrallo Calcio         1    1   0   0     2    1   +1     3
 2 Esca Unione             1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
   Inter Catrallo          1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
 4 Sportiva Montelcampo    1    0   1   0     2    2    0     1
   SSD Borgonovo           1    0   1   0     2    2    0     1
 6 Fagli Cinquanta         1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1
   FC Pesari               1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1
 8 Robur Astello           1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
   US San Savola           1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
10 FC Orsi                 1    0   0   1     1    2   −1     0
11 Pro Stampano            1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0
   Virtus Redoccio         1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0

Golazo of the Week powered by Brantelli
The pasta sauce that tastes like home

Nominee 1 - Chikelu Okonye (Fagli Cinquanta) ---> One of the players who is a regular in this selection but this time he didn't make the mark for one of his thunderous shots. Pesari did an excellent job defending their lead but suddenly the Cinquanta midfield clicked like clockwork. Man in form Valentin Spinesi, newcomer Samantha Alexander and linchpin Yannis Kinsella found one another with one touch and with a ridiculous chip, Spinesi found Okonye unmarked. Top class technique.

Nominee 2 - Angelo Cotillard (Sportiva Montelcampo) ---> When a late equalizer feels like a winner. Sportiva kicked off the season with quite some pressure on their shoulders and that definitely goes for Cotillard who saw veteran Swyripa swoop past him for the starting spot. The young striker seemed on his way for an anonymous sub till the ball got dropped in the box in minute 93. Eight members of Il Socio in the box and his back to the goal, but with just one touch, Cotillard presented himself a chance for a volley that disappeared out of reach for Mosca.

Nominee 3 - Nkechi Orjee (SSD Borgonovo) ---> It is unfortunate that most will recall the celebration, a sign of support for the Akongo Regime in neighbouring Nyowani Kitara as the goal itself was rightly stellar. A slightly desperate kick forward from Mirarchi suddenly became a chance via his fast rush on the wing. With only Krupp in support, Orjee slid past Cattai, made the doublepass with his Eshialandian counterpart and then buried it in the furthest corner, to the right of a scrambling Campoy.

Nominee 4 - Vasco Cardoso (FC Orsi) ---> The strike from the capricious right foot did not reap any points, for that the dominance of Calcio was too strong, but Cardoso did salvage the scoreline with a thing of beauty. A goal that looks like luck but then again, only he can wrongfoot a goalie like Lindt for the Bears. Mladen Sikimic didn't have the greatest of blasts on his debut but did carve it very nicely into the box where Cardoso, almost mindless, deflected it with the outside of his right to score with one touch.

(Jezus Christ, five? There were only eleven goals this weekend, I mean… ok)
Nominee 5 - Imerio Gallicardi (Esca Unione) ---> In a confrontation between two teams hellbend on avoiding an early loss, creating chances would always be a problem. Deep in the second half, holding midfielder Gallicardi scanned for someone in front of him to deliver it to but they were caught in the defensive plan from Pambianco. Out of options, he moved it forward and then hit it with all he got, only to see the leather whizz past Trasciano, securing three valuable points for the home squad.

[San Ortelio]

9-11th of August
Football
IFCF - First Qualifying Round

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Liga B Champions Trophy

Catrallo Athletic (SOR) 0-1 Western Avondale (SYL)

Challengers Cup

Elspachia (MRC) 1-2 Virtus Redoccio (SOR)
Kimbishtki Royals FC (SPI) 0-2 FC Pesari (SOR)
Fagli Cinquanta (SOR) 3-1 [AET] Catherina FC (DEL)

Champions League

Catrallo Calcio (SOR) 1-1 Ottawa Geese (ESL)

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Matchwinners

Even if Valentin gave him a calming pad on the shoulder, Yannis Kinsella angrily lashed out on the post. Even the usually so composed Tikariotian could not hide his frustration. Ever after Catherina FC fell back to ten people, Fagli had dominated this confrontation, supported by a filled-to-the-brim Stadio Scarpa. Many considered La Fa to be a plastic club, bankrolled by Di Callare, but the roars that rolled off the stands currently gave away that it was just a side growing into a new role. Valentin understood that as no other. Everyone had been pulling his arm to sign for them two years ago, but he knew very well why he had signed with Cinquanta - it was a booming club with financial means, a craving for new heroes and an open position as playmaker. He took to it like a fish to water.

But the substantial growth of the club hinged on key moments. If they ever wanted to break the naming of the Big Three, Fagli needed to go beyond their accomplishments. The loss in last year’s Coppa quarterfinals, a painful 0-3 at the hands of Pesari, still stung like a thorn for Spinesi. A deep IFCF run could have mitigated that, but Myana was simply two levels above on the last step to last year’s Challengers Cup group stage. On the other hand, the game had underlined how close a club like Cinquanta could come to that level, so the pressure was on not to drop out at the first step. After ninety minutes, everybody knew it was possible, adrenaline was running through the veins - just a goal against a waning opponent, with the crowd behind them, how hard could it be?

But the Delaclavans refused to break. Wave after wave of attacks ended up short, with the best one being wiped off the line by Josh Torres. And the squad grew frustrated, trying things beyond their reach. Valentin Spinesi looked at it with astonishment, how his strong and talented line-up could fall apart when they had to fight the clock. Even the coach seemed to lose it, shouting like a kid to his video game. It pushed Michele Faini, usually a midfield water carrier, to try dribbling McBride. Luckily, the Delaclavan star had grown tired and faulted him, about thirty yards from the goal. Usually Spinesi took them, but now he calmly drew Kinsella close, seemingly the only one with his head still in it.

“Yannis - let’s pull the Esca trick.”
“Now?” the Tikariotian looked stunned, “Here?”

Spinesi didn’t even need to nod for Kinsella to know that his objections were no match to the confidence of the 19-year old. He had walked into the dressing room a year ago, sharp without any bling, notably unnoticeable. But then he talked, and then he played and it was clear he didn’t need a ribbon to decide on stuff. Kinsella waved everyone forward, every defender mobbed the box and the Catherina players had no option but to guard themselves, minimizing the wall. As Spinesi walked away, seemingly taking up the role of last defender, one Delaclavan seemed to catch it. He yelled, but too late: Kinsella passed it to the side and from thirty metres away, Spinesi put his laces through it. Was it uncatchable? No, but with fifteen men in front of him, the goalie had no chance to see this falling leaf in time.

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New Sevada Stadium roared as Wilfred Thabo slung his way through the defensive line but a last-ditch tackle from Carthy Yila saved the day once more. The Chromatikan newcomer had been given quite a baptism of fire but so far, his pairing with Juvenar Mallerbury showed long-term potential.

“Com’on guys, seven more minutes,” captain Confalonieri bellowed as all lined up for the resulting corner. The grizzled midfielder meant it well, but it was telling that they were counting down the time. For most of the double confrontation, Virtus and Elspachia had balanced out one another, but now the Mercedinians took over the lead ruthlessly, eager to draw this to a close within ninety minutes.
“Seven more minutes to score for us,” Paulina Philipsdottir screamed. In most situations, she would have gotten a few sniggers but now, most were just too tired for that right now. In her voice stood a bit of frustration - she hated the undertone from Confalonieri’s words. The Graintfjaller might be considered from the outside as a particular cookie, a bit wacky and quite outspoken, but she also knew that every teammate preferred her on her team rather than the other way around because she would tear the others apart, whether it was a World Cup final or a 5-vs-5 on the training pitch.

The corner landed in the second zone, with Zrnic trying to head it back towards the penalty point to surprise them. However, it turned out lucky for Virtus and especially for Walter Moro. The Virtus goalie grew over his years with the Strawberries but moments like this still earned him some critics: he had walked out to grab but it had gone over his head. The header from Zrnic, however, landed accidentally in his hands. Before he could properly process that, a shrieking voice perforated his ear drum, “just laaaunch”, with a thick Graintfjaller accent.

Without putting much thought into it, Moro kicked it forward. Zsinko, the Pasargan left there as a remaining tower, went into the air against Simonis. A nasty, clumsy duel, with two men eventually failing to properly deflect the leather that bounced further across the halfline, seemingly left apart. Susila noticed the danger in the corner of his eye but his tackle came too late - there came Paulina Philipsdottir, passing the ball forward, just hard enough to entice Tatius to leave his goal, just soft enough so she was first on the ball for a beautiful chip that silenced the whole stadium.

[San Ortelio]

13-14th of August
Athletics
National Championships Decathlon & Heptathlon

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Men’s

100m
 1 Daniele Antonucci       10.81    903
 2 Andrea Citro            11.02    854
 3 Lorenzo Belli           11.14    830
 4 Manuel Paponi           11.21    814
 5 Antonio Mazzotta        11.23    808
 6 Valerio Mazzotta        11.24    808
 7 Fabio Mucelli           11.28    797
 8 Pierluigi Terranova     11.47    757
 9 Giambattista Dirisio    11.63    723
10 Fiorenzo Somma          11.85    679

Long Jump
 1 Valerio Mazzotta         7.02      X   7.21     7.21    864    1672  (1)
 2 Pierluigi Terranova      7.16   6.96      X     7.16    854    1611
 3 Fabio Mucelli               X   7.05   7.07     7.07    833    1630
 4 Antonio Mazzotta         7.04   6.91      X     7.04    826    1634
 5 Fiorenzo Somma           7.04   6.80      X     7.04    826    1505
 6 Andrea Citro             6.44   6.77   6.86     6.86    783    1637  (3)
 7 Manuel Paponi            6.79   6.68      X     6.79    767    1581
 8 Daniele Antonucci        6.50      X   6.70     6.70    746    1649  (2)
 9 Lorenzo Belli               X   6.25      X     6.25    641    1471
 — Giambattista Dirisio        X      X      X        X      0     723

Shot Put
 1 Daniele Antonucci       13.60      X  14.80    14.80    778    2427  (1)
 2 Andrea Citro            14.70  13.28  11.89    14.70    772    2409  (2)
 3 Fabio Mucelli           14.67  14.60  13.50    14.67    769    2399
 4 Antonio Mazzotta        13.87  12.69  14.65    14.65    769    2403
 5 Valerio Mazzotta            X      X  14.09    14.09    734    2406  (3)
 6 Manuel Paponi               X  13.90  12.17    13.90    723    2304
 7 Giambattista Dirisio    13.65      X  13.84    13.84    719    1442
 8 Pierluigi Terranova         X  13.74  12.76    13.74    713    2324
 9 Lorenzo Belli           12.34  13.39  13.01    13.39    692    2163
10 Fiorenzo Somma          13.35  11.45  13.09    13.35    689    2194

High Jump
 1 Fabio Mucelli             o    o    o    o    o    o  xxx      1.90  714    3113  (3)
   Antonio Mazzotta          o    o    o    o    o    o  xxx      1.90  714    3117  (1)
 3 Giambattista Dirisio      o    o   xo    o  xxo  xxo  xxx      1.90  714    2156
 4 Fiorenzo Somma            o    o    o    o    o  xxx           1.87  687    2881
 5 Valerio Mazzotta          o    o    o   xo    o  xxx           1.87  687    3093
 6 Lorenzo Belli             o    o    o   xo   xo  xxx           1.87  687    2850
   Daniele Antonucci         o    o    o   xo   xo  xxx           1.87  687    3114  (2)
   Pierluigi Terranova       o    o    o   xo   xo  xxx           1.87  687    3011
 9 Manuel Paponi             o    o    o   xo  xxx                1.84  661    2965
10 Andrea Citro              o    o    o  xxx                     1.81  636    3045

400m
 1 Fabio Mucelli           49.25    849    3962  (1)
 2 Valerio Mazzotta        49.79    824    3917  (2)
 3 Pierluigi Terranova     50.18    806    3817
 4 Fiorenzo Somma          50.47    793    3674
 5 Manuel Paponi           50.59    787    3752
 6 Daniele Antonucci       50.72    781    3895  (3)
 7 Giambattista Dirisio    50.96    771    2927
 8 Antonio Mazzotta        51.40    751    3868
 9 Andrea Citro            51.41    750    3795
 — Lorenzo Belli             DNF      0

110m Hurdles
 1 Antonio Mazzotta        14.34    930    4798  (3)
 2 Daniele Antonucci       14.53    907    4804  (2)
 3 Andrea Citro            14.63    895    4690
 4 Fabio Mucelli           14.72    882    4844  (1)
 5 Giambattista Dirisio    14.89    863    3790
 6 Fiorenzo Somma          15.28    816    4490
 7 Pierluigi Terranova     15.31    812    4629
 8 Valerio Mazzotta        15.91    743    4660
 — Manuel Paponi             DNF      0

Discus Throw
 1 Fabio Mucelli           44.89  36.71      X    44.89    765    5609  (1)
 2 Valerio Mazzotta        40.01  42.26  43.19    43.19    730    5390
 3 Fiorenzo Somma          42.36  36.69  41.22    42.36    713    5203
 4 Andrea Citro            38.69      X  41.94    41.94    704    5394
 5 Pierluigi Terranova     34.50  38.74  40.40    40.40    673    5302
 6 Daniele Antonucci       39.82      X  40.24    40.24    670    5474  (2)
 7 Giambattista Dirisio    39.99      X      X    39.99    665    4455
 8 Antonio Mazzotta        34.27  39.72      X    39.72    659    5457  (3)

Pole Vault
 1 Daniele Antonucci         o    o    o   xo   xo    o  xxo  xxo  xxx  4.70  819    6293  (2)
 2 Fabio Mucelli             o    o    o    o    o  xxo  xxx            4.50  760    6369  (1)
 3 Giambattista Dirisio      o    o  xxo    o   xo  xxo  xxx            4.50  760    5215
 4 Andrea Citro              o    o    o    o    o  xxx                 4.40  731    6125
 5 Antonio Mazzotta          o    o    o   xo    o  xxx                 4.40  731    6188  (3)
 6 Fiorenzo Somma            o    o    o    o  xxx                      4.30  702    5905
   Valerio Mazzotta          o    o    o    o  xxx                      4.30  702    6092
 8 Pierluigi Terranova       o    o    o  xxx                           4.20  673    5975

Javelin Throw
 1 Andrea Citro            50.99  49.72  61.14    61.14    755    6780  (3)
 2 Pierluigi Terranova     52.31      X  57.70    57.70    703    6678
 3 Daniele Antonucci           X  44.18  57.40    57.40    699    6992  (2)
 4 Fabio Mucelli               X  56.15  49.06    56.15    680    7049  (1)
 5 Fiorenzo Somma          45.84  50.31      X    50.31    593    6498
 6 Antonio Mazzotta        48.95  47.88  46.96    48.95    573    6761
 7 Giambattista Dirisio    46.07  48.80      X    48.80    571    5786
 8 Valerio Mazzotta        48.25      X      X    48.25    563    6655

1500m
 1 Fiorenzo Somma          4:46.82      638    7136  (7)
 2 Daniele Antonucci       4:53.52      598    7590  (2)
 3 Andrea Citro            4:55.90      584    7364  (3)
 4 Fabio Mucelli           4:57.31      575    7624  (1)
 5 Pierluigi Terranova     5:00.35      558    7236  (5)
 6 Valerio Mazzotta        5:01.41      552    7207  (6)
 7 Antonio Mazzotta        5:10.01      503    7264  (4)
 8 Giambattista Dirisio    5:12.23      491    6277  (8)

Women’s
100m Hurdles
 1 Angela Carravetta       13.72   1017
 2 Lucia Soro              13.77   1011
 3 Noemi Difronzo          14.14    959
 4 Lea Strisciuglio        14.20    949
 5 Antonella Manno         14.59    895
 — Maria Larenza             DNF      0

High Jump
 1 Noemi Difronzo            o    o    o    o   xo   xo    o  xxx    1.71  867    1826  (3)
   Angela Carravetta         o    o    o   xo    o   xo    o  xxx    1.71  867    1884  (1)
 3 Lucia Soro                o    o    o    o    o    o  xxx         1.68  830    1831  (2)
 4 Lea Strisciuglio          o    o    o    o    o  xxx              1.65  795    1744
 5 Antonella Manno           o    o    o    o  xxx                   1.62  759    1654

Shot Put
 1 Noemi Difronzo              X  12.76  10.97    12.76    711    2537  (1)
 2 Lucia Soro              12.30  11.51  12.38    12.38    687    2518  (3)
 3 Antonella Manno         11.43  12.26  12.03    12.26    678    2332
 4 Lea Strisciuglio        12.21  10.79  10.60    12.21    676    2420
 5 Angela Carravetta           X      X  11.76    11.76    645    2529  (2)

200m
 1 Angela Carravetta       24.99    887    3416  (1)
 2 Lea Strisciuglio        25.27    862    3282
 3 Noemi Difronzo          25.31    859    3396  (2)
 4 Lucia Soro              25.55    836    3354  (3)
 5 Antonella Manno         25.89    806    3138

Long Jump
 1 Noemi Difronzo           5.71   6.12   5.92     6.12    890    4286  (1)
 2 Angela Carravetta        6.01      X      X     6.01    853    4269  (2)
 3 Antonella Manno          5.92   5.72   5.89     5.92    825    3963
 4 Lea Strisciuglio            X   5.77   5.91     5.91    825    4107
 5 Lucia Soro                  X   5.82      X     5.82    798    4152  (3)

Javelin Throw
 1 Angela Carravetta       35.73  41.84  42.32    42.32    712    4981  (1)
 2 Noemi Difronzo              X  41.45      X    41.45    695    4981  (1)
 3 Lea Strisciuglio        38.00      X  39.23    39.23    653    4760
 4 Lucia Soro              38.10  38.49  38.58    38.58    640    4792  (3)
 5 Antonella Manno         37.06  35.43  37.97    37.97    628    4591

800m
1 Angela Carravetta     2:15.03    892    5873  (1)
2 Noemi Difronzo        2:17.18    862    5843  (2)
3 Lea Strisciuglio      2:18.77    840    5600  (3)
4 Antonella Manno       2:21.72    800    5391  (5)
5 Lucia Soro            2:24.72    760    5552  (4)

---

A tale of two duels
From our athletics correspondent Gianni Abbadi

A few hundred spectators showed up at the dilapidated field of Montelcampo AC. The organising club puts their heart in it, as usual, but cannot hide that the meagre interest in track and field reflects in their funding. Some will call a beach umbrella that needs to be moved every hour, shading the food stand, charming - others simply amateuristic. The stadium itself has seen better times, with the open stand worn by the weather and the center field nearly unusable: we saw two or three javelins bounce off. Nothing breathed the atmosphere of a fight for the national title and the modest field size - with only six competitors in the female category and just ten in the male - did not help there.

Nothing… But the intensity of the competition, which ensured that those absent were missing out. In the men's category, all eyes were on Fabio Mucelli whose eighth title had been all but engraved on the trophy already. But had 'Il Piccolo Hercules' dominated by over four hundred points last year, then now he got a real competition on his hands. It gives testament to his personality that not once, Mucelli looked towards the demanding Olympics as an excuse. No, he rather pointed out that the advent of Daniele Antonucci was not a surprise for those in the know. The home athlete, almost a decade younger than Mucelli, had performed fairly anonymous last season but literally darted out of the starting blocks in the opening 100m. A strong shot put result assured that it took Fabio Mucelli till the last event of the opening day to claim his spot. Yet, he did identify his opponent correctly, notifying the press that Antonio Mazzotta, on his way to a PB, would fall back on day two as is customary for him. But Antonucci had no plans in that direction and so a new rival for Fabio Mucelli stood up - on the day that his previous one, Giambattista Dirisio suffered a black-out on the long jump.

What followed was a fierce but fair duel with both athletes showing their strengths: Antonucci showed his explosiveness on the hurdles, Mucelli his technical craftsmanship with the discus. It became truly entertaining when the newcomer scaled 4m70 on the pole vault before clawing back a few more points with another personal best on the javelin throw. Despite his age, he kept his cool and pushed himself to his limits whilst Mucelli looked tiring: it was telling that he got the javelin five metres less far than on the Agri Cricket Ground. With 57 points or roughly nine seconds separating them for the final 1500m, suddenly everything was on the cards. It was the start of a race that showed that psychology is as important as the legs in this discipline. Mucelli outwitted his opponent by taking the lead of the nearly full pack at a fairly slow pace. Only in the final lap, Antonucci saw through the masquerade and broke away but too late for glory. But there was no animosity between them as they fell into one another's arms. Victor Mucelli declared to everyone around that he had seen 'his heir' (a bit of a blow to Terranova who carried that title before but performed anonymously this year) whilst Daniele Antonucci claimed it was an honour to come this close to a 'childhood hero'.

For those with no lust for or interest in a civil duel, the women's category provided all one could desire. The size of the field has been a source of worries for years now with the FALSO doing less than the bare minimum to keep the field events in the picture. It is painful to note that only one athlete under 25, Lea Strisciuglio, could be found in all of San Ortelio to pick up the glove of this demanding but marvellous competition. But it is not just the quantity that forms a cause for worries - the national record never came into sight and that whilst the top two of the rankings should be considered to be on the peak of their possibilities. Indeed, Noemie Difronzo and Angela Carravetta, who shared the wins in the individual events among them, both near thirty but a points total over 6200, let alone an attack on the NR from Valeria Soldani, will never be on their books. That knowledge did not turn the competition less fierce or tense. Things heated up already on the opening day when Carravetta insisted on a recheck of Difronzo's second shot put attempt. Whilst it remains unclear if her foot was out of bounds, the judges ruled the complaint as formally incorrect, making the camp of the defending champ insist on foul play.

Due to injuries and other circumstances, it was only the second direct duel between both double national gold medallists. Two years ago, things ended anticlimactically with Caravetta bowing out in the final race due to a foot injury. But the Esca-born heptathlete looked for revenge - even if her opening day lead got lost in the high jump, she limited the damage to a handful of points. In the javelin throw, Noemi Difronzo showed tenacity in turn, taking a personal best at a perfect time for it and putting the two rivals exactly equal ahead of the closing event. The double lap turned into a game of chess with neither willing to take the lead, going around other opponents just to avoid getting caught out by one another. It was at 250m from the line that Angela Carravetta ignited her attack and despite an immediate reaction, Noemi Difronzo had to let go of her rival. For Carravetta, this ensured her third triumph in four years, but she celebrated alone. Difronzo, member of the local club, decried the complaint and "other attempts for destabilisation". It resulted in a podium with only one smiling face - Strisciuglio winning her first medal - and tons of frustration. Bitter oaths for revenge were sworn in the aftermath which set the scene for a potential new rematch next year, hopefully with a larger crowd on the stands and in the arena.

[San Ortelio]

13-14th of August
Football
Serie Nazionale - MD2

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Results

Inter Catrallo 0–0 Robur Astello
FC Orsi 0–1 US San Savola
FC Pesari 3–3 Catrallo Calcio
Sportiva Montelcampo 3–1 Fagli Cinquanta
Pro Stampano 3–0 SSD Borgonovo
Virtus Redoccio 1–0 Esca Unione

Table

Serie Nazionale          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sportiva Montelcampo    2    1   1   0     5    3   +2     4
 2 Catrallo Calcio         2    1   1   0     5    4   +1     4
 3 Inter Catrallo          2    1   1   0     1    0   +1     4
   US San Savola           2    1   1   0     1    0   +1     4
 5 Pro Stampano            2    1   0   1     3    1   +2     3
 6 Virtus Redoccio         2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
 7 Esca Unione             2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
 8 FC Pesari               2    0   2   0     4    4    0     2
 9 Robur Astello           2    0   2   0     0    0    0     2
10 Fagli Cinquanta         2    0   1   1     2    4   −2     1
11 SSD Borgonovo           2    0   1   1     2    5   −3     1
12 FC Orsi                 2    0   0   2     1    3   −2     0

---

An excerpt of the ‘Lexicon of Ortelian football’, a booklet assembled and printed at the celebration of seventy-five years of organised football in San Ortelio

D - Derby d’Ortelio

The Derby d'Ortelio is the colloquial name of the confrontations between FC Pesari and Catrallo Calcio. Whilst any duel between members of the Big Three forms an assurance for days of headlines, this one in particular carries a specific weight which finds its causes in all sections of the two clubs. Across the boardrooms, many clashes have been fought to sign the next big thing in the effectively limited pool of Ortelian talent. More often than not, a move from the direct opponent forced either hand to overpay on a target, pitting “the peasants up north” and the “arrogant bastards from the capital” against one another. That sentiment lives on in the stands, where every stereotype in the book about the distinction between the northern and southern peninsula immediately gets projected on the team. I Pappagalli, as the yellow-and-blue are known, consider themselves the more cultured club. For years, they prided themselves on gathering the more technically apt side even if San Ortelio's biggest star, Gianmarco Del Prete, graced the navy shirt. Catrallo Calcio, on the other hand, proclaim themselves as hard workers and true winners. It is easy to see how, if you switch stands, the prejudices translate to 'the lazy ones' and 'the obnoxious ones'.

As both clubs are household names for the top six and the Serie A, they meet at least four times each year, ensuring a myriad of legendary confrontations. Every avid fan of either club can immediately track back memories to "the one with the second ball" (where Catrallo goalie Valentino threw a spare ball into a Pesari counterattack), the Olimpico in the Olimpico (a majestic goal on corner from 'La Leggenda' Del Prete) or the Battle of the Purple Shoe (mayhem erupted when a nasty tackle kicked off Pesari's Laghi's shoe, leading to five red cards). Another chapter was added recently with a match known as "Tumellero's folly", although few would have expected it to remain in collective memory under that moniker with a quarter of an hour still left on the clock. In the last ten direct confrontations, Pesari had only managed a solitary win, upping the stakes more than ever but the FC failed to make a fist. Catrallo Calcio, coming off a solid international appearance, quickly took the lead and strikes from Carmine Garofalo and Alberto Sgarbi put Pesari three behind. But then Tumellero decided to complete the humiliation by putting in the three most novice members of his squad: Lanchi, Ossi and Trepin. It is unfair to blame the youngsters for it, but the organisation fell apart with it and after a consolation goal from Lagrange, I Pappagalli smelled blood. In a chaotic match end, Murphy brought FC Pesari back in the game and with the referee already preparing for the final blow, Pier Luigi Vitali scored his first goal for his new club - immediately winning over the fans. Those celebrated the draw as if it were a win, putting their mind at ease about the continued streak. Oliviero Tumellero, on the other hand, admitted that he and no one else was to blame, a notable and rare dent in the reputation of the triple champion maker.

[San Ortelio]

14th of August
Cycling
Tre Valle Quarani

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Men’s

 1 Marzio Pavarin (Fornittore Bettini)       3:46:08
 2 Damiano Lagani (Ravita)                   
 3 Giuseppe Bordon (Odiol - CycloMas)           0:02
 4 Marco Pasinato (Mattrazzi - VAL)             0:43
 5 Pietro Marangon (Banco Fenice - Pra)         1:15
 6 Leo Muraro (Ravita)                       
 7 Gaetano Brio (Mattrazzi - VAL)               1:50
 8 Giancarlo Beccalossi (Squadra Bartali)       1:52
 9 Antonio Verza (Odiol - CycloMas)             4:37
10 Luca Maronchini (Berettini)                  4:41

Women’s

 1 Ginevra Marazza (Odiol - CycloMas)        3:32:36
 2 Gaia Cianetti (Vino Ferruci)                 0:01
 3 Chiara Ugolini (Banco Fenice - Pra)          0:13
 4 Bianca Tiengo (Lacca)                        0:43
 5 Eva Bertoldi (Riva - Z)                   
 6 Gioia Barbareschi (Squadra Bartali)          0:47
 7 Martina Piccardi (Odiol - CycloMas)          0:49
 8 Carlotta Rubinacchi (Berettini)              1:29
 9 Sara Della Fave (Mattrazzi - VAL)            3:05
10 Cecilia Ervolino (Quaranta Assura)           6:11

---

“So, this is all?”

Mother never was one to beat around the bush - it’s the kind of luxury you cannot afford raising four children on a single wage. Ettore Bettini stroked his moustache, a gesture which I would later learn to interpret as a confirmation. I once more glanced over the figure Bettini had scribbled on a napkin. He had added a ‘,00’ at the end to make it look bigger but all three of us knew it was near to nothing. A man with a booming furniture business like Bettini - who looked awfully out of place in our cramped kitchen with the dim lights - knew well enough that I had an awful hand at this table. Over the past two months I had begged for a spot at eleven of the twelve teams with a ‘Full Pro License’, a permission which ensured their riders starting rights in the classics and the Giro. All but Bettini’s wouldn’t even consider adding a scrawny climber with a limited scroll of honour in the youth category but a reputation on his temper.

“I can’t put it on paper,” Bettini continued, “but in winter he can help a little in the moving business - when my regulars aren’t around. He can use a bit of extra muscle.”
“With this amount, only a fool wouldn’t deliver him to the next factory,” mother concluded.

Bettini rose, he had seen enough but just before he turned, he made a last remark.

“There is an additional note. With us, the primes you win are the ones you pocket. Good finishing spot, first on top of a mountain, intermediary sprints, … If you win it, it’s your cash. So it’s all about what you believe he can harvest. Let me know by tomorrow, I’ve got others vying for that spot.”

And with that, he grabbed his borsalino, nodded and left.

---

Riding my second Giro, I started to know the ropes and learn the trade. A small group had attacked at the start and still led by two minutes, but the largest climb from the day still awaited. The peak was fifty kilometres from the finish line, too far to be a springboard for the candidates for the general classification, but that didn’t matter to me. The mountain price looked good and our soigneur had mentioned to me that a local tradesman gave away fifty pounds of herring to the first one through the first town at the other side of the hill. With a little bump in the road approaching, I made my way to the front of the peloton and attacked on the right hand side.

It was still far from the finish line and considering the time lost in the opening two stages, I was no threat to the leader. Yet, immediately four men of his Ravita team sunk their teeth into my back wheel. Did they mistake me for someone else? A second attempt, quickly, was needed before the flat. Despite a few winters of moving cupboards and sofas, I remained one of the thinnest men from the group and when a journalist had coined the name ‘La Cavaletta’ (the Grasshopper), it had stuck. The Ravita riders did not just follow me again but overtook me and almost pushed me off the road. Needing to slow down, they passed me by, one by one, until silver jersey Damiano Lagani rode beside me. He looked me up and down as if I had smeared pig shit over my body before curtly noting.

“You’ve had your share, Cavaletta, I’ve decided it’s for someone else tonight.”

I was a bit stunned but wouldn’t let him get to me. Without a reply, I swung my bike to the other side of the road and did a third attempt, almost foolishly. A sharp whistle came through, as if Lagani released the dog on a particularly annoying slave. Edoardo Sorgo, one of his most loyal domestiques, caught up with me and without blinking, he elbowed me off course and into a field lined with barbed wire fencing. Between his teeth, Sorgo muttered something that I could only make out once I regained my consciousness.

“You’ll either have to get a lot smarter or a lot harder, Cavaletta.”

---

Somehow it became my fault. The public opinion was heavily disappointed in the lack of Ortelians in the top fifty of the result and a paper even called it the bankruptcy of our cycling culture, using words like “a facade for a lack of commitment and talent which marks this generation”. Going into the race, all had proclaimed Damiano Lagani to be the team leader but for some reason, the brunt of the blame fell to me. Was it due to Ravita’s close relationship with some publishers and editors? Or his dramatic fall on the limestone cobbles of Electrum, which offered him a chance to part the race like a bloodied martyr - even if he had already been dropped from the bunch at that point.

Be what it might, focus was on my person. I had not just failed to live up to the title of second-in-command but I had actively sabotaged efforts for Lagani, forcing him to ride earlier and more than expected. That was the, laughable, conclusion. I knew better. At a certain point, I positioned myself in the first bunch but when I looked back, it were the sky blue jerseys from Di Paoli and Lagani chasing. I couldn’t blame Di Paoli, just a young kid trying to make his mark. Then again, when the group broke in two again - with all of us behind the split, no less - he didn’t get the show on the road. It made me realise how fragile Lagani’s dominance back home was, how much he relied on the depth of his squad to set the pace in his favor. So yes, after the race I didn’t hide my frustration but somehow, I was seen as the one sabotaging things. It went so far that a few questioned my spot in the line-up - despite podiuming in the Giro, Tre Valle, GP San Mamerto ánd Trofeo Rossi-Valente (or, the four most difficult races in San Ortelio) in the last twelve months. A unique feat, but rather obscured due to a lack of victories. Indeed, my career was not lined up with trophies.

Yet.

---

“What's it going to be, Cavaletta, you just want the whole nation to hate you? Not even your mum will love you after this.”

Maybe he didn’t know it, but in my experience, Damiano Lagani was the sort of guy that knew perfectly well that mother had passed away a few weeks before the Olympics. His words carved my soul, but I remained firmly where I was, positioned in his wheel. The final incline was approaching, a windy, small climb to the eagle’s nest known as the hamlet of Premano. Whilst the town itself was not the place to receive a classic, the nasty, irregular climb at the end of a hard race suited the Tre Valle like a glove. The profile had the outlook of a rollercoaster, if said rollercoaster rose sharply. As had happened before in this one, the lion’s share of the race was not about who attacked the field but just about who could hang on. Ravita and Odiol determined the pace, letting only a group of fourteen turn up to the most iconic landmark of the race, the Muro Arancio, named after the characteristic brick wall which ran along it. Whilst the parcours of the Tre Valle changed almost every year, the Muro Arancio remained firmly placed in the final part of the race.

Today, it had once again done its job: at the foot, the last card in Ravita’s pack set a high pace. Leo Muraro knew his trade like no other and put everyone in the red from the foot onwards. Fourteen became twelve, twelve became eleven and suddenly, there were just eight left of us. A minor hand signal from Muraro allowed Lagani to drop his watts. I knew it was coming and followed. I'll never admit how hard it was. After a few hundred metres, Bordon managed to return to us. A gargantuan effort that made him look cooked but during a second of hesitation in the downhill, he escaped. Such a Bordon move, an old fox who refused to accept his age.

"Cavaletta, you're a coward, that's why you'll never be seen as a champion."

Theoretically, we both should chase, a part of my brain said. But the smart part, the stubborn part, refused.

---

"Four hundred metres left and it's still Bordon but the Assassin of Antiglia looks worn out. We're in the centre of Premano now where it flattens, Lagani! LAGANI! Damiano Lagani with another all-out effort and that's the end of the story for a battling Bordon but what's that, it's Pavarin. Marzio Pavarin, a man without sprint they say but he gets next to Lagani, they ogle each other both standing on the pedals, oh! It's Pavarin! It's Marzio Pavarin! No need for a finish photo, Pavarin wins his second Classic and does it with an unexpected explosion of power. Some critics will say he contributed near to nothing in the chase, letting Lagani do the work. But isn't the true champion marked by the interplay of brains and legs?"

[San Ortelio]

16-18th of August
Football
IFCF - Second Preliminary Round

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Liga B Champions Trophy

Batchingtonwood Rovers FC (FVA) 3-2 Catrallo Athletic (SOR)
Juve Redoccio (SOR) 0-2 Inland Peaks (VIL)

Challengers Cup

Fagli Cinquanta (SOR) 2-1 Fligsive FC (EOT)
Virtus Redoccio (SOR) 2-0 Club ESF (VAL)
FC Pesari (SOR) 1-3 FK Arsika (MYT)

Champions League

Catrallo Calcio (SOR) 3-1 FK Vselitamak (PYA)

---

A Tale of Two Redoccios?

Despite the last sunbeams making their way to the main stand, which coincidentally also was the only stand, the atmosphere in the small stadium of Juve Redoccio was cold and nearly depressing. The ticket office hadn't been able to spread around a thousand tickets, despite receiving one of the most prestigious names that could possibly come out of the draw: the Vilitans of Inland Peaks were not only perennial names in this competition but also appear in one of the most prestigious and popular second tiers of the multiverse, the Declasse. Nonetheless, few felt attracted to a night out with Juve. If you squint your eyes, you could spot in the distance the floodlights of the main cause for that. The much larger neighbour Virtus was receiving Club ESF - an opponent that had a Globe Cup to its name, making it a very attractive fixture this early in the competition.

Ercole Bossoni overlooked it all in pain, but tried to keep a smile on his face as he greeted practically every man and woman at the ground. He knew most of them by name. It was difficult to pinpoint his role in a personnel chart but after two decades, he was both the one who everyone listened to and the one who mowed the youth team fields. If he would ever pass away, which for Juve was hopefully decades away, the grieving crowd would proclaim that they were burying the man who embodied the club. It was no exaggeration to say that without Bossoni's tireless efforts, Juve would not be making its international debut tonight. And still, somehow, the big rival that loomed over their existence had found a way to rain over their parade.

As the club cantú reverberated over the pitch - the poor quality of the sound system undoubtedly raising a few Vilitan eyebrows - Bossoni took a long look at the eleven. Compared to the opposition, they barely appeared as footballers. Most of them were on the wrong side of thirty and since Valentin Spinesi, the exciting top talent, had left for Fagli, the few youngsters mainly stuck around because they lacked the skills for a higher tier. In the Serie Interregionale, their grit and craft sufficed - in this game, it would not. Bossoni took a long, deep breath and finally walked up to the potentially most important man in the stands. It was hard to miss him, over his velvet tuxedo and gold necklace. Paolo Frattini nonetheless managed to pull off the combination with some flair. Owner of a series of theatres, Frattini always had been a known and notorious figure but a seven-year stint at the helm of Virtus had only raised his profile. He enjoyed, in his own words, "the story of a match" and found the business part "a bit of a nuisance".

"Mister Frattini, I am honoured to welcome you in our humble sta-"
"Yadayadayada, Ercole. I didn't know you invited me to a funeral. Look at this. Just, look at this!"

The mascot in his worn-out suit, the stench from the hotdog stand, the off-colour boardings, … Bossoni looked at it as if he had never seen them before.

"That's why I invited you, mister Frattini."

The game itself was one-directional. Inland Peaks could have won by five or six but showed mercy upon the hosts whilst goalie Ferri played notably well. Bossoni had little to share, so he and Fratelli watched it in silence. At the last whistle, Frattini rose.

"Ercole, I have always respected you. But give me one good reason."

The moment of silence coincided with a cold gust of wind.

"You've ruled over Virtus for seven years," Bossoni started, "and now Odiol is in charge for half of that and most already forgot your tenure. If you make Juve a big club, your name will be on the entrance gate, not just next year but for a century."

A pause.

"Ok. Ok. First steps, get rid of that godawful hot dog stand and you let me change the club colors to something more joyful."

Bossoni was the only Juve fan to leave the ground with a smile

[San Ortelio]

20-21st of August
Football
Serie Nazionale - MD3

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Results

Esca Unione 0–1 Inter Catrallo
SSD Borgonovo 0–3 Virtus Redoccio
Fagli Cinquanta 0–0 Pro Stampano
Catrallo Calcio 1–0 Sportiva Montelcampo
US San Savola 0–2 FC Pesari
Robur Astello 0–0 FC Orsi

Table

Serie Nazionale          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Catrallo Calcio         3    2   1   0     6    4   +2     7
 2 Inter Catrallo          3    2   1   0     2    0   +2     7
 3 Virtus Redoccio         3    2   0   1     4    1   +3     6
 4 FC Pesari               3    1   2   0     6    4   +2     5
 5 Pro Stampano            3    1   1   1     3    1   +2     4
 6 Sportiva Montelcampo    3    1   1   1     5    4   +1     4
 7 US San Savola           3    1   1   1     1    2   −1     4
 8 Robur Astello           3    0   3   0     0    0    0     3
 9 Esca Unione             3    1   0   2     1    2   −1     3
10 Fagli Cinquanta         3    0   2   1     2    4   −2     2
11 FC Orsi                 3    0   1   2     1    3   −2     1
12 SSD Borgonovo           3    0   1   2     2    8   −6     1

---

"Good job, boys, good job."

Vsevolod Bogolyubsky suspected a large chunk of cynicism from the gaffer Belletti after a goalless home draw against one of the direct opponents for relegation. When, after a few seconds, it became clear that he had been one hundred percent genuine, Vsevolod realized that this was worse.

"Keep up the good work, Vsevo," the coach even added, patting his back as he walked past.

Vsevolod felt as if he could throw his shoes through the wall which shielded the showers. Another ninety minutes of playing a bland flavor of football, barely creating any danger. Yes, they had managed three clean sheets as well with Robur but who on earth played football for clean sheets? As if he could hear his thoughts, goalie Yuri Scampini grinned in his direction.

"This season is magic!" Yuri laughed.

The man was mad as a badger. Vsevolod played with him for a year now and had seen some majestic saves - but also when the goalie hit someone with his own shoe on a corner, when he roundhouse kicked a supporter and when he made a two-footed tackle on the opposing half. The crowd adored him. He was a key member of the 'Chaingang', a reference to the black-and-white striped outfit of the club. They were made up of local players, guys who wouldn't be contracted anywhere else. Upon his arrival, at the first training, they had all tried to kick Vsevolod off the pitch. The young striker managed to evade their tackles and didn't complain - in part due to the language barrier - and since they had accepted him as a member of the team.

This time in July, the newcomer had been Tikariotian Ernest Garrison. After a second tackle from Martorelli, Garrison had gotten his revenge when he elbowed his opponent on a corner. The 'Chaingang' laughed and applauded, even the bloodied Martorelli. It had given Vsevolod Bogolyubsky hope for a new era for the club, especially as a new coach would try to get them out of the relegation swamp, sacrificing the traditional five-man defense for a more modern 4-4-2 variant.

How wrong had he been. Belletti interpreted the scheme by forbidding his four backs to cross the halfway line. In midfield, there was skill with the experienced Bryger, his best friend Petor Szektkovsky and Garrison but all three were employed in a holding position. Bogolyubsky was paired up with a rotating cast: Carannante got an A for effort but failed for everything football-related; D'Annunzio had potential but also a penchant for red wine and Ugo Cianci used to be decent, but only few could remember when. This wasn't old news, but nobody acted upon it. With all that, Vsevolod sometimes wondered whether he should stay. When he returned to the national team, he heard stories from all over the multiverse - there must be tons of other places to play football. It's not that he was wasting his own time - everyone noted how much strength he had gained, which hunger for the ball - but this club seemed so pleased with the dead end in which they were running.

Vsevolod often wondered whether he should stay.

But never when walking in town. Despite watching a horrendous side, the fans were raving mad about them. Sometimes Vsevolod dined in Astello with Yegor Uralets, the young compatriot who was on the books with Virtus. They never needed to pay. A Robur supporter would rather go broke than charge a player. Everyone wanted to talk football, discuss opponents, appreciate his work rate. That he had netted only seven times last year - a number which Vsevolod considered as insufficient - was not seen as a point by anyone. 'So was the first year of Gozzi as well', they said and patted his shoulder one more time. They were bonkers and sometimes in the best way. Three boys had been born in Astello with the name Sevo, after him. Another one got less lucky and would have to put 'Vsevolod Di Martino' on all his paperwork till eternity.

"Don't worry, Vsevo," Bryger tried to cheer him up, noticing the gloomy atmosphere from his young teammate, "the goals will come."

'Stallion' Bryger - a nickname given to him by Madonna Nottori fans of all genders - still made the most miles in each match but his age made him a caretaker in the dressing room, especially to the foreign guys.

"What," Vsevolod confessed, "what if they don't?"

The Brenecian thought for a second, then grinned.

"In that case, we will consider attacking."

[San Ortelio]

20-21st of August
Waterpolo
Lega Pallanuoto Nationale - MD13

---

Results

Stampano ANC 10–5 Astello Mare
Neptunus Pollagno 7–6 PN Catrallo
FARPE 5–11 Focarsane
Stella Anezzo 9–12 Barceglie Club
Pesari Pescadores 13–6 Tridente Toccagno

Table

Lega Pallanuoto N        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Stampano ANC           13    9   3   1   122   85  +37    30
 2 Pesari Pescadores      13    9   1   3   121   83  +38    28
 3 Barceglie Club         13    8   4   1   114   98  +16    28
 4 Focarsane              13    7   2   4   106  100   +6    23
 5 Neptunus Pollagno      13    6   3   4   103  106   −3    21
 6 Astello Mare           13    6   1   6    99  108   −9    19
 7 Stella Anezzo          13    4   1   8    97  111  −14    13
 8 Tridente Toccagno      13    3   2   8   102  118  −16    11
 9 PN Catrallo            13    3   1   9    92  103  −11    10
10 FARPE                  13    1   0  12    85  129  −44     3

---

Alessio Quaranta looked at his bench, but it had more acne than potential. Then again, being five points down, what on earth would the difference be when he threw in a youngster eager for seconds in the highest tier. The FARPE coach decided to keep his same players in the water and together with them, he bowed his head when Focarsane powered the eleventh and final goal past 19-year old goalkeeper Valle. Another heavy loss, but it became painfully regular. What was worse was that it was the predicted outcome of the off-season.

At the start of the Lega, FARPE had been one of the driving forces. A young and enthused club originating from a merger from two historically rooted organisations, making them the focal point of the sport in Redoccio. When held over the baptism font, dreams about national titles were spoken aloud and in the opening seasons of the LPN, this ambition had been held alive. At one point, the club had come within two games of the coveted title but eventually, the Pescadores were too strong. Ever after, things had petered out, in a way.

Last season, the club had bookended the table but as no club in the second tier matched the requirements for the Lega, they were allowed to stay. In theory, that should be a gift but those in the know knew it was a poisoned chalice. Some of the better players were poached by clubs with more stature, the ones with potential who wanted to stay could no longer be afforded. The coach left for a 'more interesting project' and the assistant followed his footsteps. One morning, Alessio had been the only one left of the coaching staff and got promptly promoted to head coach. He had one major advantage: as the previous U19 coach, he was well acquainted with the majority of the current first team. There was no need to sugarcoat it, he knew this was an impossible task.

Yet, FARPE started the season properly and even grabbed a narrow victory after three weeks. All members of the press were aware of the limitations of the youngsters, rather lauding their energy and Missaglia's inventiveness. A few of the kiddo's grew over and above themselves. Despite it all, the neophyte gaffer had managed to bring a positive atmosphere around the club.

It didn't last.

During the summer recess, Astello Mare seduced their biggest prodigy, Oriani, with some money. It was no goldmine but FARPE paid the exact required Lega minimum so one and one added up. Missaglia did all he could to keep up the spirit but last week, the house of cards collapsed. They were two points up against direct opponent PN Catrallo when Marcello Brassi got smacked in the face. The veteran linchpin, vital in steering the youngsters, could not continue. Catrallo smelled not only literal blood and overtook them in the last few minutes. As soon as Missaglia entered the dressing room after the match, he noticed from the silence that something had cracked.

Thank god that Focarsane wasn't even trying hard. Let's hope that the remaining five opponents felt the same. And - although Alessio would never dare to say that aloud - that some side in the second tier dared to make the leap up.

[San Ortelio]

20-21st of August
Rowing
National Championships

---

Men’s Single Sculls

1 Luigi Troglio             7:25.08
2 Alex Missaglia            7:29.03
3 Salvatore Zinetti         7:42.25
4 Iacopo Bosi               7:47.83
5 Angelo Incocciati         7:47.99
6 Marco Mancuso             7:51.49

Men’s Double Sculls

1 Chiossi/Chiossi           6:27.13
2 Zanoni/Pison              6:27.39
3 Gualandi/Bonciani         6:30.52
4 Ghedini/Oddo              6:31.48
5 Filesi/Di Marco           6:31.99
6 Montanari/Seghetti        6:39.97

Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls

1 Fanelli/Bonomi            6:22.39
2 Baiocchi/Di Antonio       6:28.10
3 Giordani/Monaldi          6:39.48
4 Colli/Pompei              6:41.29
5 Lattanzi/Lattanzi         6:41.39
6 Celani/Poli               6:42.54

Men’s Quadruple Sculls

1 Delta                     5:42.19
2 RC Redoccio               5:44.62
3 Foro Educationale         5:52.08
4 Capita                    5:54.31
5 Politecnica               5:54.74
6 Barceglie 4               5:55.31

Women’s Single Sculls

1 Alessandra Scanziani      7:45.52
2 Carla Paolucci            7:47.50
3 Simona Suelotta           8:02.36
4 Francesca Scorsa          8:11.22
5 Monica Boldini            8:12.08
6 Adelina Moro              8:28.61

Women’s Double Sculls

1 Maestri/Capriotti         7:09.03
2 Dabesi/Carrara            7:10.89
3 Paolucci/Pagliacci        7:12.78
4 Pison/Valentini           7:16.17
5 Salvato/Salvato           7:23.52
6 Moro/Scorsa               7:24.10

Women’s Lightweight Double Sculls

1 Venturelli/Caruso         7:07.29
2 Mattarucchi/Andreotti     7:07.63
3 Persico/Persico           7:11.79
4 Capriotti/Ronchi          7:17.27
5 Gambin/Gambin             7:31.62
6 Baronti/Ferrini           7:38.73

Women’s Quadruple Sculls

1 Politecnica               6:19.01
2 RC Redoccio               6:26.43
3 Escola Enseigna           6:26.48
4 Catrallo Nautica          6:33.03
5 Foro Educationale         6:35.85
6 Delta                     6:46.29

---

"Ok, so you're sure it won't be today. Ok. I'll send when… Yes."

Filippo Bonomi looked at the scene in front of him with a mocking smile on his lips. On the water, Angelo Fanelli knew the direction exceptionally well but outside of it, he was kept at a tight leash by his wife Carla. It went without saying that Filippo and her mixed like water and oil, but it amused him that she too - despite being about to give birth to their first - recognised the importance of tonight for Angelo. Maybe she wasn't that bad for him after all, Filippo thought as he ordered another round of beers. For months they had sacrificed a lot, first for the Olympics and after the hangover of the result, for the National Championships so now they could unwind without counting calories.

"To a career well spent," Fanelli proclaimed before downing half of the lager.

With three Regatta di San Vigilio's, four national titles and an - after the dust had settled - notable appearance at the Olympics, this afternoon one of the most successful and prolific rowing combinations of San Ortelio had called it a day in style. Baiocci and Di Antonio had made it a proper race but in the end the gap between the winning duo and the opposition was sizable.

"No regrets?" Filippo informed.
"Well," Angelo hesitated for a second, "maybe if I had all the money in the world. But now… the little one is on its way, it is time for a new chapter."

Fanelli's dire financial situation had hung over their ambitions like the sword of Damocles as they took a gap year for the Games. At last, his work had caught the attention of a shipping company and he had landed a job - nothing spectacular but a good starting position for his career. With it, he had decided to call it a day in the rowing boat.

"Yes," Angelo reinforced himself, "it has been a great run so… And besides, that insulation company won't run itself."

Filippo nodded thoughtfully. He had been dealt a great hand in life and his father - a tycoon when it came to building materials - had reserved a spot at the helm of one of the holdings for the day his son grew tired of sports.

"And après nous, la déluge," Filippo grinned, tipping his glass against Angelo's before downing it. "Unless…"

They both had noticed the deplorable state of the field at the championships. None of the other Olympians had won gold, but not really due to exceptional performances from opponents. From a purely athletic point of view, the sport was at a low in our quarters and interest had been poorer than ever. The lack of depth in some races was painful to see.

"Unless what?"
"Unless some mad industrialist pumped a bit of cash in the sport. Gave some of those students first of all an incentive to aim for more than just Regatta success and secondly the proper guidance in doing so rather than some doctoral student shouting abuse from the side."

Angelo looked into the boyish face of the man who he, initially, had feared but who had in time become his very best friend.

"Where… Where will you find such a mad industrialist?"
"Let's say," another devilish grin, "I know some folks in the insulation business."

Slowly, Angelo shook his head. People from the outside always saw his buddy as an airhead, the muscles of the combination with a loaded parent to guide him through life. However, their studies together at Politecnica had taught Angelo something different - a keen plan like this was just the thing for Filippo.

"Which made me wonder…" Bonomi continued, "how sick and tired you've gotten from the Baia. Whether you had your share or…"
"No," Angelo had to stop the daydreaming, "I'm not going to train like that again. With the kid and the new job and I promised Carla I wou-"
"Sure," Filippo raised his hand, "but you'll never again be allowed to sit near a rowing boat?"

By now, Angelo had no clue anymore where this would be going towards.

"It is just, a good talented crew needs someone who leads them, a coach. Preferably an Olympian of some sort, for whom a budget is foreseen so he shouldn't be spending his Saturdays at the side of the Baia just for jackshit…"

No words were needed as the two exchanged a wide grin. Up until this very second, Angelo never had thought of himself as a coach but suddenly it was all he ever wanted to be.

"And you, Filippo? Just the role of bankrolling magnate?"

"No," came the surprising and uncharacteristically serious answer, "I've got unfinished business with the Olympics."

It was to be a late night as they discussed everything, from funding and focus till training methods and who would be allowed in. They had quickly settled on Antonio Baiocci as the right counterpart for Fanelli for a new successful duo. Looking for others, the two had little regard for their fellow Olympians, who seemed untouched by their elimination but rather focussed on discovering every alcoholic beverage under the Electrumite sun. By the end of their discussion, Angelo and Filippo had settled on a shortlist whom they would puzzle on their willingness to join the project: some fresh title holders as Luigi Troglio and the Chiossi nephews, but also young talent such as Carla Paolucci, Amaia Capriotti and Angelica Persico.

It was a line-up that ignored existing partnerships and every traditional rift between the different educational institutes. But more than ever, the two knew it was the only way out of the crisis and into the light for Ortelian rowing.

[San Ortelio]

23-25th of August
Football
IFCF - Second Preliminary Round

---

Liga B Champions Trophy

Catrallo Athletic (SOR) 0-2 Batchingtonwood Rovers FC (FVA)
Inland Peaks (VIL) 2-0 Juve Redoccio (SOR)

Challengers Cup

Fligsive FC (EOT) 1-1 Fagli Cinquanta (SOR)
Club ESF (VAL) 0-4 Virtus Redoccio (SOR)
FK Arsika (MYT) 2-2 FC Pesari (SOR)

Champions League

FK Vselitamak (PYA) 0-1 Catrallo Calcio (SOR)

---

A thunderous applause from the live audience, guests and host rolls on for nearly a minute before Claudia Ragghi regains the attention with a hand signal. As the new kid on the block, she gets to do the show around the Challengers Cup duels whilst her more grizzled colleague gets the Champions League duels from Catrallo Calcio. But tonight it seems Claudia has drawn the long straw, even if Il Capo dei Capi won with flair at the field of FK Vselitamak, via a goal from Moreschini.

"Dare I say that tonight, we've witnessed the single most impressive result from an Ortelian team in the IFCF?" she opens the debate.
"Yes! What a magical display! If Marshall deserved a ten at Villa Farnese, then he should get a twelve out of ten tonight!"

Umberto Chicci, formerly a technical Virtus midfielder and back on the radar after a dark period in his life, is with reason a welcome guest in these kinds of shows. He's no tactical ace, but he's passionate about the game and blurts his opinions whilst remaining amicable and positive.

"I think that's a conclusion at the moment: Calcio in the group stage beating Soldarian, Pesari winning on the road to CA Paulinthal or even the Astograthian night of Fagli and Sportiva, … Some of those results were from my point of view achieved in tougher confrontations."

Ah, what would a show on Telesport be without Enzo Sense to rain on the parade. Slightly cynical but usually on the ball, the former Robur, Inter and Nottori coach adds a bit of prudency to every debate (and line-up).

"Still," Claudia adds, "a four-goal victory on the road versus a former Globe Cup winner. We all expected Redoccio to focus on hanging on to their lead after that stellar first game but this? What made tonight possible?"
"Two things," Umberto insists, "two things every winning side needs. Firstly, there is a clear plan from a coach who has the dressing room in his hand. You see how well everyone knows what to do, whose spot to pick up, … Romero created confidence among the players, they give that pass without looking because they know their mate will make that extra mile. Secondly, individuals excelling in this game. We can't go around Bryant Marshall who was everywhere and really dictated the game. Two assists, one marvellous game and zero flaws. Stellar. But there was also Boldizsar Zsinko who loves these international nights, kudos to Evacuo who keeped at his best level, … I can keep on giving names!"
"It helped," Enzo notices, "that they really made that underdog position into an advantage. Some sides crumble in that mindset to hold the fort. Tonight, they got in the head of ESF - you could see the pressure on them, finally returning to the big stage after more than a decade of relegations and League One. Club ESF took risks, got caught out on an excellently executed counter and then it started to fall apart: wingers getting out of position, people compensating and before you know it, it was uncharacteristic chaos."
"Is that a signal that Virtus is even favourites with Catrallo Calcio? Fifth victory in a row with twelve goals scored and a fourth consecutive clean sheet," Claudia notes, "these are heavenly stats."

Umberto nods enthusiastically and with a wide grin, but Enzo remains calm and collected.

"Titles are never won in August. Some can be lost then, but they are never won then. But that doesn't diminish the performance against a great historical name in football," he hastily adds.
"Speaking of historical names, we just heard that the last whistle sounded at the Flynn Arena and Fagli will continue in the Challengers Cup, another mighty performance."
"Where does it end for Valentin Spinesi?" Umberto asked, "Another game, another top class game from the youngster. In just one year, this has become his team, his eleven who do everything for him. I am so curious which path he will take: will he be bought by the Big Three or will he hone La Fa till that term is mooth? Or maybe, after matches like this, some major competition picks him up?"
"Whilst another good campaign, not just in results but also to attract enthusiasm, it is fair to say that this Fligsive FC is not yet the Atlantian Oceanian powerhouse it used to be. We saw it last year when Virtus eliminated them and now Fagli does it, after a difficult second half in which it could have been more for Greaves' side than one Duffy goal."
"They do start to see Ortelians as their black cat, by now."

A grin and some banter, a bit too chummy considering the close escape from La Fa.

"No three out of three, Pesari worked no miracles in Mytannia but can they leave the tournament with their heads up high, Umberto?"
"It feels mixed, I must say. If you look at the draw and you compare the name of Arsika to the other ones, you're like 'lucky Pesari'. But it's a very smart side that Kitanchev built there and they get results. I adore that Arzhentinski fellow there in midfield, he was a force at Stadio del Fiume already but also today. Falling to this Arsika is no shame."
"What should give hope to Bentum is that her squad played starting from their own strengths at Novi Zavej Park and still got an honourable draw. Or is that a bit too easy, Enzo?"
"It's good for the growth of the team, that's sure. Another Murphy goal, Quintarelli and Albertoni really where it's at in midfield, continued trust in the partnership between Collins and Corriere, a good twenty minutes by Urdampiyeta, … All things that Bentum wants to see more of, so you think this was a growing experience. And maybe it was. But we did see Tosi, so good in the previous rounds, again in the back pocket of his opponent and with him at half speed, it is hard to win. Was this just Lorenzo Il Magnifico hitting his limits or the game plan not being flexible enough to give him what he needs? Some could say both and in that case, this might be the sacrifice Bentum was willing to make. Let's see how Tosi takes it as he didn't seem fully satisfied with his substitution."