Ten Years Later - A New Ternana Adventure

[Tubey84]

He woke up with a jump. All was dark. For a second, nothing about his surroundings was familiar. He... lived in Umbria, Italy, right? Had done for years, since 2009? Had taken the local football club to the Scudetto and European glory?

So why was he suddenly in a bedroom in - judging by the accents of the drunk people yelling outside - England?

Then it dawned on him. It was all a dream. But what a strange one. He'd have to google them to see if Ternana actually existed and wasn't just a figment of his imagination; so why would he dream about them? It made no sense! And why in 2009 - it was 2020!

Sure, he was a football manager by the loosest definition of the work, he'd been out of work for a year or so now, but if he were to dream about managing in the big time, one would think it'd be at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus. Or even if the dream was a rags to riches story, it'd be some random club in England surely?

Googling Ternana, he finds out that they are indeed a club in Italy - not well known, but not totally obscure. And bizarrely, everything in his dream was accurate - they play at Libero Liberati, they'd bounced around Serie B and Serie C for a few years. Looking around the squad, he saw, in relief, that he recognised none of the players from his dream, as that would have been too wei-

Wait.

He knows that striker. Guido Marilungo. He'd signed him! He remembered it vividly - it was January 2009, Sampdoria sold him to us on a free. In 2009! For Ternana! But why is he playing for them now in 2020???

Suddenly, his phone rang. It wasn't a number he recognised. It was a... strange number, a foreign one. Tentatively, he answered: "Hello?"

"Uh... ciao Mr... Tubey? I apologise for the lateness of the call, but I had the strangest dream... At least, I think it was a dream..."

He sat upright, heart beating. He continued to listen.

"This may sound mad, but I am the Chairman of Unicusano Ternana in Italy, a football club. I'd like to offer you the job as manager. The dream... I can't ignore it signore, I've got to see..."

 

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That's the set-up! Don't worry, the story itself won't be in that type of narrative!

In 2009, I started a career on Football Manager 2009 with Ternana, and chronicled the journey on these very boards, right up to the end of the 2020/21 season. You can find that story here: 

 

Over ten years later, I'm doing it all over again! I've been away from FM for several years as real life got in the way and, if I'm totally honest, I think the game itself took several steps backwards and became unenjoyable for me. With FM2020, although I don't think it's a perfect game by a long way, it's the best the series has felt in a long while, and it has hooked me back in somewhat.

I'm doing this story as I simply love chronicling what I do when I'm looking to get my teeth into a game. I hope you come along for the ride  I don't expect anywhere near the same success as, unlike 2009, I'm not as... fluent in how to do well in the FM match engine, but I'll give it a good shot!

Initial transfers, pre-season updates etc. etc. to follow. Thanks for reading!

 

[Tubey84]

OVERVIEW

Ternana are one of the perennial makeweights of Italian football. They ply their trade at a half decent stadium for their level named Libero Liberati, with a capacity of just over 17,500. They've spent the majority of their time over the last decade in Serie B, dipping down now twice to Serie C, which is where they find themselves now. They last won this competition in 2011/12, stayed in Serie B until 2017/18 and have been marooned here ever since, with a dismal 11th placed finish last year.

In terms of promotion odds, we're considered "up there" with the favourites, but by no means the best team in this league. Serie C works in a strange way - it's split into three leagues of 20, and we're in Serie C/B. At the end of the season, the champions of each sub-league go up, and a fourth club from the winners of a multi-league playoff goes up too. In practice, it means you either win the league outright or you go into a mad lottery. I honestly love it as a system, and wish England had something similar - it means either way you totally earned your promotion.

Our aim, this season, is to go up, by hook or crook. It's... an unrealistic aim. I'd settle for a playoffs spot if it were offered to me now, simply due to my rustiness with the game overall and the quality of the squad, which is... uneven!

 

SIGNINGS/OUTGOINGS

Two signings were arranged before I took over - Carlo Mammarella (Pro Vercelli, Free) is a 37 year old wing back who has bounced around lower league Italian clubs since the turn of the century. We're his latest stop and he's pretty much in every way a player I'd never actually sign. Still, he has good stats, surprisingly his physicals have held up OK; he could be worse. Federico Furlan (Bari, Free) is much better - decent winger who can play on either side, but unfortunately I don't think I'll be playing wingers (more on that later) so he might be in an unfortunate position here.

Now on to my deliberate signings. Of them, I paid a fee for just one - Gennaro Acampora (Spezia, £88k). He's a 25-year-old central midfielder who earlier in his career had somehow interested Inter Milan, but he has hung around Serie B ever since. He's very good for this level of football.

Two others were brought in as actual transfers - Tommaso Bortot (Free) is a 21-year-old right full back that is basically a cheap back up. He's fairly quick; only reason he's here. Paolo Di Ceglie (Free) is a stranger one. If you recognise the name, it's because he used to play for Juventus. After a brief stint in Switzerland he's been a free agent for a year and, still only 32, adds depth to the full back positions which I'll be relying on a fair bit probably.

The inevitable loan signings, as of 25 August just before the start of the season, are as follows - Ibourahima Baldé (Sampdoria, Loan) is a decent looking forward with decent stats in the right areas. Roberto Piccoli (Atalanta, Loan) is similar but a bit more physical. Nicoló Armini (Lazio, Loan) is a tremendous looking 18-year-old centre-half - big clubs were interested in him, but I snook in and took him on loan. And Alessio Riccardi (Roma, Loan) is another teenager who looks like he could have a big future in the game - a technically gifted playmaker in the middle of the park.

As for outgoings, thus far not much to report - Kingsley Boateng (Siena, Loan) was pre-arranged before my arrival; he wouldn't have got a look in anyway. Tiziano Mucciante (Virtus Francavilla, £5.5k) was moved on because he was 36 years old and a centre-half, where I'm already well stocked. And Andrea Repossi (Pistoiese, Free) was allowed to leave as he's a winger, which I don't need, and would be well down the pecking order anyway. The rest of the squad I have a "wait and see" attitude before letting them go anywhere.

There are a few others who are on loan at the club but aren't on the transfer history screen, so I'm excluding them.

FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Just a quick overview of each player as, unless you're a footballing guru, you may not have a clue who they are! It's a hefty list, as I'm still sussing out who can do what before moving them on.

GOALKEEPERS

Antony IANNARILLI - Looks OK, started his career at Lazio, at least 10 in nearly all stats, reaching his peak at 28.

Richard MARCONE - Romanian 'keeper who is the textbook definition of a back-up.

Andrea TOZZO - Looks... really good actually. Once earned a reasonably big fee move to Sampdoria and I can see why - statistically good, our first choice probably.

DEFENDERS

Modibo DIAKITÉ - If you vaguely recognise the name, he turned out for Sunderland in the Premier League years ago. He's OK, but at 32 he's already on the slide.

Michele RUSSO - One of those typical lower league "decent" centre-halves. Not bad, but not great.

Emanuele SUAGHER - Looks decent. Could play at a higher level than this and, indeed, was at Serie B with Bari last year. Will probably start games centre-half.

Nicoló ARMINI - See new signings info above.

Dario BERGAMELLI - Looks bang average, can cover left-back at a push but we're covered well there, and he's not an impressive looking centre-half. May be moved on.

Luca PARODI -  A right full-back who could definitely play at a higher level than this. Great stat distribution, only 24, already looking to try and tie him down to longer on his deal that runs to 2021. Barring disaster, our first choice right full-back for years I think.

Tommaso BORTOT - See new signings info above.

Carlo MAMMARELLA - See new signings info above.

Paolo DI CEGLIE - See new signings info above.

Simone SINI - Surprisingly good left back. Earned a £120k move to Roma as recently as 2015.

Alessandro CELLI - Another decent left back. We have four of them! Hard to know who to move on; perhaps Di Ceglie was a mistake!

MIDFIELD

Marino DEFENDI - Veteran all-rounder in central midfield. At 34, he lacks physicals in a big way unfortunately. Will be a back up at best.

Fabrizio PAGHERA - A 27-year-old veteran of Serie B, a tenacious defensive midfielder. No complaints with having him on board.

Aniello SALZANO - Solid stat distribution, 11-12's all round, one of those bang average midfielders who'll do a job for you.

Mattia PROIETTI - Basically the same as Salzano but a year younger at 27. These are good players for the level.

Luca VERNA - Energetic midfielder on loan from Pisa. I'll be utilising a box-to-box midfielder, so he may get decent game time.

Antonio PALUMBO - On loan from Sampdoria. 23 years old, a standard Jack-Of-All-Trades midfielder.

Gennaro ACAMPORA - See new signings info above.

Alessio RICCARDI - See new signings info above.

Federico FURLAN - See new signings info above.

Filippo DAMIAN - Decent looking, 23-year-old deep lying playmaker. Not brilliant, but again, good enough for the level to excel.

STRIKERS

Danielle VANTAGGIATO - A veteran striker whose physical stats have disappeared but everything else are rock solid. Won't start games but could swing the odd game if called upon.

Ibourahima BALDÉ - See new signings info above.

Giuseppe TORROMINO - Primarily a winger, but can play up front - 31 years old and... not bad as such but will be lucky to get a starting berth.

Anthony PARTIPILO - Similar to the above, a winger by trade, but just 24 and really well rounded stats. May get games up top.

Guido MARILUNGO - When I saw his name, I thought I'd gone mad - bought him 2009, here he is at Ternana in 2020. He's a talented footballer, is pretty much our best player in my view. Will start when fit, but he's 30 now.

Alexis FERRANTE - Underwhelming, will probably be moved on. Stats in the 11-ish range across the board but nothing else.

Roberto PICCOLI - See new signings info above.

FORMATION

I've let FM take the lead and recommend one - it's suggested a "gegenpress" narrow diamond 4-4-2. We'll see how it goes - I'm going to give it every chance anyway by stockpiling on full backs, as they'll be charging up and down those flanks 90 minutes every week for this to go well.

PRE-SEASON

I arranged an inter-squad pre-season friendly just to see where we lay. I won 5-0 predictably, but I was surprised to see how fluent the team looked in this formation even given the opposition. As expected, full backs play a massive role in it.

The first 'proper' friendly was against French outfit Reims - a top division club over there. So you can imagine my surprise when we give them a proper game and are unlucky not to win it - 1-1 (Parodi) was very credible. Our second friendly away to Catanzaro - in the same league as us - produced similar encouraging results with a 2-1 (Marilungo, Palumbo) win. Same story with Vis Pesaro with a 3-2 win (Piccoli, Marilungo, Baldé) - another team in the same league, another win, but no clean sheets, indicating this set up is a bit of a glass cannon. But that perception ends as we take on Sampdoria of Serie A and absolutely batter them, taking a well deserved 2-0 victory (Partipilo, Vantaggiato) - a crazy result given they played essentially their strongest side. After that, we help ourselves to a 3-0 win (Ferrante, Mammarella, Piccoli) over semi-professional outfit San Donato before taking on another semi-pro side in Taranto and utterly battering them 10-1 (Piccoli x2, Marilungo x2, Paghera, Riccardi, Partipilo x3, Torromino) away from home - a good confidence builder ahead of our first league game on 25 August against the well-fancied Reggina, and an unbeaten pre-season overall.

Update will come asap!

[neilhoskins77]

Lovely to have you back in this corner of the forums Tubey. I look forward to seeing how you get on with this one.

[bigmattb28]

Interesting start and concept. Following.

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Reggina - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Diakité, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Damian (AMC) Riccardi, (ST) Marilungo, (ST) Piccoli

Injuries: Celli, Verna, Partipilo, Prioetti, Bortot
Suspended: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

Our first game. A few niggly fitness issues, but most annoying is our first choice right back being suspended - he's been impressive in pre-season. Reggina are favourites for the title and favourites today, despite being the away team.

OVERVIEW

I have high hopes for the combo of Di Ceglie and Marilungo down the left - lots of quality, and they combine for our first real chance which is saved.

First 20 minutes all Ternana, Marilungo denied twice excellently by their 'keeper.

Breakthrough! A wicked deep cross from makeshift right-back Armini tears the Reggina line to shreds and Marilungo (23) is there with a first time volley to thrash home just inside the box - 1-0!

Reggina come into it as the half ends, but we go in ahead.

Penalty! Rubin brings down Marilungo from a corner and is booked - Marilungo (PEN, 53) steps up to smash it home, 2-0!

A tetchy second half - random fouls and half chances.

Injury time, and sub Vantaggiato with a delicious through ball for Marilungo, but the striker is denied his hat-trick with a smart stop.

Moments later, a stinging Riccardi volley is pushed onto the bar - corner, Mammarella swings it in and Vantaggiato (90+2) smashes it home with a bullet header for 3-0!

What a result!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Guido MARILUNGO (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Avellino v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Proietti, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Damian (AMC) Riccardi, (ST) Marilungo, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Celli, Verna, Bortot

PRE-MATCH

Newly promoted Avellino are not as stiff a test as Reggina on paper, but it is our first away game.

OVERVIEW

We're dominant first 15 minutes, but an unfortunate goal puts us behind - Parodi's attempted clearance cannons off Micovschi (17) and into the net without him knowing too much about it.

Mammarella off injured, Di Ceglie on before the half hour mark, despite limited match fitness.

An equally fortuitous equaliser as the opener! The ball scrambles around after a Suagher header from a free kick and the ball hits Marilungo (31) in the melee and bobbles over the line.

Marilungo threaded through on the hour mark but a great stop by the Avellino 'keeper. A similarly great chance for substitute Piccoli in stoppage time, before Feretti should win it for Avellino but an incredible stop from Tozzo secures the draw.

Two points dropped probably.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Guido MARILUNGO (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

And with that the transfer window slams shut with no more incomings or outgoings. 

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TERNANA v. Catania - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Diakité, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Proietti, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Verna (AMC) Damian, (ST) Marilungo, (ST) Piccoli

Injuries: Celli, Mammarella

PRE-MATCH

Two straight defeats and seven goals conceded for Catania this season - strange to see a former Serie A team struggling at this level.

This match takes place four days later than originally scheduled due to international commitments.

OVERVIEW

Marilungo damages his heel 15 minutes in - massive blow. It seems to give Catania heart who start to dominate the game.

It hasn't been a vintage performance first half, but our star performer De Ceglie provides the breakthrough with a great run down the left, cut back and a thrashed effort from Verna (43) from the edge of the box flies in the corner.

Catania will feel hard done by to be behind at the interval.

2-0, once again against the run of play - short free kick from Proietti to Damian (66) who smashes a low effort in from 25 yards.

Unbelievable - it's 3-0, despite Catania being the better side. This goal is a cracker though - subs combine as a cross from Vantaggiato is met on the first time volley from Paghera (90+2), giving their 'keeper no chance.

A well deserved consolation with the last kick of the game - Barisic (90+5) volleys one in.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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Sicula Leonzio v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Verna (AMC) Riccardi, (ST) Vantaggiato, (ST) Piccoli

Injuries: Celli, Mammarella, Marilungo, Acampora

PRE-MATCH

What a crazy rise through the leagues for this side - they were three levels below this as recently as 2015!

They're struggling so far though, so a chance to pick up points and continue our solid start.

OVERVIEW

Two golden chances for the hosts in the first minute, both spurned.

We settle eventually but this is an even game. Piccoli has came closest in first half hour, striking the base of the post.

0-0 half time, and it's followed by a very tetchy second half. We badly miss Marilungo. Nothing is coming off.

... until something out of absolutely nothing from Damian (75)!!! Ball drops to him 25 yards out and he thunders it in!

This is a completely even game, and they should equalise at the death, hitting the post twice from close range but we scramble it clear and hang on.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (4) Catanzaro 12 pts +10 GD
2nd (4) TERNANA 10 pts +6 GD
3rd (4) Picerno 9 pts +5 GD
4th (4) Reggina 9 pts +3 GD
5th (3) Avellino 7 pts +2 GD

OVERVIEW

I can't argue with the results, but they're papering over a lot of performance cracks at the moment. I think the tactic is too aggressive away from home and I might need something else.

Edited September 4, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Bari - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Verna (AMC) Riccardi, (ST) Vantaggiato, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Acampora

PRE-MATCH

We name nearly an unchanged side, as stability starts to set in - just the returning Marilungo as the sole change.

Bari are a solid side at this level, this will be a tough test.

OVERVIEW

A sloppy free kick is countered well by Bari and Scavone (6) gives the visitors an early lead.

Bari simply look the better side - five at the back, meaning they are covering our full backs easily.

Penalty! Vantaggiato brought down, up steps Marilungo (35, PEN)... scores! Low to the 'keepers left and 1-1!

Second half, one minute in, fantastic run and cross from De Ceglie, met by the head of Vantaggiato but strikes the base of the post with the 'keeper beaten.

All Ternana here - De Ceglie and Marilungo combine well, whipped into the box, deflected kindly for Parodi (48) to give us the lead!

Good second half performance this. Both wing backs doing very well and have adapted to Bari's game plan.

Ahh disaster at the last... Bari counter again excellently, a ball over the top for Antenucci (88) who sprints clear and finishes neatly beyond Tozzo.

All out attack as the final seconds tick by but it ends in stalemate.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luca PARODI (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

That result necessitates a tactics switch for now - I'm going for a "traditional" 4-5-1 with AMR/AMLs to see if we can gain a measure of greater consistency.

I'm not totally abandoning the narrow diamond "gegenpress" yet but we simply need to see if we can stop dropping points by trying something else.

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Viterbese v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Acampora, Proietti, Baldé

PRE-MATCH

A few unfamiliar names to the first eleven in Partipilo and Torromino, but needs must with the tactics switch.

OVERVIEW

We dominate the early going but it's the hosts with the first chance of the game on the counter, but a good stop by Tozzo.

Tremendous free-kick from Paghera is on a plate for Suagher 34 minutes in but he finds the crossbar.

De Ceglie injured moments into the second half, but with his last touch of the game he puts a wicked cross in for Partipilo who misses an absolute sitter at the far post.

Oh that's a beautiful goal! About 30 passes right from our own half in a move lasting well over a minute culminates in Partipilo pulling a ball across goal for Marilungo (65) to squeeze in at the near post from the tightest of angles!

We've dominated the game, but on the 89th minute we go asleep from a corner, a complete open volley and somehow Markic blasts over. It was easier to score.

A win where the scoreline didn't reflect the performance - we should have won at a canter, aside from giving up silly chances against the run of play.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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TERNANA v. Virtus Francavilla - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Acampora, De Ceglie

PRE-MATCH

I'm unbeaten so far! Unexpected! This is a chance to extend that run against the middle-of-the-pack team lying in 10th thus far.

De Ceglie out, so the veteran Mammarella is the only change for us from last time out.

OVERVIEW

Great start. Parodi causes chaos, getting in behind down the right, cut back and Riccardi (3) gets lucky with a deflected effort for the early lead.

All Ternana opening half hour - the visitors have barely got out of their half.

70% possession in the first half, numerous chances, but just the one goal separates us. The Virtus goal is living a charmed life.

An hour gone - this has been a one sided beatdown throughout, so I just know an equaliser is coming...

Andrea Risolo of Virtus is sent off for a second yellow in the 88th minute. They've had one shot all game.

Despite 20 shots on goal, we have to settle for the one goal and a clean sheet.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (7.6)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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Picerno v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Unbeaten with five wins and two draws, but that's still only enough for 3rd place in this extremely competitive division.

Strangely, the only games we've dropped points in have been the two televised games!

Picerno are a hit-and-miss team with three wins and three losses so far - let's see which version of them turns up today.

OVERVIEW

Another good early start. Furlan, on as an early sub for an injured Partipilo, rasps a shot across goal, which is tipped away but the prolific Marilungo (9) snatches up the rebound and prods home.

Another dominant Ternana start to a game - Riccardi goes very close with a long range effort on 20 minutes.

First Picerno chance, and it's the equaliser. Ball worked back into the box from a semi-cleared corner and Siriky Sanogo (37) lashes it under the 'keeper.

Should be instantly back ahead - Paghera with a free header from a corner, completely unmarked, but plants it over.

Half time, should be out of sight by now but it's somehow 1-1.

Oh WHAT A GOAL! A free kick from all of 30 plus yards from substitute Vantaggiato (61) rifles into the top corner!

Should be three. 79th minute, hard cross from Parodi, Vantaggiato gets a solid connection but it's a stunning save to deny him.

28 shots on goal, 13 on target, but the narrowest of wins again. But it IS three points.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Daniele VANTAGGIATO (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (8) Catanzaro 24 pts +20 GD
2nd (8) Reggina 21 pts +13 GD
3rd (8) TERNANA 20 pts +9 GD
4th (8) Bari 17 pts +9 GD
5th (8) Avellino 17 pts +4 GD

OVERVIEW

If we hadn't have beaten Reggina, we'd have two sides above us with 100% win records after eight games. We're unbeaten, yet four points behind the leaders.

That's how hard winning Serie C outright and getting automatic promotion is.

It's been a good start but we're relying on Catanzaro to slip up at some point - as it stands, their defensive midfield has five goals in ten games. That's how dominant they are.

For us, Guido Marilungo has 6 in 7, and nobody else has more than 2. We're keeping our fingers crossed he stays fit.

Armini has been tremendous at centre-half. Damian has been very impressive in midfield. But we don't "feel" strong overall, despite solid performances of late. We never feel like we're going to win a game 5-0 or something.

Still, we're in the hunt!

Edited September 4, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Monopoli - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Diakité, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Furlan, (AML) Marilungo, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Baldé, Russo
Int. Duty: Armini

PRE-MATCH

Nope, not going to make a Monopoly joke!

Reggina drew with Bari, meaning 2nd is up for grabs today with a win - Catanzaro, however, won 4-1 and are looking ominously unstoppable at present with nine straight wins.

This is the televised game - our two draws thus far were in televised games.

Diakité comes in, as does Vantaggiato up front; Marilungo in an experimental left wing position as Torromino has been awful. For a similar reason, Furlan gets a chance ahead of Partipilo on the right.

OVERVIEW

Deserved early opener for Monopoli - Cuppone (17) is slipped in by Donnarumma and finishes with aplomb.

We're being outplayed in the rain here.

Fantastic equaliser against the run of play. De Ceglie unleashed down the left, good cross and Vantaggiato (23) is there to nod in at the near post.

De Ceglie is single handedly pulling us back into this. More great work, free header from his cross for Furlan but he gets the connection all wrong.

OH! A shocker from Monopoli 'keeper Caparco! He dallies on the ball, Riccardi (45+2) nicks it off him and turns it into the net - Caparco, do not pass Go, go directly to footballing prison for that one!!!

Diakaté has a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half... but he's definitely, absolutely onside. Robbery!

Tetchy second half here - we're getting the lion's share of chances but the visitors aren't out of this.

Late on, two excellent chances for Monopoli - Donnarumma has a great free kick tipped over before they have a chance to snatch a draw in the last minute but Tozzo pulls off a fantastic save.

Another win, another narrow one.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (7.8)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

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Cavese v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Furlan, (AML) Marilungo, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Russo

PRE-MATCH

The last few games we've had bits of luck and moments of quality to secure narrow wins. Indeed, our last five wins have been by one goal each.

That said, we've had dominant performances overall. It's a tough one to read, but my general feeling is we can't keep this going. We'll see.

This is a tricky away day - Cavese are performing OK in the league and this is a potential banana skin.

OVERVIEW

A noticably smaller pitch here.

Great chance for an early opener - Parodi with trickery on the right, deep cross, Marilungo with the header but excellently stopped at point blank range.

Parodi is running riot - great ball in for Vantaggiato whose shot is stopped low to the near post.

Opener, and it's Parodi with the assist - a fantastic cross and a simple nod in at the far stick for Marilungo (21).

This is pure dominance once again and we should be out of sight after just 25 minutes.

Half time, 70% possession, 9 shots on target, AGAIN we're only one up.

2-0! Parodi has been unplayable today - skips past two men, and sets it up on a plate for Marilungo (51) at the back post to tap home.

And again! Parodi marauds inside, curls a delicate cross in for Marilungo (59) who completes his hat-trick with a well taken volley.

Oof! Goal back, with a 25 yard strike from Badan (67) - that was a great hit; their first shot on target.

Out of nowhere, they're right back in it. Cesaretti (72) scores after our defence falls asleep - shocking complacency, this game should be dead and buried...

Phew! All doubt erased thanks to the right foot of Damian (87) - another long range thunderbolt of a strike that's becoming his trademark.

A 4-2 win after nearly causing our own downfall. 15 shots on target today, should have been much more comfortable.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Guido MARILUNGO (9.5)
FINAL SCORE: 2-4

 

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TERNANA v. Vibonese - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Furlan, (AML) Marilungo, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Both Reggina and Catanzaro dropped points last time out with draws - finally a chink in the league leaders' armour!

Vibonese have lost six of their first ten, so this is another excellent chance to extend our run.

Armini rested due to fatigue. Marilungo stays out left, where he picked up a hat-trick last time out. 9 in 9 for him so far - the league's top scorer.

OVERVIEW

Heavy rain today, but we start positively, with the first chance a mere 20 seconds in.

The Parodi/Marilungo partnership nearly strikes again, but this time our top scorer is denied by a stunning fingertip save onto the bar.

Sini sent off! A rare start and chance to impress blown completely with a two-footed challenge on 27 minutes. Idiot!

Even with ten men this is a dominant Ternana performance. 75% possession, Vibonese haven't had a shot.

Right on the half time whistle, Mammarella skins his marker and has a vicious shot barely pushed wide by the impressive Vibonese 'keeper. Eventful 45 minutes - 0-0.

Incredible goal, straight from the whistle! 50 seconds of possession, Mammarella with the left footed cross and Riccardi (46) powers home with a bullet header!

Penalty! Ternana counter a rare Vibonese attack, sub Partipilo fizzes in a superb ball and Marilungo is hacked down.

Can he convert... yes he can! Marilungo (67, PEN) makes it 2-0!

3-0! Deep free kick from Poietti, and Suagher (90+3) makes a fine run and nods in.

An hour against ten men and not a shot on target - terrible performance from Vibonese, comfortable win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Emanuele SUAGHER (8.4)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Bisceglie v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.
Suspended: Sini

PRE-MATCH

We're heavy favourites here against 14th-placed Bisceglie. Armini comes back into defence - I've gone for pace up front, so Marilungo is moved back into the middle with Vantaggiato dropping to the bench.

OVERVIEW

Wow, what a start - should have had a penalty 20 seconds in but it was ruled a free-kick, but from the resulting half clearance Mammarella (1) picks it up and smashes it in the top corner from the edge of the box for the lead just 54 seconds in!

All Ternana again, and the second arrives as Mammarella turns provider, chipping a ball central for Riccardi (36) to smash in first time from 30 yards. Two stunning goals so far today!

The game trickles away after that. Vantaggiato hits the bar with a free kick late on, but with 24 shots on goal to their 2 (none on target) we won at a canter here.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carlo MAMMARELLA (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

And Catanzaro... lose! To Potenza of all teams, a mid-table side. That means we're the only side unbeaten and we go top by 1 point!

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (12) TERNANA 32 pts +17 GD
2nd (12) Catanzaro 31 pts +24 GD
3rd (12) Reggina 29 pts +17 GD
4th (12) Bari 27 pts +13 GD
5th (12) Teramo 19 pts +13 GD

OVERVIEW

This was unexpected to be honest, but looking at it critically then - unlike in 2009 - this is a really competitive Ternana side I've inherited for the level, and the few signings I've made have only bolstered that.

So the net result is 12 games unbeaten (19 including friendlies) and top of the league. Riccardi has quietly been the star of the last few games, with three goals in four games from midfield.

We have tough tests to come though. In a few weeks we play Catanzaro away, 5th placed Teramo and Potenza away, who just beat Catanzaro, before an away game in December against Reggina. So I don't expect to remain unbeaten too much longer - or at the very least I don't expect this seven game winning streak to go much further!

[Tubey84]

12 games unbeaten is a new Serie C/C record. Here's hoping we can keep on extending that run!

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TERNANA v. Paganese - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Verna, Sini

PRE-MATCH

The last of the on-paper "easy" games, a home encounter against relegation threatened Paganese - they've scored six goals all season.

With Catanzaro dropping points with an away draw against Teramo, it's crucial we capitalise here and pick up three points.

OVERVIEW

Just 20 minutes again but Paganese have their 'keeper to thank for this not already being a cricket score - we've been relentless.

Marilungo intercepts a sloppy pass, shoots and... hits the post. Bah!

Penalty! Suagher pushed over during a corner routine. Can we take the lead... sure can! Marilungo (28, PEN) converts, was there any doubt?!

How this is only 1-0 is silly, but it is at half-time. You won't see many more dominant a half of football as that.

Oh after all his heroics, it's a shocking error from Paganese 'keeper Baiocco that gifts Marilungo (63) his second of the game. A big shame for him as he'd truly been excellent thus far.

A 2-0 win, but that could genuinely have been about 12. 18 shots on target, 34 overall, 66% possession. A massacre.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Guido MARILUNGO (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

Reggina dropped points against Monopoli, meaning after 13 games we're three clear of second, and five clear of third.

 

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TERNANA v. Vis Pesaro - Serie C Cup 2nd Round

TEAM: (GK) Marcone, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Russo, (CB) Diakité, (LB) Celli, (DM) Proietti, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Palumbo (AMR) Baldé, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Ferrante

Injuries: Verna, Sini
Suspensions: Marilungo, Bergamelli

PRE-MATCH

Couldn't care less about this cup, so I'm ringing the changes.

OVERVIEW

Acampora could have had three inside the first five minutes. Doesn't seem like the reserves out there so far!

An unbelievable stop from Marcone. Devlilish ball swung in behind the defensive line and Pannitteri should have put the visitors head but it's an instinctive wonder save to deny him.

Goal! Bortot down the right, ball whipped in and flicked on for Furlan (16) at the back post to volley convincingly into the far corner.

Wow, stunning goal out of nothing from Acampora (30) - a short pass from Palumbo, then he turned and rifled in a long range effort that gave their 'keeper no chance.

One back straight away for Vis Pesaro. A scramble from a corner and Marcone (34, OG) unfortunately puts it into his own net.

Second half, we're doing well here... and there's our third! Furlan corner, Palumbo (68) leaps highest and nods it in convincingly.

That's a surprisingly solid win. A few players gave me food for thought out there today.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gennaro ACAMPORA (8.9)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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Catanzaro v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

This is the big one. A win here would put us in a commanding position for Serie C/C. A loss would be devastating. A true promotion six-pointer.

They played largely their first eleven in the cup, so we should in theory be the fresher side. They have a few injuries too, but their key players start and they've won their last five at home.

OVERVIEW

A very even, tightly contested game early on. Nerves are showing.

Partipilo connects with a header from a corner but it's scrambled off the line.

33 minutes in, Riccardi skips away down the right channel, great cross and a free header for Furlan who somehow puts it over from four yards out. Should be ahead.

BREAKTHROUGH! Right before the half time whistle, Mammarella does good work on the left, comes inside to Marilungo who lays off for Damian (45+1) to smash yet another trademark 25-yarder beyond the 'keeper!

1-0 half time and we deserve the lead.

Such a nervy game second half - 69 minutes in for the first real chance of it, which falls for substitute Vantaggiato who is denied by a finger tip save.

A second late on? No! Denied... Marilungo flagged for offside after turning a rebound from Damian's rasping effort. It looked on to me... but no, half a yard offside.

89th minute, De Ceglie robbed on the left, ball whipped in, Kanoute unmarked... GREAT save from Tozzo!

It's all over! A tremendous strike from Damian wins it - what a massive win!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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TERNANA v. Teramo - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Teramo are flying high in 6th and this is a realistic chance at slipping up, especially after the jubilation at the last result.

Winning here will give us 11 consecutive wins - a new club record.

No injuries but the jaded youngster Armini is rested.

OVERVIEW

Uh oh. Free kick, firm header and Mungo (3) gives Teramo the early lead.

We've looked dreadful, hardly a chance in a tepid first half.

2-0 down. Damian robbed, Bombagi (55) smashes one from miles out and it zips in. First defeat incoming.

They've scored with their only two shots on target, but we've had very little ourselves.

Late goal back. De Ceglie (84) skips past his marker and puts a great effort into the far corner.

All out attack now - Parodi whips in for Marilungo who taps home but he's offside.

It's a defeat - not good enough on the day.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paolo DE CEGLIE (7.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

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Potenza v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

All our rivals took advantage of our defeat last time out and picked up wins. We're still top but can't afford another slip up here.

Marilungo has gone off the boil of late - hopefully he gets back to form here. A first ever start for Celli at left back - if De Ceglie plays 20 games he gets a contract extension and, to be honest, I don't want him next year.

OVERVIEW

Thoroughly dominating the early game but nothing falling our way as yet.

There's the opener! Furlan corner, Armini (27) with his first of the season with a well timed header.

Penalty to Potenza out of nowhere! Sub Palumbo with the needless foul... and equaliser. Franca (55, PEN).

Back ahead, and it's a stunner from Vantaggiato (70) on the half volley - that arrowed in the top corner!

Game put to bed! Parodi is unleashed down the right by Suagher, ball pulled across goal and a simple finish for Marilungo (78).

Despite the scare, ultimately a comfortable, much needed win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Daniele VANTAGGIATO (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

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TERNANA v. Sambenedettese - Serie C Cup 3rd Round

TEAM: (GK) Marcone, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Diakité, (CB) Sini, (LB) De Ceglie, (DM) Salzano, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Palumbo (AMR) Baldé, (AML) Torromino, (ST) Piccoli

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Time for the reserves! A chance to impress - Acampora and Palumbo have been getting game time in the league off the back of their cup performances last time out.

OVERVIEW

Their tactic is one of the most negative I've ever seen - a 4-5-1 with two defensive mids.

Dreadful first half hour, then the visitors get a penalty after a De Ceglie trip in the box. Volpicelli (37, PEN) converts.

Game over before the half ends. Miceli (45+2) makes it 2-0. 

Some truly awful performances there. Baldé, Piccoli and Salzano won't play for me again unless I have zero choice.

Our worst performance of the season. There's a reason they are reserves.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Antonio PALUMBO (6.9)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (16) TERNANA 41 pts +21 GD
2nd (16) Reggina 39 pts +22 GD
3rd (16) Bari 37 pts +19 GD
4th (16) Catanzaro 35 pts +24 GD
5th (15) Avellino 30 pts +10 GD

OVERVIEW

Another defeat for Catanzaro means Reggina and Bari are now our main threats. It shows how good that opening day win over Reggina was - they'd be unbeaten otherwise.

We're still very reliant on just a few players for goals - namely our two centre-mids and Marilungo. In the transfer window I'll be looking towards strengthening up top and, particularly, in the AMR/AML areas, where the likes of Furlan, Partipilo and Torromino are simply not good enough.

[Tubey84]

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MARILUNGO TO MISS SIX WEEKS THROUGH INJURY

TALISMANIC TERNANA STRIKER STRAINS ANKLE LIGAMENTS

 

Unicusano Ternana will be without their top goalscorer Guido Marilungo during the crucial Christmas period after the 30-year-old damaged his ankle ligaments during a 3-2 win over Rende last night.

Ternana currently defy pre-season expectations of being merely playoff challengers by topping the table into December, but have done so largely off the back of Marilungo's goal output, netting 14 times in 16 games.

The burden of maintaining the strike rate to maintain the title challenge - including fixtures such as a tough away day to rivals Reggina - will now rest on back-up veteran striker Daniele Vantaggiato.

Meanwhile, the impressive 18-year-old centre half Nicolo Armini, on loan from Lazio, will be rested for several games after being notably jaded in recent outings.

Edited September 5, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

We're into December and I'm already thinking longingly of that transfer window. We need to keep a degree of momentum going until then.

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Rende v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

A precarious position at the top, with three games to go before our visit to Reggina - we need nine points, seven at the very minimum. Rende are 18th - this is a must win.

Armini back in due to the importance of picking up the win - but the kid needs a rest at some point.

OVERVIEW

If Furlan had better aerial ability, he'd be on double figures by now for the season - but as it is he can't head the ball and misses another sitter.

All Ternana, but Rende are holding firm.

Wonderful flowing move, topped off by a fine Riccardi shot which cannons off the post and away to safety.

Oh that's brilliant from Marilungo (35) - he reads a sloppy pass across the backline, intercepts and calmly tucks it away. Clinical stuff.

A tremendous second. I took Furlan off half an hour in after a pathetic display, and his replacement Vantaggiato (38) justifies that call immediately, latching on to a Riccardi through ball and slotting home.

Oh no... an injury to Marilungo on the hour mark. Last thing we needed; I obviously hope that isn't serious...

Game wrapped up 15 minutes from the end - a Damian rasping effort is parried and Vantaggiato (76) grabs his second on the rebound.

A tremendous consolation goal though - Morselli (83) wanders through two men then beats Tozzo at the near post.

Oof, we've got badly complacent here. Easy goal in stoppage time for Libertazzi (90+5).

Lucky we grabbed that third goal. A win, but the bigger story is potentially Marilungo...

MAN OF THE MATCH: Daniele VANTAGGIATO (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 2-3

 

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TERNANA v. Rieti - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Baldé

Injuries: Marilungo, Salzano

PRE-MATCH

Uhhh... six weeks out for Marilungo. Horrible. He was masking a lot of problems - such as how our two wide players, Furlan and Partipilo, haven't got a league goal between them yet...

I'm gambling here. Vantaggiato is the obvious replacement, but I prefer him wide right at the moment instead of the wasters named above. For that reason, Baldé - who has done the square sum of absolutely nothing so far - gets the Marilungo spot up top.

I've had to rest Armini - lad is tired.

Rieti are no pushovers; they're pushing for playoffs. Tough game ahead.

One bit of good news - Catanzaro and Reggina played eachother to a draw ahead of kick off here.

OVERVIEW

Not playing badly here, but we lack that feeling of consistent threat up top.

0-0 half time, no threat about us despite dominating the game. The amount of headers we put over the bar is silly.

25 seconds into the second half, Rieti are down to 10 men - Marchi sent off for a second yellow!

GOAL! Damian clips the ball to the right, Parodi (53) finds space and powers in a shot beyond the 'keeper!

Rieti actually having the better since, but 2-0 late on! Proietti forces the 'keeper to spill it with a hard shot and Furlan (81) pounces to FINALLY nab a league goal.

It's three - Vantaggiato (90) has his first shot blocked but smashes away the second.

A comfortable win in the end but that may have been different against eleven men.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luca PARODI (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Casertana v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Acampora (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Baldé

Injuries: Marilungo, Salzano, Defendi

PRE-MATCH

The last game before two tough 'un's against Reggina and Avellino.

Baldé continued to do absolutely nothing last game, but I'll persist with him simply because stat wise he SHOULD work - last chance though.

Riccardi is benched for Acampora, solely because he's one yellow from a suspension next game, and next game is Reggina.

Special shout out to Mammarella - the guy is 37 but has been excellent.

OVERVIEW

Pouring rain and a small pitch here.

Total, complete Ternana dominance from the opening whistle, but it takes until half an hour in for Damian (30) to pull the trigger on another one of his super strikes from distance to give us the lead.

2-0! Corner, missed by everyone in the six yard box and there's Vantaggiato (37) to tap home at the far post unmarked.

Not much to report after that. Dominated the game, Casertana did nothing to threaten, but stays 2-0. Probably our easiest or at least most comfortable game of the season so far.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.5)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

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Reggina v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Marilungo, Salzano, Defendi, Palumbo, Suagher, Marcone

PRE-MATCH

Reggina beaten by Teramo last time out! They're a real bogey team for the title challengers apparently! It means we're seven points clear of Reggina in 3rd place going into this game, and four ahead of 2nd placed Bari.

Huge pressure on Reggina to take a win here. And, of course, huge pressure on us. We've done what was needed and taken max points since Marilungo's injury - a result here would be icing on the cake.

Ridiculous bad luck prior to the game - niggling injury to Armini, he'll be able to play, but Suagher twists his ankle the day before, out for weeks.

Vantaggiato goes up top, Baldé out for Partipilo. Riccardi back in for Acampora.

OVERVIEW

Close game early on - we're edging it but chances are limited to long range pop shots.

GOAAAAL!!! Mammarella freed on the left, curling cross and it's one hell of a time for Partipilo (24) to pick up his 1st of the season with a simple header!!!

IT'S TWO! Same combo again - floated cross to the far stick by Mammarella for the onrushing Partipilo (32) to nod home!

Amazing - the guy has looked like he couldn't score to save his life all season, and now two in minutes in our biggest game of the year!

HAT TRICK! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! Furlan has a shot saved and the ball trickles kindly to Partipilo (34) to tap in - a 10 minute hat-trick!

Reggina look totally shellshocked here.

The rest of the game is after the Lord Mayor's show stuff really - the odd half chance but we hang on comfortably. Wow!!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Anthony PARTIPILO (9.6)
FINAL SCORE: 0-3

 

And I misread the fixture list - I forgot Italy have a winter break... we now have a massive three weeks until our next game. Marilungo might be back for it.

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (20) TERNANA 53 pts +30 GD
2nd (20) Bari 49 pts +24 GD
3rd (20) Reggina 43 pts +18 GD
4th (20) Avellino 42 pts +14 GD
5th (20) Catanzaro 40 pts +25 GD

OVERVIEW

It's now clear Catanzaro played the part of pacemakers in the race this season. They've collapsed totally and are now off the pace. That Reggina result is massive - a true six pointer type of game - so now our main rivals are, quite clearly, Bari, who have been just as dominant as we have of late.

The winter break has come at the perfect time - Marilungo to return and a week or so of the transfer window to try and wrangle a few signings.

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA COMPLETE DEAL FOR ASCOLI FORWARD ROSSETI

25-YEAR-OLD JOINS THE SERIE C/C LEAGUE LEADERS FOR APPROX. £350,000

 

 

Ternana have re-inforced in attack after bringing in former Italian U21 international Lorenzo Rosseti to Fere on a three-year contract for a fee that could rise to £400,000.

Rosseti, 25, can play far left or up front and will provide competition for the likes of Guido Marilungo and Federico Furlan as the club aim to win Serie C/C.

"It's a big fee, but Lorenzo has all the qualities I want from a forward in this system - decent pace, big and strong, good in the air," said Ternana manager Lee Tubey.

Ternana have concentrated mostly on outgoings to raise the cash for this transfer, with six members of the first team squad leaving the club permanently in this window.

 

TRANSFER WINDOW ROUND-UP

IN:

Lorenzo Rosseti (Ascoli, £350k)

OUT:

Riccardo Gagno (Modena, £12.5k)

Michele Russo (Bari, £6.5k)

Modibo Diakité (Pontedera, £8.75k)

Gian Marco Nesta (Fermana, £30k)

Alexis Ferrante (Pontedera, £44.5k)

Paolo De Ceglie (Grasshoppers, Free)

Dario Bergamelli (Catanzaro, Loan)

Marino Defendi (Renate, £5.75k)

Giuseppe Torromino (Catanzaro, Loan)

[Tubey84]

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DAMIAN AND TOZZO SIGN NEW DEALS

KEY FIRST TEAM STARS NOW CONTRACTED TO 2022

 

 

 

Ternana have moved to secure the long term future of goalkeeper Andrea Tozzo and midfielder Filippo Damian, with both players' contracts set to expire at the end of the 2019/20 season.

27-year-old Tozzo has been virtually an ever-present in goal throughout an excellent campaign for Fere, whilst Damian, 23, has came to the fore with a series of eye-catching long range goals throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the future of veteran 37-year-old full back Carlo Mammarella is still up in the air, despite scintillating form over the past several months. Similar doubts hang over several Ternana players such as Daniele Vantaggiato, Federico Furlan, Emanuele Suagher and Anthony Partipilo, who are all currently due to leave the club upon contract expiry this summer.

We've learned that Ternana made consistent efforts throughout January to tie up permanent deals for on loan duo Nicoló Armini and Alessio Riccardi, but were rebuffed by Lazio and Roma respectively.

 

 

 

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Avellino - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Suagher, Defendi, Salzano, Palumbo, Acampora

PRE-MATCH

We're unchanged from the Reggina game. Marilungo is fit enough for the bench but the form of Vantaggiato and the ridiculous performance of Partipilo deserves recognition.

This is a very tough game on paper. Avellino are one of the more consistent teams in the division, currently lying in fourth and have only suffered one defeat in the last ten games.

OVERVIEW

There's the opener! After a tough opening period, a Mammarella free kick causes chaos in the box and Paghera (15) is on hand to stab in for his second of the season.

Excellently worked second! Parodi nods into space, Partipilo (36) runs and slots home!

This has been a tight game; very happy to be taking our chances and be ahead.

A game of few chances this and we've done very well to win it. Marilungo has a shot saved at the death on his return, and De Ceglie has a late cameo for his farewell performance.

Great win!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luca PARODI (8.0)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

Avellino now 14 points behind, Reggina dropped points too - they are now 12 points behind. It's a two horse race with Bari now.

We missed out on our number one target - a failed bid for Emmanuel Gyasi from Spezia. He had several Serie B clubs bidding and Frosinone won the race with his contract expiring.

 

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Catania v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Verna (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Suagher, Defendi, Salzano, Palumbo, Riccardi

PRE-MATCH

Marilungo returns to the starting eleven for a tough away day against sixth-placed Catania, who haven't been beaten in the league since a narrow loss to Bari three months ago - nine wins in ten since.

OVERVIEW

First half is so tightly balanced - no real chances, just the odd half one 0-0.

Second half starts the same way but it's Catania that gets the opener. Dall'Oglio gets beyond Parodi, sharp cross to the near post for Curiale (51) to head home.

Should be two. The normally reliable Parodi is being exposed today, down the left again for Catania and Curiale misses an open goal with a header.

Catania should score again! Tozzo with a double save to deny Curiale.

And against the play, we equalise! Three subs combine - Acampora nicks the ball, Proitetti receives the pass and Celli (81) runs in behind the line and fires low beyond the 'keeper.

All Catania afterwards but we hang on - I'll take that point all day long!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessandro CELLI (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

Bari got mauled by Catanzaro - a 3-0 home loss! That gives us a five point lead at the top.

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TERNANA v. Sicula Leonzio - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Rosseti, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Proietti

PRE-MATCH

New signing Rosseti comes straight in at left wing. Riccardi returns to midfield - Suagher fit enough for the bench.

Celli gets his reward for the equaliser last game, starting ahead of Mammarella - it's a brand new left hand side for us.

This is a good chance to really turn the screw on Bari.

OVERVIEW

Pure, complete dominance in first half hour, but the visitors hold steady - Rosseti slams a header in the post on 33 minutes.

Unbelievable. Basically the first time they've got in our half, deep free kick and Maimone (41) gets a tremendous header - 1-0.

Equaliser! It took us a while but Damian nudges a ball to sub Mammarella (61) and the veteran smashes in a crucial goal - his second of the season.

It's all Ternana but no doing! They had one shot, we had 33 - it finishes 1-1.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carlo MAMMARELLA (8.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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Bari v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Proietti

PRE-MATCH

The big one. We're out of form going into it.

Mammarella and Furlan back in after a less than auspicious start for the pairing of Celli/Rosseti last time out.

Marilungo was poor against Sicula Leonzio but retains his place.

OVERVIEW

Excellent start - Parodi skips down the right, cross, Marilungo is under it and it's a desperate fingertip save onto the bar to deny him inside the first 10 minutes.

Opener! Mammarella free kick, and Armini (27) is under it and puts the ball back across goal and into the far corner.

2-0! Mammarella the star of the show thus far, and it's a fine reverse pass to Damian (34) to slot home from the edge of the box!

Bari hit straight back - tremendous free kick from Laribi, a wicked incurl on it and Folorunsho (36) with the easy header from close range.

That's a STUNNER from Damian (45+1)!!! Mammarella again with his third assist - this time a little layoff and Damian with yet another of his trademark smashes from distance!

Mammarella denied a deserved goal of his own with the last kick of the half - tremendous save to deny his thunderbolt of a shot.

A tremendous half of football. Both sides competitive - just fantastic.

Ahhh should be four! Partipilo slipped in, one on one, great save to deny him.

56 minutes, Scavone sent off! Two footed lunge on Damian, and Bari are down to ten men.

There's the fourth! Mammarella corner - his fourth assist - is met once more by Armini (72) and the young centre-half rises highest and powers it in.

Vantaggiato denied our fifth of the game deep in stoppage time, but it doesn't matter - we win a tight game by a surprising scoreline here and take a commanding lead in the title race!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolo ARMINI (9.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-4

 

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TERNANA v. Viterbese - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Sini, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Acampora (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Rosseti, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Baldé
Suspension: Riccardi

PRE-MATCH

Bari beaten by lowly Rende ahead of today's game. A win here and I'd be very confident of taking the league title.

Quite a few changes here - one enforced with Riccardi suspended, but the front line is the first time I start with three strikers on the pitch. We'll see how it goes.

OVERVIEW

Weird first half. Thoroughly dominant without creating a chance of note. Viterbese happy to park the bus and try to rarely counter.

Goal early in the second, and it's a Ternana first for Rosseti (49) - Mammarella once again the architect with a lovely clipped cross.

Just a really odd game this - Viterbese never came out of their shell. Only clear chance was the one that was scored.

1-0 win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carlo MAMMARELLA (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. Virtus Francavilla - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Sini, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Partipilo, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Baldé, Mammarella, Furlan, Celli

PRE-MATCH

An uncomfortable truth we have to confront... since his return from injury, Marilungo hasn't looked right. It's time to bench him.

37-year-old Mammarella has been sensational lately, but he has the flu and misses out today. Annoyingly, Celli is out injured too, so Sini moves to left back and Suagher makes his comeback from injury.

OVERVIEW

A really close, competitive game this.

And it shows as Virtus take a deserved lead with a 35-yard stunner of a free kick from Gallo (36).

Wow. Another one. Wand a left foot from Gallo (45+2) to probably wrap up the win for the visitors before half time.

Back in it on the hour mark. A scramble in the box and sub Acampora (62) makes an instant impact.

It's just not happening - Virtus have retreated into a shell but everything is being blocked and bouncing clear.

GOAL! Equaliser at the death! And it's an unlikely source - Piccoli (90+3) with his first of the season, thrown on out of desperation with five minutes to go! Marilungo shoots, the ball hits the underside of the bar and bounces agonisingly on the line, but Piccoli wins the race, sliding in to push it over the line!

What a game!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gennaro ACAMPORA (7.2)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (26) TERNANA 65 pts +36 GD
2nd (26) Catanzaro 58 pts +37 GD
3rd (26) Bari 56 pts +21 GD
4th (26) Reggina 51 pts +19 GD
5th (26) Catania 49 pts +12 GD
6th (26) Avellino 48 pts +13 GD

OVERVIEW

12 games to go! Credit to Catanzaro - an incredible winning streak since their earlier collapse as brought them right back into it.

Our form is actually pretty poor - six dropped points in the last six games. But crucially we've only lost that one league game this season.

Of the top six, we only have Catanzaro left to play in the run-in, whilst they have Reggina and Avellino too. Bari have Reggina, Avellino and Catania in a row coming up - how they fare will determine if they can keep up the title challenge.

It's not in the bag yet - nowhere near in fact, due to the collapse in form of Marilungo. But we're hanging in there.

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Picerno - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Acampora, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Rosseti, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Furlan, Sini
Suspended: Damian

PRE-MATCH

Picerno are last in Serie C/C - a home game against them is as much a banker as possible in this league. Dropping points would be disastrous.

Acampora in for the suspended Damian. Sini replaced by Mammarella, Suagher retains his spot in the centre of defence. Marilungo comes back in up top.

OVERVIEW

The opener arrives, and Marilungo (21) is back amongst the goals - a cool slotted finish after sustained Ternana dominance.

A common occurrence this. An equaliser with their first attempt on goal. Deep free kick from Esposito and Lorenzini (27) nods it over and beyond Tozzo for 1-1.

It's one of those games... we're dominating without creating.

Second half much the same - we look like we've ran out of ideas.

Oh wow, a penalty! Riccardi tripped. Vantaggiato to take... BANG! Bottom right for Vantaggiato (84, PEN), could barely watch that! Could be a crucial goal!

It's enough for the win. Far from vintage but the three points HAD to be got here.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carlo MAMMARELLA (7.6)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

And with that, we secure a playoff spot - but our ambitions are a bit higher than that!

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Monopoli v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Armini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Marilungo, (ST) Vantaggiato

Injuries: Furlan

PRE-MATCH

Monopoli are solidly mid-table, but have lost their last two.

Rosseti is fit after a small knock but not fit enough to start. Vantaggiato comes in. Damian straight back in after his suspension.

OVERVIEW

A dire opening 20 minutes or so, before the opener out of the blue. Suagher has a header from a free kick blocked but Partipilo (25) is on hand to rifle home the rebound which dropped kindly.

Riccardi slams the post with a driven effort just on the half time whistle but it's been a poor showing from both side overall.

Equaliser - it had been coming too. Mercadente (65) left totally unmarked in the box, jumping volley rifles into the net beyond Tozzo.

2-1 to the hosts - we've collapsed. Tsonev free kick and Mercadente (70) simply helps it on into the far corner.

We grab yet another late equaliser. Armini (78) benefits from lacklustre defending as Monopoli fail to clear their lines and volleys home from six yards.

Mammarella with a chance to win it at the death but his volley is well saved.

Monopoli will be disappointed not to take all three points. One of our worst performances of the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolo ARMINI (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

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TERNANA v. Cavese - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Rosseti

PRE-MATCH

At the moment, we're horribly unconvincing - it seems we're doing just enough to remarkably not lose.

I feel like I'm running out of ideas to give us that spark again.

Suagher out due to fitness issues rather than outright injury. Furlan in as Rosseti has a knock.

Cavese are a relegation threatened team. We should, in theory, take three points here if we're at all at it.

OVERVIEW

We're hesitant at the start but grow into it, culminating in a great goal from Partipilo (20) - smart left footed effort, just inside the area.

Marilungo injury, Vantaggiato on - again, hope thats's not a bad 'un, despite Guido being well off it lately.

This has been a better performance first half but still not great. 1-0 though.

Bulevardi second yellow for Cavese, he's off 52 minutes in. Well deserved, that was a stupid challenge.

Penalty - Parodi with a great darting run into the box and is tripped. No doubts that Vantaggiato (56, PEN) would convert. 2-0!

Nothing much after that, but Cavese never threatened so we never went through the gears. Easy win, and a much appreciated one.

MAN OF THE MATCH: CARLO MAMMARELLA (8.4)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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Vibonese v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

These are dead last now, 20th, lost four of the last five, one draw only. We should win. We have to win. Catanzaro are on another incredible run.

Completely unchanged, except that the fit again Rosseti takes a spot on the bench.

OVERVIEW

Parodi injured three minutes in. Great.

One of those games again - dominant, no chances to speak of - until a standard corner routine goal; Mammarella cross, Armini (42) header, 1-0.

Oh you've got to be kidding me... Vibonese don't have a shot all game, and in stoppage time Taurino (90+1) finds space and equalises.

'sake.

1-1, disastrous result, Catanzaro now within three points with a better goal difference and 10 straight wins.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolo ARMINI (7.4)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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TERNANA v. Bisceglie - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Proietti, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Rosseti, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Parodi, Iannarilli, Baldé
Suspended: Paghera

PRE-MATCH

Eyes now firmly over our shoulder at the oncoming train that is Catanzaro.

Parodi is out for the rest of the season.

Bisceglie are 17th. Again, a very winnable game, but we've been terrible lately.

If we lose here, we could drop to 2nd...

Must. Win.

OVERVIEW

We're throwing the league away. Nothing first half, free kick from Ungaro (46) gives Bisceglie the lead after the break.

2-0. Suagher misses a simple header, Ebagua (77) runs in and scores.

We're blowing it.

MAN OF THE MATCH: NONE
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

Oh Teramo, I love you - a 2-0 away win over Catanzaro out of nowhere eases the pressure a bit.

 

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Paganese v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Parodi, Salzano, Acampora

PRE-MATCH

Absolutely have to win.

Armini replaces Bortot as full back, as Bortot is terrible.

OVERVIEW

YES! Mammarella cross from the byline, Marilungo (2) converts for the early lead - his 16th of the season.

And boom, our big guns have turned up today! Riccardi lays off for Damian (24) for a trademark rocket beyond the 'keeper from 25 yards.

Oo er... Paganese straight back in it, Casoli (28) heads beyond Tozzo. Good move that to be fair.

They've scored with their one and only shot of that half.

3-1! Armini (55) storms into the box from the right and thrashes one home - 'keeper no chance!

Should be more but that's how it ends. Our best performance for a while now.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.7)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (32) TERNANA 76 pts +39 GD
2nd (32) Catanzaro 73 pts +43 GD
3rd (32) Bari 67 pts +25 GD
4th (32) Avellino 66 pts +23 GD
5th (32) Reggina 64 pts +25 GD
6th (32) Catania 58 pts +13 GD

OVERVIEW

Head-to-head records count over goal difference in this league. We beat Catanzaro 1-0 away earlier in the season, so a draw in our upcoming game at home would be good, a win would be spectacular.

Six games to go - if I were a betting man, on form Catanzaro would be favourites, despite the harder run in. 11 wins and 1 loss in the last 12 for them, 6 wins, 5 draws and a loss for me.

I don't fancy the playoffs. They're a nightmare. We just need to get this over the line by hook or crook.

[mark wilson27]

7pt lead down to a 3pt lead, not a great month sir. However I have every confidence in securing that top spot

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Catanzaro - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Rosseti, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Parodi, Salzano
Int. Duty: Armini

PRE-MATCH

What a time for Armini to be away with Italy U20s... bah!

I expect to lose this, really do. My hope is that if we do, it's only 1-0, so our results record is the same and we have a chance of making goal difference count instead if level at the end of the season.

If we win here, I'd say that should be enough. A six point gap and a better head-to-head ratio means we'd have to lose two and draw one of our remaining five games to give away the title.

Parodi actually makes the bench today, but is still injured.

OVERVIEW

WHAT A START! The cross field ball from Mammarella was a thing of beauty, instant control from Riccardi, through ball and Partipilo (16) passes into the net!

Marilungo should make it two... Rosseti plays him in over the top but the hitman is denied by the feet of the 'keeper.

Riccardi sprints clear! Holds a cross up to the far post, Rosseti, bar, then post! We should be out of sight!

Rosseti injured. Furlan on.

And Bortot injured. The half-fit Parodi on!

Iuliano sent off for Catanzaro on 70! Clumsy trip on Parodi!

NO! Torromino (87) equalises, on loan from us!!! Arrrgh!!!!!!!!

That waste of space might have cost us the title there... gutted.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Anthony PARTIPILO (7.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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Teramo v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Parodi, Salzano, Rosseti
Int. Duty: Armini

PRE-MATCH

On paper the hardest game we have left in the run in. Teramo have consistent upset the apple cart for the league contenders, but slipped up against lesser opposition, leaving them in 7th.

Furlan for the injured Rosseti, and unfortunately Partipilo is only 80% fit, so Vantaggiato takes up the mantle at right wing.

OVERVIEW

Very few chances in a nervy first half - Santoro for Teramo coming the closest with a header grazing the top of the bar.

Should be one up immediately after the break - Paghera and Riccardi combine to put in Marilungo but it's a timid finish straight at the 'keeper from the out of form striker.

GET INNNN!!! Great work from Mammarella down the left, cuts back for Furlan, first time cross and Vantaggiato (58) breaks the offside trap to volley in from the edge of the six yard box!

Marilungo misses another sitter - this time it's great work from Bortot, clipping over the top but our top goalscorer has lost his shooting boots lately.

Oh dear... Vantaggiato loses possession cheaply on the right, Santoro with a first time lofted ball for Bamba (76) who finishes well.

But it's an instant reply! Free kick sent in by Furlan, Suagher (78) is there with a diving header back across goal to restore the lead!

A nervy last few minutes to endure... and we do! MASSIVE win today! We weren't at our best but we just about deserved the victory on the balance of play.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Emanuele SUAGHER (7.6)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

Catanzaro have Rende at home in a must win game for them... and they do indeed win it, comfortable 2-0 for them.

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TERNANA v. Potenza - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Parodi, Salzano, Rosseti

PRE-MATCH

Three of our remaining four games are at home, with only Potenza today in the top half of the table.

Meanwhile, Catanzaro have Reggina away and Avellino last game of the season. Bari are mathematically in the race, but obviously not really a factor - it's a true two horse race now.

The record ever points haul for Serie C/C is 85 points. We're on 80 and still haven't secured the title!

Partipilo and Proietti signed new deals ahead of this game - they're not star performers but we ran the risk of losing near enough our entire first team squad in a few months, so we had to act to sure up some kind of spine, regardless of what league we're in next year.

Armini is back from international duty and replaces Bortot at full back in our only change. I'm keeping the faith in Marilungo... for now anyway.

OVERVIEW

Tremendous opening goal to relieve the tension at Libero Liberati - Marilungo collects a loose ball, swings in a beautiful cross and Vantaggiato (9) nabs his 12th of the season with a well timed header.

Mammarella injured near the half hour mark, Celli on.

Potenza are having the better of this game overall - Tozzo with two great saves to keep us ahead.

But it's 2-0! Armini charges down the right hand line, cuts a cross back and Furlan (40) does brilliantly to get enough on the header leaning back to loop over the 'keeper.

Second half, hour gone, and it's 3-0! Vantaggiato finds the run of Furlan (64) at the back post who taps in.

That's an incredibly harsh scoreline on Potenza!

And that's how it ends! To say that scoreline flattered us is an understatement; on another day that's easily a draw.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Federico FURLAN (9.1)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

Catanzara had Rieti away - a potential banana skin fixture, but no; comfortable 2-0 win for them again to stay with three points of us with three left to play.

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TERNANA v. Rende - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Marilungo

Injuries: Rosseti

PRE-MATCH

Three games left, two wins will secure promotion. All of these games are against bottom half opposition, and two of them are at home. We have a great chance to hold off Catanzaro.

Parodi returns for the run in ahead of schedule, and is very welcome, but the form of Armini at right back means I go into this game unchanged. The knock to Mammarella last game wasn't serious and he's available to start.

Our youth intake just came through and they're hilariously bad. Ah well, to be expected!

If we win today and Catanzaro lose, we are champions.

OVERVIEW

Good start, but Rende actually go closest with a header that skims the bar early on.

But there's the opener, and it's another daisycutter from distance from Damian (33) for his 9th goal of the campaign; the lad can half hit a ball!

Riccardi nearly makes it two but his effort is tipped onto the post and wide, before the resultant Mammarella corner sees Vantaggiato (43) rise like a salmon and power the ball home!

Catanzaro take a lead in the same minute in their game against Casertana.

Second half and Rende's Ndiaye is given his marching orders for a second yellow, a cynical foul on Damian.

We quickly make the extra man count! Furlan in acres of space on the left, cross sent in and an onrushing Vantaggiato (56) gets his 14th of the season.

This has been a sublime performance given the pressure of the occasion!

An incredible fourth! Armini down the right, cross overruns but Furlan nudges it back and it's a thunderbolt from Damian (64) once more to put the game beyond any doubt - his 10th of the campaign!

There's five! Lovely football again, Proietti and Riccardi (70) exchange a few passes before the latter is allowed space and thunders a shot beyond the despairing dive of the Rende 'keeper.

It's six! The substitute wing backs combine - Parodi across for Celli (86) who tucks it away neatly.

That's our best performance of the season, bar none. Catanzaro hold on to a 1-0 win to stay within three points.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (9.4)
FINAL SCORE: 6-0

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (36) TERNANA 86 pts +49 GD
2nd (36) Catanzaro 83 pts +48 GD
3rd (36) Bari 75 pts +29 GD
4th (36) Avellino 75 pts +28 GD
5th (36) Reggina 72 pts +32 GD
6th (36) Catania 67 pts +18 GD

OVERVIEW

A great and much needed run of form to hold off the threat of Catanzaro, at least for now! One more win will be enough from our last two games - I hope we didn't just use up all our goals in that last game!

Our 86 points is a new Serie C/C points record. To put that into context, in Serie C/B, Vicenza are already champions with 67 points. In Serie C/A, the same story really - Monza champs with 69 points, 10 points clear of 2nd. Our league is the anomaly.

Two games left and hopefully we'll be plying our trade in Serie B next season.

[Tubey84]

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RECORD BREAKING TERNANA SECURE SERIE C/C TITLE

A 1-0 VICTORY AWAY TO RIETI IS ENOUGH TO SECURE THE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A GAME TO SPARE

 

Ternana capped off a fantastic season with a 1-0 win over Rieti, clinching the championship and holding off a tenacious Catanzaro to the crown.

With two wins over Catanzaro over the campaign, the three point gap with a game to spare is enough to secure the title.

A solitary goal from Emanuele Suagher, and an assist from Carlo Mammarella during his final game for the club, was enough to take three points in a tense encounter.

37-year-old Mammarella strained knee ligaments late on in the encounter and won't play the clubs' final game in Serie C/C.

Whilst the scintillating early season form of Guido Marilungo tailed off in 2020, the likes of Daniele Vantaggiato and Filippo Damian picked up the slack to ensure the Umbrian club will play in Serie B next season.

Catanzaro, meanwhile, finish 2nd and will enter the playoffs in the quarter finals after a 3-0 win over Reggina.

Goalscorer Suagher may also be coming to the end of his playing career at Libero Liberati after rejecting several contract offers to stay at the club.

Meanwhile, Ternana have replaced outgoing Director of Football Luca Leone with former Benin international Jean-Marc Adjovi-Boco.

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Rieti v. TERNANA - Serie C/C

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Bortot, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Mammarella, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Baldé

Injuries: Rosseti, Salzano
Suspension: Marilungo

PRE-MATCH

Around 2,600 Fere fans make the away trip today in the hope of seeing Ternana crowned champions - compared to an expected home crowd of around 700!

Rieti still have it all to play for themselves - they're in 12th but a win would put them in contention for the top ten and a playoff place.

That said, we are overwhelming favourites today - that said, we are without Marilungo, so it's a very rare start for Baldé up front.

Armini and Sini are one yellow card away from a suspension.

Catanzaro are away to Reggina today.

OVERVIEW

... annnnd we've started horribly! First half hour, Rieti dominating, we haven't had a sniff of goal.

But we grab the opener! About time we score OUR first attempt on goal for a change! Mammarella free kick, Suagher (31) climbs and nods in, their 'keeper should have kept that out.

Half time, 1-0 - Catanzaro share the same scoreline, they're one up away to Reggina.

Oh wow the nerves... Catanzaro make it two, and we're just looking to hang on as we enter the final fifteen minutes.

Just a few seconds to go...... we're there! CHAMPIONS!!!! Not the greatest of performances but who cares - WE DID IT!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Emanuele SUAGHER (7.8)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

LAST FIXTURE RESULT

Ternana 2
Casertana 0

Armini (1), Vantaggiato (10, PEN)

FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (36) TERNANA 92 pts +52 GD
2nd (36) Catanzaro 89 pts +52 GD
3rd (36) Bari 79 pts +31 GD

[Tubey84]

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Vicenza v. TERNANA - Serie C Super Cup

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: None.
Suspension: Armini

PRE-MATCH

I don't even know what this game is! Super Cup? What do we get for it if we win? It doesn't say in the rules for it!!!

Ah well! It's against the winners of the other Serie C leagues of course. And the good thing is Mammarella gets a proper send off, as he's recovered enough to make the bench.

Rosseti in for Marilungo - he's yet to show what he can do properly; here's his chance to impress.

OVERVIEW

These are a good confident side and it's an even opening.

1-0! Vantaggiato lays back to Parodi, first time cross and Furlan (20) is there to celebrate his new contract with his 5th of the season.

An excellent second. Drilled cross from Celli and Riccardi (32) meets it firm and true to smash beyond Grandi in the Vicenza net.

Next to nothing for the following hour, but that's a solid win and shows our points tally was no fluke.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

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TERNANA v. Monza - Serie C Super Cup

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Armini, (CB) Suagher, (CB) Sini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Vantaggiato, (AML) Furlan, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Bortot
Suspension: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

A draw will be enough to win this... erm... thing.

OVERVIEW

Another even opening but it's a wonderful move to break the deadlock - Celli with what looked like the outside of the foot to send Riccardi (33) in behind, beautifully timed run and volley.

We aren't half going to miss Armini and Riccardi next season...

Acampora and Furlan both hit the bar before Monza equalise in the last minute - Paletta (90) header from a corner.

We hang on to pick up the trophy! Out of 60 teams, we're the champions of champions!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessandro CELLI (7.9)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

 

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ALESSIO RICCARDI EXTENDS LOAN STAY AT TERNANA

INFLUENTIAL MIDFIELDER WILL COMPETE IN SERIE B WITH FERE

Roma's 19-year-old midfielder Alessio Riccardi will stay with Ternana for a further season after agreeing terms on a one year extension to his current loan.

Ternana will pay 10% of the players' wages for the duration of the loan.

Riccardi has caught the eye throughout the 2019/20 campaign in Serie C/C, with a 90% pass completion ratio and 65 key passes in 36 appearances for the Umbrian club as they charged to the league title.

However, the chances of renewing the contract of Lazio's wonderkid centre-half Nicoló Armini have deteriorated, as the Serie A club would prefer the defender to play at a higher level next season.

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MAMMARELLA AND VANTAGGIATO SET TO RETIRE

TERNANA PAIR TO END THEIR PLAYING CAREERS

Ternana cult heroes Carlo Mammarella and Daniele Vantaggiato have announced their retirement.

With their contracts set to expire, Ternana have decided not to renew their deals.

Carlo Mammarella, 37, played an unexpectedly pivotal role in Ternana's Serie C/C league title win, with 15 assists in 33 games.

Vantaggiato, 35, written off as a squad player before the season began, ended up with 15 goals in 37 games, including only 19 starts.

However, despite their return, their advancing years and the prospect of competing at a higher level in Serie B next term led to Ternana manager Lee Tubey not taking them on the journey with him.

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FANS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Carlo MAMMARELLA (41%), Filippo DAMIAN (27%), Luca PARODI (20%)
GOAL OF THE SEASON: Filippo DAMIAN (vs. Bari)
SIGNING OF THE SEASON: Lorenzo ROSSETI (eh?!?)
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Filippo DAMIAN

[Tubey84]

FERE TIE UP SHOCK DEAL FOR JUVENTUS YOUNGSTER MATHEUS PEREIRA

TERNANA MAKE FIRST SIGNING AHEAD OF SERIE B CAMPAIGN

22-year-old Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira has left Juventus after a spell at Barcelona and joined Serie B newcomers Ternana for a fee rising to £155k.

The hot prospect played in the Juventus first team as recently as last year, and enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona B over the last season, scoring 12 goals in 40 appearances.

The fee commanded by Juventus for the player has surprised pundits, who estimated his worth to be much higher. However, his status as a non-EU national seemingly played into Ternana's favour during negotiations.

Ternana have not yet given up hope of convincing Lazio to part company with Nicoló Armini for a further 12 months after a successful loan spell last season, however their efforts have yet to bare fruit on that front.

Similarly, centre-half Emanuele Suagher is set to leave the club in a matter of days after turning down the latest contract offer from the club.

[Tubey84]

SUAGHER SIGNS NEW DEAL HOURS BEFORE CONTRACT EXPIRES

FERE CONFIRM NEW THREE YEAR CONTRACT FOR FIRST TEAM STAR

Emanuele Suagher kept fans waiting but finally put pen to paper on a new three year deal at Libero Liberati this evening.

The 27-year-old has spent most of his career at Serie B level and will strive to assist the league newcomers Ternana in their fight for survival this season.

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LAZIO RENEW LOAN DEAL FOR ARMINI AT TERNANA

19-YEAR-OLD STAR TO CONTINUE ON AT FERE FOR 12 MONTHS

Lazio's bright prospect Nicoló Armini will turn out for Ternana in Serie B next season after securing another season long loan with the club.

With his existing contract expiring at midnight, fans at the Libero Liberati will be delighted that the impressive defender will be joining them once more as they embark on a Serie B campaign.

Ternana will pay no fee or wages for the duration of the loan.

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SPORTING GIJON ENFORCER PABLO PÉREZ TO SIGN WITH SERIE B OUTFIT TERNANA

ITALIANS STEAL A MARCH ON AN ARRAY OF SIDES TO SEAL HIS SIGNATURE ON A FREE TRANSFER

6ft4inch Spanish powerhouse Pablo Pérez has joined Ternana on a four year deal, after Sporting Gijón surprisingly allowed the player to leave on a free transfer.

Pérez had two years remaining on his deal in Spain but has been allowed to leave the club.

[Tubey84]

SERIE B - PRE-SEASON

 

For me, the success of an entire season when a newly promoted side comes down to being meticulous in the transfer window before it starts. I tend to go for near enough complete overhauls whilst retaining 3-4 players as the "spine" of the side from the previous season to help the transition.

For Ternana in Serie B, I've sort of done that - I've certainly brought in a fair few players - but I've retained a few more than I usually would. Tozzo, Suagher, Parodi, Sini, Celli, Paghera, Damian, Proietti, Acampora, Furlan, Partipilo, Rosseti and Marilungo to be precise. Essentially, I've kept hold of my entire first choice eleven from the Serie C/C campaign, which for me is unheard of.

But I've also brought in another eleven!

Here's a rundown of the signings, all completed prior to 31 July (I like to get people in early and get them settled in, before perhaps adding one or two late on if something crops up.)

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Matheus Pereira - AMC/AML/ST - Age 22 - From Juventus - £100k (rising to £155k)

My side had lots of endeavour, plenty of determination but little comparative pace and technique, especially for a higher level. Pereira is an attempt to remedy that. Although an attacking midfielder by trade, he'll get games mostly on the left hand side. Despite being a technically gifted player, he's also six foot tall!

Pablo Pérez - CM/AMC - Age 26 - From Sporting Gijón - FREE

I was methodical in searching for good talent on the cheap, preferably fee, who would be interested and wouldn't take up mad wages. Pérez fits the bill. It was a surprise to see someone of this quality available for no fee while under contract, but I'm not complaining! A powerful workhorse of a player, highly aggressive, great in the air. Ideally I'd retrain him to defensive midfield, but as it stands he'll be an enforcer in centre mid.

Emmanuele Matino - RB - Age 21 - FREE (unattached)

Just a young, pacy cover option for full back. Serie B has rules on the amount of players aged over 23, so we need options like this. Last played for Cavese in Serie C/C.

Agostini Camigliano - CB - Age 26 - FREE (unattached)

A very solid looking centre-half. Was a fringe player at Cittadella in Serie B last season and released, but honestly think he's more than good enough for this level. He'll add the depth we need alongside Armini, Suagher and Sini at the heart of defence for this campaign.

Raimondo Lucera - RW - Age 19 - From Palermo - FREE

Delighted with this signing. Fought off the interest of numerous clubs to bring him in from stricken Palermo. A tricky winger with plenty of pace and flair; to get him on a free is tremendous (albeit with three times the wages he was asking for to convince him to join!) He'll be our first choice right winger, unless Partipilo can perform a miracle!

Jaime Seoane - DM/CM - Age 23 - From Huesca - FREE

I didn't expect to be raiding Spanish football for talent ahead of this season, but credit to my scouts for unearthing some gems. Seoane is a natural Mezzala-type player with solid stats and generally great technique. I have high hopes for him.

Ander Guevara - DM - Age 23 - From Real San Sebastián - LOAN

Our highest earner on £5k a week, but worth every penny - Guevara is our new defensive mid. Paghera and Proietti are unfortunate I found such an amazing option for that role. If he stays fit, he could be the bedrock for our survival in this league.

Davide Merola - ST - Age 20 - From Empoli - £68k

I'm still a bit unsure on this one. The problem I had was the struggle to find a decent striker for a decent fee. There were some out there, but none particularly interested in joining or went elsewhere. Merola - a decent player for sure - was nevertheless around sixth or seventh in my list of options. We'll see!

Joao Virgínia - GK - Age 20 - From Everton - LOAN (Two Years)

Beyond Tozzo, I had no other 'keeper - I wanted to bring in a back up for Tozzo, but in Virgínia I may have brought in a replacement. He's really good stat wise and can improve. A two year loan with no option to recall or terminate.

Luke Garbutt - LB - Age 27 - FREE (Unattached)

I simply needed a left back to compete with Celli and replace Mammarella. Garbutt has decent all round stats and can take a great free kick. I took him on trial before signing and he was impressive in a pre-season friendly, which made me get the deal over the line. We had an over 23 slot left anyway.

Christian Capone - LW/ST - Age 21 - From Atalanta - LOAN

Rated at £4m, low wages... I had to go for this lad, even though we're now stacked heavily in his position (may be time to move on Furlan.) He's just generally really good for this level statistically.

 

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In terms of outgoings, most was done during the post-season really in terms of releases. Just two to speak of so far - Kingsley Boateng, who was out on loan at Siena all last season, was sold on to Celje in Slovenia for £66k. And Diego Bergamelli is shipped out on loan to Taranto.

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We now have a much younger squad, with Vantaggiato and Mammarella retiring and moving on deadwood. Our oldest player is now Guido Marilungo at age 30.

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A rundown of the friendly game results before we kick off the season with an Italian Cup game.

TERNANA 7 Wolfsberger 1 - Seoane (4, 50), Rosseti (19, 24), Armini (46), Marilungo (74, PEN), Damian (81) - Lampl (70)

Catanzaro 1 TERNANA 6 - Di Livio (63) - Partipilo (7, 11, 41), Pereira (25), Rosseti (72,73)

TERNANA 3 Avellino 0 - Armini (18, 57), Partipilo (65)

TERNANA 3 Spezia 2 - Camigliano (26), Merola (65), Rosseti (70) - Bartolomei (10), Figoli (79)

Cittadella 0 TERNANA 2 - Capone (9), Seoane (76)

 

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Monopoli - Italian Cup, 2nd Qual. Rd

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Suagher

PRE-MATCH

Ahh that new season feeling... still, we kick off with a feeling of the old, as our mates from Serie C/C are the opposition today. They're bringing a grand total of 20 away fans for this - yes, twenty.

Just got the pre-season odds - surprisingly, we're 20/1 for the title - the 13th favourites out of 20 teams - and 5/1 to go down. As a comparison, Vicenza are 850/1 for the title and 7/10 to go down.

Just to be clear, we're not going to be competing for the title this season!

A host of new faces in the squad today - but five members of our starting line-up ended the Serie C/C season with us.

OVERVIEW

Nice start - a combo I have high hopes for gives me the lead; Garbutt corner, Armini (11) header.

Lovely flowing move leads to the second - Lucera with the assist as Capone (34) puts it away.

We're a class above the opposition today.

Fitness is an issue in the second half and it evens the gulf between the two sides, but it's a comfortable 2-0 win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolo ARMINI (8.0)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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Crotone v. TERNANA - Italian Cup, 2nd Qual. Rd

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Suagher

PRE-MATCH

A real test now - Crotone are 8/1 for the title in Serie B.

Great news ahead of this tie - Luca Parodi signs a three year extension with the club, on the same wage.

Seoane in for his first start, replacing Riccardi.

OVERVIEW

Capone claiming he's pushed in the area, it goes to VAR (which I totally forgot existed in FM20!!!!)... GIVEN!

No mistake from Rosseti (16, PEN), sends the 'keeper the wrong way!

VAR goes the opposite way just before half-time - Lucera ruled offside. VAR is actually decent in FM, as opposed to reality!

Oh what a stunning goal! Cross overhit, Parodi picks it up, lays it off for Seoane (54) and the strike from the corner of the area is a thing of beauty!

We've dominated this! An interesting performance to say the least against a league rival!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

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Pescara v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Serie B baby!

We go into the new campaign with the luxury of a fully fit squad too.

Just the one change then - Partipilo in for Lucera.

OVERVIEW

This is more like it... an exceptionally tight game of few chances, 0-0 half time.

We go behind. A rare mistake from Armini, robbed by Borrelli (51) who charges in on goal and slides it underneath Virgínia.

What a response though - penalty given as sub Lucera makes an instant impact, laying in for Rosseti who is sent tumbling by Romagnoli.

Rosseti (54, PEN) bags it, straight down the middle!

We're ahead!!! Same combo - Lucera with a slide rule pass in for the run of Rosseti (72) and it's a beautiful first time finish!

A late injury to Capone, but we hang on to win! Great result - very even game, we simply took our chances.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lorenzo ROSSETI (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

Broken ribs for Christian Capone - out for up to three months.

And then Ander Guevara with a thigh strain - out for up to two months.

... and now Jaime Seoane has a double hernia, out for up to two and a half months.

Welp, bye midfield!

Two last minute loan signings before the deadline, both attacking options.

Degnand Wilfried Gnonto from Italy is a rapid 17 year old striker - on loan for two seasons. Impact sub I feel.

Dany Mota, 22, is a statistically sound all rounder type of forward from Juventus - here til the end of the season.

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TERNANA v. Ascoli - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Capone, Guevara, Seoane

PRE-MATCH

Our triumverate in midfield from Serie C/C returns! Paghera, Damian and Riccardi have forged a great understanding - let's see if it carries through to Serie B.

A league debut for Matheus Pereira on the left in place of Capone.

OVERVIEW

We dominate this half from the whistle like we did in many a Serie C/C game - 66% possession for the half, disallowed goal, hit the bar twice, but the visitors actually had the best chance and it was a fantastic stop from Virgínia to deny them the lead late into it.

Second half much the same, Riccardi with a storming run from his own half on the counter from a corner and well-saved, would have been goal of the season already.

GOAL! 30 seconds into his debut, it's Gnonto (66) who grabs it! Chaos in the box from a Garbutt cross, Brosco chests it beyond his own 'keeper and Gnonto is there to slide it home!

To be honest I thought that was a clear foul - Gnonto went through the back of the defender with a sliding tackle to score it, but who cares, I'll take it!

It's two! WHAT a ball from Damian - lovely disguised pass, and Lucera (71) has made the angled run and slots across the 'keeper into the far corner!

They hit the underside of the bar in stoppage time, but other that it was a supremely comfortable win. Two wins in two!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Raimondo LUCERA (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

Back-up right back Tommaso Bortot leaves Ternana on deadline day for £39.5k.

We bring in Liverpool's impressive 23-year-old centre-half Nathan Phillips on loan for the season. He played at Stuttgart last season and is rated at £4m.

That's definitely our lot though. Bank completely empty.

We signed 14 players - by far the most active side in the transfer window in Serie B. That said, our net spend was around £100k. In comparison, Genoa spent £15.5m on one player. That's the uphill task just to compete ahead of us - still, 2 wins from 2!
 

[Tubey84]

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Salernitana v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (CM) Pérez, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Rosseti

Injuries: Capone, Guevara, Seoane, Paghera, Proietti

PRE-MATCH

A new three year contract for... me! Thought it best to request one before we start to lose games consistently, as I think we're on a promotion "high" at present and it's covering a lot of ills.

Paghera is the latest midfielder to be injured - a month out for him with ankle ligament damage. Proietti is out for a few days too, so we have literally no defensive midfielders. I'm reluctant to change shape though, so Riccardi will cover in an unfamiliar role today

Salernitana are our toughest test yet - top of the league after two games, with six goals scored.

Oh, I forgot to mention - our old Asst. Manager left to manage somewhere; Paolo Zanetti is his replacement.

OVERVIEW

2 minutes in, Matheus Pereira hits the bar with a header after great work from Parodi.

Parodi looks incredible today, flying by challenges and posing a constant threat on our right hand side.

Goalless first half but we've been the better team.

Of course Parodi gets injured... *sigh*

An immense save from Virgínia... Adekanyne is unleashes on the counter, one on one and the 'keeper guesses right at full stretch to keep it level.

Salernitana had the better of the second half, but it ends 0-0.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nathan PHILLIPS (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Genoa - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Proietti, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola

Injuries: Capone, Guevara, Seoane, Paghera

PRE-MATCH

This may be painful... An injury depleted, newly promoted side against a side that is essentially still a Serie A one in terms of quality.

Eek.

Proietti is fit enough to start though, just about. Merola comes in for his chance up top, Rosseti has scored but generally from the penalty spot.

OVERVIEW

We actually have the better of the opening exchanges, but their quality quickly comes to the fore - Paganini cross, Cassata (15) nods in at the near post.

Garbutt goes closest for us from a free kick in the first half, and generally we've competed well, but we're one nil down.

Oh that's insane stuff from Damian! A chip over the back line, David Silva-esque, and Lucera (47) is left with the simplest of finishes. Seriously, he just took the entire defence out of the game with that ball!

We're ahead! Parodi nips past one, is tackled by a second but the ball runs fortuitously for Lucera (68) who grabs his second with a sublime finish on the turn!

We've won it! Deep Garbutt corner, Dany Mota nods it down and Damian (89) blasts it in!!!!!

That's a staggering win - totally unexpected; and we're top after four games!!!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Raimondo LUCERA (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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Spezia v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola

Injuries: Capone, Seoane, Paghera

PRE-MATCH

We're gonna win the league! Well... perhaps not, but what a start. I write these in real time, so the above was genuine surprise from me.

Guevara is half fit - tempted to leave him out, but Proietti isn't fully fit either, so Guevara starts.

I've already anxiously double checked Lucera's contract - no clauses, four years on deal... I was checking as he's started life here like Messi! He's only 19!

OVERVIEW

Oh, we're getting battered here haha - not sure why it's a surprise but it is given the three results so far!

A goal against the run of play - shocking defending! Garbutt with a simple floated free kick into the box and Armini (29) is totally, completely unmarked to loop a header over the 'keeper.

Equaliser - really well worked, Sveinn Aron Gudjohnsen (39) with the finish from close range.

Back ahead! Again, a set piece - Garbutt with a juicy back post cross from a free kick, Phillips climbs highest, nods down for Matheus Pereira (43) to tap in at the back stick.

2-1 half time - by the by, their 'keeper Krapikas can't kick the ball. Constantly giving it away.

Called it! Krapikas kicks a weak effort away, easily intercepted by Lucera, runs down the right, cuts a cross back and Matheus Pereira (56) converts on the volley. His kicks really are shocking!

That's enough for the win! Post match I check his stats - 14 kicking, but he couldn't clear the halfway line!!!

That was a very even game that could have gone either way; the scoreline flatters us here.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Matheus PEREIRA (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

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TERNANA v. Vicenza - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Capone, Seoane, Paghera, Merola

PRE-MATCH

We're at least eight points ahead of schedule now - prior to the season commencing, this game I had earmarked as a relegation six-pointer must win game. Vicenza have lost every game and are relegation cannon fodder.

As it stands, a win here, making 16 points out of a possible 18, means we can't start to dream of the playoffs perhaps.

We'll have to do so without Merola, the latest to succumb to serious injury with a sports hernia. Gnonto replaces him as I'm intrigued to see what the teenager can do with a start.

I believe this is our first game ever where more than half the starting eleven are loanees.

... annnd the game crashes. Save before every game folks!

OVERVIEW

Oh my word, what a move that was. From the kick off, 68 seconds, Parodi is eventually fed down the right, zips a low cross in and Gnonto (2) slides in near post to convert.

Once again though, the pass for Damian for the run of Parodi... just outstanding.

Haha amazing... Garbutt free kick on the left is half cleared, falls to Gnonto (14) and he converts a low finish from the edge of the box.

Could and should be about five up at half time. If this was a boxing fight, the ref would have stopped it by now.

It's three. Garbutt is lethal from set pieces - this time a corner that Phillips (50) bangs in for his first goal in Ternana colours.

Rosseti injury late on to put a dampener on things.

I'm sort of embarrassed we've only won that by three. It should have been double figures - we missed chance after chance.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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TERNANA v. Entella - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Partipilo, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Capone, Seoane, Merola, Matheus Pereira, Rosseti, Sini

PRE-MATCH

'sake, these injuries... I know I don't have much to complain about given our form, but Matheus Pereira is out for a month.

I had to Google Entella - genuinely had no idea who they are! Fair play to them for their rise through the leagues though.

Paghera is sort of back but nowhere near match fitness.

I can't drop Gnonto after his last performance, and with Rosseti and Merola out the other options aren't proven commodities yet anyway.

A win here and... well... we really can start to dream.

OVERVIEW

What a boring half of football this is. Barely a shot.

Oh dear! We're ahead but that's shocking goalkeeping. Riccardi with a pass, Lucera (42) free but he's shooting from near enough the goal line - that's how tight the angle is - and the 'keeper lets the ball right through him!

There's been nothing between us in this game at all, but we're 2-0 up - Garbutt corner, Partipilo (59) takes advantage of a rare start and nods in.

What the hell was Armini thinking? Last minute of the game, cruising to a win, and he utterly scythes down a player; straight red.

Good, solid win, but a three game ban for arguably our best player overall is a gut punch.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

 

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Benevento v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Partipilo, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Capone, Merola, Matheus Pereira, Rosseti, Sini, Tozzi
Suspensions: Armini

PRE-MATCH

Benevento are 3rd and this is an away game - the fairytale should really start to end here.

Seoane is semi-fit, makes the bench out of necessity as we have to fill 12 spots somehow. Same story with Capone.

Camigliano in for the suspended Armini, otherwise unchanged.

OVERVIEW

Parodi injured inside first ten minutes... His replacement Matino is immediately responsible for their opener, losing possession and Iemmello (12) breaks free and slots cooly.

More terrible defending draws us level. A Garbutt corner that isn't anything special but drifts through untouched for Guevara (27) to volley home first time.

Ahead! Partipilo in behind and it's electric pace from Gnonto (39), speeding clear of the back line then finishing brilliantly.

We don't deserve to be in front here. Good save from Virgínia to deny Iemmello his second on the half time whistle.

Wow... a match saving block in the last minute from Lucera! Benevento have dominated the second half, and they break clear, Iemmello again, one on one and from out of nowhere Lucera comes flying in to deny him!

My word, we've actually won it...

MAN OF THE MATCH: Degnand Wilfried GNONTO (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

Luca Parodi suffers a broken leg, will be out for at least 3 months, possibly 5.

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (8) TERNANA 22pts +13 GD
2nd (8) Frosinone 19pts +6 GD
3rd (8) Verona 18pts +13 GD
4th (8) Benevento 18pts +9 GD
5th (8) Trapani 16pts +6 GD

OVERVIEW

Look... all I can say is that I'm not using any cheats, no in game editor, I'm using the in game scouting system only, attributes masked.

I didn't expect this. Genuinely.

Shocking start.

[mark wilson27]

Riding the wave of promotion mate.....make the most of it so that if the slump comes you wont be dragged into the relegation picture

[Tubey84]

3 hours ago, mark wilson27 said:

Riding the wave of promotion mate.....make the most of it so that if the slump comes you wont be dragged into the relegation picture

Seemingly so - thought I'd carry some momentum but not that much!!! 

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Cittadella - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Dany Mota

Injuries: Merola, Matheus Pereira, Rosseti, Sini, Gnonto

PRE-MATCH

Gnonto is a player I expected to be a sub this season, but he's been on fire and made himself undroppable... until he pulls his groin. Because apparently my entire squad is on a mission to be injured.

According to my medical team, everyone except Parodi is fit to play today in some way - I don't trust them!

Some good news though; Armini only served a one match ban; he replaces Parodi. Capone back in on the left of the attack, and it's a first start for Dany Mota.

Also, that Genoa win doesn't seem as astonishing as first thought now - they've lost five of their first eight games!

OVERVIEW

I don't know why Luke Garbutt is basically Roberto Carlos right now, but I'm not complaining! He flies down the left, superb cross and Riccardi (14) bullets the header low into the bottom left.

Should be 1-1 - Panico with a free header at the near post, just has to hit the target as Virgínia is well out of position, but he knocks it just wide of the post. A sitter.

Lucera injured on the half hour mark. I really, REALLY hope that's not serious...

Second half, an early penalty! Partipilo ragged over in the box... great pen from Dany Mota (49, PEN)!

It's three! Cittadella overload the defence of a corner at the near post and Garbutt just drifts it over them and Capone (60) is free at the back post to volley in.

Panico should have had three for the visitors today - his latest effort is a header that hits the inside of the post then trickles across the line before being cleared.

That was an even game, yet we've won at a canter due to clinical finishing.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Frosinone v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Capone, (ST) Dany Mota

Injuries: Parodi, Lucera, Gnonto, Rosseti

PRE-MATCH

Two promotion contenders in the next three games in Frosinone and Verona - if we take seven points from the next three, we'll then be serious league candidates I think.

Let's see how it goes!

Lucera will miss 6 weeks with a twisted ankle, so Partipilo gets another shot. Merola is back and fit enough for the bench, as is Gnonto.

Garbutt has seven assists in nine games. Ridiculous.

OVERVIEW

We're being battered in the early going - and there's the goal that their dominance deserved; Brighenti (26) with a fine header from an outcurling Ciano corner.

Frosinone just dominated the game in terms of possession - we didn't have a sniff at goal in 90 minutes. A painfully dull match.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (7.4)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. Padova

NOTE: I accidentally deleted the commentary for this game - as I type "live" I won't attempt to replicate it as it wouldn't be authentic.

Goalscorers: Merola (77), Armini (90+2)

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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Verona v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Matino, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola

Injuries: Parodi, Lucera, Rosseti
Int. Duty: Virgínia, Armini, Capone

PRE-MATCH

1st vs. 2nd today. Big game, for reasons I wouldn't have expected at the start of the season!

Verona are averaging nearly three goals a game, so err... this is an uphill task. In fact I don't give us a prayer of a win, especially with injuries and international duty; outside chance of a draw.

Verona hold a strong interest in Filippo Damian - rated at £2m now. A long way from the random Serie C/C player I inherited!

OVERVIEW

Four minutes in, route one stuff, Laribo runs into the box and Matino sticks out the leg - penalty.

Can Tozzo be the hero... no. Borini (4, PEN) sends him the wrong way.

Total dominance from Verona here.

2-0. Their pace is killing us - Borini sprints in, walks past the awful Matino, shot is well saved but Zaccagni (28) slots in the rebound.

An hour in and our entire backline has picked up yellow cards!

Game over - we did well to keep that scoreline low. Our first real sustained beating we've taken since I took over really.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (7.0)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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TERNANA v. Trapani - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Matino, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Armini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Lucera, Suagher, Paghera
Suspensions: Garbutt, Phillips

PRE-MATCH

I think we just got battered by the champions elect, so hard to feel too down about it - the key is picking ourselves up and getting a win here.

Two 'keepers on the bench today just to fill the 12 man quota.

OVERVIEW

Strange early goal! Partipilo crosses for Gnonto who gets his header horribly wrong... but it turns out it's an accidentally perfect flick on for Capone (2) who is left with an open goal to tap into!

Gnonto is so raw but his pace is causing havoc for defences in this league.

Didn't see that coming... a quality assist from Matino! He's been awful, really has, but fair play to him as he drills a cross for Capone (47) to pick up his second of the afternoon.

And again! Matino curls a lovely ball in behind the defence and it's a hat-trick for the impressive Capone (74).

This is a great performance; Trapani started the day in 6th.

Celli injured; Furlan makes his first appearance of the season as an emergency left back.

Goal back for Trapani - Laurenzi (86) climbs well and powers in Odjer's corner.

Really solid win that!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (9.5)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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Crotone v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Matino, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Suagher, Paghera, Camigliano
Suspensions: Garbutt, Phillips

PRE-MATCH

We've been incredible at home so far, but not quite as hot away - so this will tell us a lot about our consistency for the rest of the season.

Lucera straight back in, half fit, may be a mistake but I just want him gaining match fitness ASAP, as he was soooo so good prior to his injury.

Phillips and Garbutt straight back in after suspension. Last chance for Gnonto - goal drought for him.

OVERVIEW

Gnonto has an early one ruled out for offside - great ball by Capone though.

Damian misses a sitter - put on a plate for him by Garbutt but fires well over.

Goal against the run of play for Crotone - Simy finds a yard of space on the left, cross and Marsura (30) puts his header low beyond Virgínia.

Quick equaliser, and a solid goal. Lovely disguised pass from Guevara for Garbutt, who fires in a low cross and it's a poacher's goal from Gnonto (33), a volley on the run.

Second half and Crotone all but win it late on - which is a shame as we've dominated this... Borella free kick, Marchizza (84) glances it on and it floats agonisingly over Virgínia.

OH WAIT! WOW! WOOOOWWW!!! Crotone have a ball half-cleared, but they dally on it just inside our half, Gnonto (86) nicks it, sprints clear leaving defender's trailing miles behind him, bounds down on goal and cooly slides it in!!!

Crotone scored with their only two shots today.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Degnand Wilfried GNONTO (8.9)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (14) Verona 37pts +27 GD
2nd (14) Frosinone 35pts +12 GD
3rd (14) TERNANA 32pts +17 GD
4th (14) Benevento 32pts +19 GD
5th (14) Salernitana 26pts +11 GD

OVERVIEW

Well, we're not top, but we're nearly safe from relegation after only 14 games!!!

Last season, 43 points was enough to survive. I think we'll get beyond that total - whether we can seriously maintain a playoff challenge is another matter.

Edited September 9, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

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Sassuolo v. TERNANA - Italian Cup 4th Qual. Rnd

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Matino, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Celli, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Pablo Pérez, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Suagher, Camigliano

PRE-MATCH

Sassuolo are 4th in Serie A... here's hoping they play the reserves!

Indeed, that's just what I'm doing. Whilst it'd be nice to have a cup run, we have other fish to fry this season, as well as a lot of players needing first team football.

OVERVIEW

They're playing their first eleven, yet despite that we keep it fairly even early doors.

Half an hour and Tozzo with a miracle save to deny Scamacca as the hosts turn the screw on us.

But we get in to half time 0-0!

Tozzo has been a one man brick wall here - numerous chances for Scamacca, Boga... and as I type ANOTHER incredible save in the 87th minute, fingertips to it and wide.

We've forced extra time!

Scamacca could have had about five here but we keep getting away with it.

HAHAHA! We've scored! Celli down the left, ball in, Seoane flicks it on, sub Lucera (103) calmly tucks it in!

Some very tired legs out there - Matino down to 50% condition...

We hold on!!! Sassuolo had 24 shots on goal today, about half of them from Scamacca!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (7.7)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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TERNANA v. Empoli - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Camigliano
Suspensions: Guevara

PRE-MATCH

Empoli are going well in seventh - we need a win today to cement our playoff ambitions for the remainder of the season.

For the first time in a long while, we have what I'd class as our strongest attack fully fit and starting together.

Our Serie C/C midfield is reunited once more too, with Guevara out injured.

OVERVIEW

Not what I'd call a classic of a first half. Indeed, nothing happened.

What a grim game this is... approaching the end with the whole match just being one long turgid affair.

But Seoane (81) lights it up late on! His first shot is blocked but he absolutely smashes the rebound in from the edge of the box!

That's a really good win because we won ugly.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (8.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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Cosenza v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Matino, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Camigliano, Capone
Suspensions: Armini

PRE-MATCH

Two MOTM performances in a row for Seoane sees him get a deserved league start today.

High flying Cosenza in 6th will be a difficult challenge today away from home.

OVERVIEW

Phillips has hit the bar and post in the first 20 minutes.

Other than that, another dull first half.

And a worse second one. 0-0. We've won every home game, but away we don't look the same side.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nathan PHILLIPS (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Juve Stabia - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Camigliano, Proietti

PRE-MATCH

A few games to go until the winter break. It'd be nice to go into it (and reach the halfway point of the season) in second place.

Armini back in after suspension; Riccardi and Capone are restored to the starting line-up as well. Near enough a full strength side.

With a few games without a goal, I move Gnonto to the bench to give Merola a run out.

OVERVIEW

We're not the same side right now - we look like we need that Christmas break.

Still, we take the lead. Garbutt corner, Phillips (38) header, 'keeper should have really kept that out though - got a hand to it but wasn't strong enough.

Immediate second. Guevara with an incisive pass down the right for Armini, cut back for Merola (39) and he finishes well.

Wow, what a difference a goal makes - suddenly we're electric, and it's 3-0. Capone and Garbutt combine brilliantly on the left, ball is worked to Damian (42) on the left edge of the penalty area and his shot is an arrow into the far top corner.

Three goals in four minutes!

Consolation goal at the end - and it's a cracker in all fairness; Di Mariano (90+1) embarrasses Celli on the left, breezes buy him, powers into the box and smashes it home.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (8.7)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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Lecce v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola

Injuries: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

Our last away game before the break, and we could really do with a win here just to break that feeling of vulnerability on the road.

Unchanged from our last game today; a rarity!

OVERVIEW

We've been marginally better than other away days today.

Still goalless at the break though.

Absolute cracker from Cleonise (54) to break the deadlock. Sprinted past both Armini and Phillips and banged it in.

Had the better of the game but lost it. Horrible result.

MAN OF THE MATCH: NONE
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. Monza - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

Still second somehow, but need to win this convincingly and go into the break with a bit of momentum.

Needless to say, on 39 points already, we're basically safe from relegation!

A surprise here as Damian is dropped, but he's been slightly off his peak in recent weeks. Merola is the other first team casualty; Gnonto is back in.

Sini is unfortunate to be dropped but Camigliano is back fit and needs minutes.

OVERVIEW

Monza have been the better side so far - extremely lucky to go into the break level.

That was coming - Romagnoli (63) give the visitors a deserved lead.

The equaliser! So, so undeserved, but it's a mistake from Marconi, Capone (84) nips in and slots well after being moved to a striker role.

Oh that's just daylight robbery! Riccardi pushes the ball back to Guevara (88) and he smashes in from around 25 yards.

In absolutely no way should we have got anything whatsoever from that game.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (19) Verona 50pts +33 GD
2nd (19) TERNANA 42pts +20 GD
3rd (19) Benevento 42pts +26 GD
4th (19) Frosinone 39pts +9 GD
5th (19) Salernitana 37pts +16 GD

OVERVIEW

The results remain pretty good, but we're on the fringe of a real slump in form - can just feel it. Hopefully the break rejuvenates us.

Verona won't be caught - just too good. Benevento look ominous in 3rd, but Frosinone and Salternitana are just as streaky as we are, so if we get on track a top three finish and - possibly - automatic promotion is on the cards. Maybe? I dunno!

In terms of the transfer window... unless we get a few outgoings, we won't be bringing any in I think. Pablo Pérez is unhappy and attracting interest, Andrea Tozzo wants out and there's a few other "maybes" like Partipilo and Marilungo (who has yet to feature for us). Ideally, we need a right back, but we'll see.

[EvilDave]

I remember the first edition of this - if I recall correctly, you ended up spending £75m on a striker, which was mad money at the time! Great to see you back with Ternana, and a great start as well. Serie A incoming? Keep up the great work!

[Tubey84]

2 hours ago, EvilDave said:

I remember the first edition of this - if I recall correctly, you ended up spending £75m on a striker, which was mad money at the time! Great to see you back with Ternana, and a great start as well. Serie A incoming? Keep up the great work!

Haha yeah it was £64m on Per Modin - I might have spent more a season after but can't remember, will have to read it back!

Cheers mate, appreciate the comment

[Tubey84]

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Napoli v. TERNANA - Italian Cup 1st Rnd

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Parodi, Dany Mota, Iannarilli
Suspensions: Seoane

PRE-MATCH

Napoli away then... let's just get this over with!

I considered going with reserves but sod it, let's see what we can do.

OVERVIEW

We actually competed well early on! But they take the inevitable lead as Manolos (38) bullets in a header.

Hahaha we've did it again! A late equaliser after giving this a REALLY good go - Napoli slack in possession, Garbutt flies down the left, lovely ball in and Riccardi (83) meets it on the run to score with his head!

Extra time... and penalties! We were on top for most of that extra period too!

Garbutt ✔️
Mertens ✔️
Matheus Pereira ✔️
Politano ✔️
Damian ✔️
Insigne ✔️
Gnonto ✔️
James Rodriguez ✔️
Guevara ✔️
Elmas ✔️
Lucera ✔️
Allan ✔️
Armini ✔️
Malcuit....... MISSES!!!!!

UNBELIEVABLE! We've beat Sassuolo AND Napoli away in the cup when looking awful in the league!

£500k ish for that win too, not bad at all!

Only Inter to beat away in the next round... 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1 (6-7 PENALTIES)

 

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TERNANA v. Pescara - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Matino, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

Parodi makes the bench but is very much there to make the numbers and perhaps come on for 10 minutes if we're comfortably winning - nowhere near full fitness.

Just before this match we got £550k for Pablo Pérez - a nice profit but very little given back by the board to reinvest.

OVERVIEW

Pulled groin for Matino early on - so Parodi makes a very unwelcome appearance so early in the game. 60 minutes is a long time to last.

We've had marginally the better of this but it's tight.

We're ahead early in the second half. I don't know what Pescara were doing but they didn't react to Guevara (47) picking the ball up on the edge of the box and he promptly smashed home (looked like a game engine glitch to me).

Parodi does his groin too, so Armini goes right back and Camigliano comes on (which is what I should have done in the first place!)

Equaliser. Djuric (82) smashes in from range - they didn't deserve that.

Our first points dropped at home this season...

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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Ascoli v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Dany Mota

PRE-MATCH

A tough away game - but then again, every away game feels tough for us!

Parodi is back but on the bench, because Timothy Fosu-Mensah is for some reason with us on loan for a year and a half!

A very versatile player, not great but better than a lot of our squad in several positions - paying only 20% of his Man Utd wages too!

OVERVIEW

That may just be the best goal Damian (4) has scored yet - it's a barnstormer of a shot, underside of the bar, 'keeper absolutely zero chance.

We're playing very well - best away performance for months.

... so we concede a late equaliser of course. Gutted. Galán (90+1) races clear and slots.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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Inter Milan v. TERNANA - Italian Cup Qtr. Final

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Dany Mota

PRE-MATCH

A result here would be just silly. But I've thought that about the last two ties, so who knows at this point!

Just the one change - Gnonto in for Merola (FYI - both players used to play for Inter Milan; indeed, Gnonto is on loan from them.)

OVERVIEW

WHAT?!!! 20 seconds in, we're ahead!!!!! Inter didn't have a touch from kick-off - it's Fosu-Mensah (1) with a stunning finish! (Note: Post game it's revealed that at 19 seconds that's the fastest goal in the history of the competition!)

Inter now coming on strong - great save from Virgínia to deny Perisic.

Lucera over the top, Gnonto is on to it, great first touch, shoots... saved by Handanovic! Nearly two!

But there's the equaliser! Quality shines through as Perisic (28) drills home.

BACK AHEAD!!! Garbutt free-kick half cleared, Gnonto picks it up, lays it off for Riccardi (40) and he drills it low and hard beyond Handanovic!

We're really competing here again! Garbutt down the left, pulls it back to about 25 yards out for a Guevara volley and Handanovic has to be at his best to push it wide for a corner.

Inter are getting desperate here as time ticks down, but we're keeping them honest on the counter.

IT'S THREEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Garbutt skips past De Vrij, crosses, Lucera gets a touch on it and Gnonto (81) turns and fires the loose ball beyond the 'keeper!

Virgínia with another stunning stop, denying Esposito - we're really going to do this!

IT'S OVER!!! We're into the Semi-Final... just the small matter of Juventus to come!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.7)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

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TERNANA v. Salernitana - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Dany Mota, Iannarilli, Partipilo
Suspensions: Parodi

PRE-MATCH

Still on cloud nine after the last game, but this is a huge, huge league game and our focus needs to be right for it.

OVERVIEW

We've been... OK, but with nothing special throughout, and Salernitana take the lead.

Heurtaux (63) exploits our increasingly obvious weaknesses in the air to head home.

We didn't deserve to lose that, but lose we do. Pretty much all automatic promotion hopes down the drain now, and indeed we have a fight to retain a playoff place with this form.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nathan PHILLIPS (7.0)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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Juventus v. TERNANA - Italian Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Fosu-Mensah, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Partipilo
Suspensions: Armini

PRE-MATCH

So... here we go! I assume a result here would be the biggest in our club history?

It'd require a third miracle in a row though, so not holding my breath.

I'm expecting to play a lot on the counter, so I've gone for Gnonto's pace on the right wing here - Lucera hasn't been great lately either.

Armini out, so Fosu-Mensah moves to centre-half and Parodi completes his comeback from his horror injury with a start at right back.

Juventus are starting with their first choice line-up - Ronaldo, Higuain and Van de Beek in attack. Eeek.

OVERVIEW

We're competing again!

Ahhhh really should be 1-0! Garbutt thunders a shot off the post, Capone should tap in but somehow hits the other post!

Half-time, 0-0! We've limited them to one half chance for Higuain - a sensational performance so far.

Ah there's the opener - corner from Pjanic, Ronaldo header hits the bar but Demiral (58) taps in the rebound.

All Juventus now - Virgínia is once again putting in a great performance though.

We can't grab that equaliser - in truth, Juventus well deserved the win; second half they could have grabbed quite a few to be honest.

But... it's only one goal. The second leg COULD be interesting!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Joao VIRGÍNIA (7.5)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

Nearly £1m from gate receipts alone for that tie - boosts the club coffers considerably!

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Genoa v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Camigliano, (LB) Celli, (DM) Fosu-Mensah, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Partipilo, Suagher

PRE-MATCH

We need a win here, or our Serie B campaign is quietly going down the toilet whilst the cup run distracts us.

But... I have to admit, I have one eye on Juventus. For that reason, a few players "rested" here.

OVERVIEW

I'm giving Merola every chance to impress, but he sure is disappointing lately.

Oh... Camigliano sent off early on. Two footed lunge. Great.

Marilungo on his first appearance of the season should have scored two late on, Damian could have had one, Genoa could have had three of their own - including one cleared off the line in injury time.

Yet somehow it ends 0-0.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luca PARODI (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Juventus - Italian Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Fosu-Mensah, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: None.
Suspensions: Phillips, Damian

PRE-MATCH

Juventus beat SPAL 3-0 before this fixture, only three days ago... so we should actually be fresher than them.

Will that make a difference? I doubt it, but who knows - we've been unrecognisable at times in this competition.

Our first ever total sell-out game at Libero Liberati today!

OVERVIEW

Two injuries early into the first half - Seoane and Gnonto off. That leaves our decision-making in the second half somewhat less flexible.

0-0 at half time though.

A game of very, very few chances.

Ahhhhh 88 minutes and Capone strikes the bar! The closest we come...

We're out but a valiant effort.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (7.2)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0 (0-1 AGG)

 

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (23) Verona 57pts +35 GD
2nd (23) Frosinone 49pts +14 GD
3rd (23) Benevento 49pts +28 GD
4th (23) Salernitana 49pts +18 GD
5th (23) TERNANA 45pts +19 GD
6th (23) Empoli 41pts +13 GD
7th (23) Cosenza 35pts +4 GD

OVERVIEW

The cup was a financial boon for the club, but a burden on our league form, which has seen us slump badly of late. We need to get back on track if we want to seriously threaten for automatic promotion, but the fact I'm even typing that sentence is a reflection on just how good a season it's been so far.

On the bright side, we're still looking very good for the playoffs, and it's unlike that third-place will finish 15 points clear of fourth, which would make the playoffs redundant.

Edited September 10, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

ARMINI & RICCARDI SIGN 12 MONTH LOAN EXTENSIONS

LAZIO & ROMA YOUNG STARS SET FOR THIRD YEAR AT LIBERO LIBERATI

Defender Nicoló Armini and midfield Alessio Riccardi have extended their current loan spells at Ternana by a further year after once again impressing for Fere in Serie B this season.

Both players, aged 19, were happy to continue their development at Libero Liberati with the blessing of parents clubs Lazio and Roma respectively.

[Tubey84]

TERNANA COMPLETE SALE OF MATHEUS PEREIRA TO ATLÉTICO MINEIRO FOR £2.1M

FEE REPRESENTS HUGE PROFIT ON £155K PAID IN THE SUMMER

Ternana have offloaded Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira back to his home country for a fee that could exceed £2m.

The club have also ensured a 20% sell-on profit clause in his new contract.

The club agreed to move on the 23-year-old when he expressed a firm interest in leaving the club once Atlético Mineiro had made a generous non-negotiable offer.

The management at Libero Liberati will only be offered a modest portion of the transfer fee to re-invest in the club, after a source close to the boardroom at the club stated "the incentive is to look after the long term financial health of the club."

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Spezia - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Seoane, Gnonto
Suspensions: Camigliano

PRE-MATCH

C'mon, time to kick on again in the league I think.

Gnonto picked up a minor injury, as did Seoane.

It's that 'keeper who can't kick again in goal for Spezia!

OVERVIEW

Fair play, that's an excellent goal. Vignali with a lovely cross and Raspadori (3) runs near post and pokes it in.

We're a shadow of the side from earlier in the season.

GOAL! Garbutt with a lethal free kick, right into the corridor of the six yard line and Phillips (24) says thank you very much and pokes home.

We're ahead! We seem to have woke up, as Fosu-Mensah nudges a ball in the path of Riccardi (26) who smashes home from the edge of the box.

Yet ANOTHER last minute equaliser... Delano (90+1) after a mistake from Phillips.

We really should have won this... That's five league games without a win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

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Vicenza v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Merola

PRE-MATCH

If we can't win this, we're in trouble. These have only picked up 8 points all season.

OVERVIEW

Oh no... Virgínia drops a simple catch from a corner and Ibrahimi (36) taps in. An embarrassing performance so far.

2-0. Elizalde (47).

This has been a grim performance, but we pull one back. Lucera, moved to the left, cuts in and lays in Riccardi (72) to score.

Equaliser. Thank everything these are as terrible as we are. Guevara in for Armini (79) to nod in his 4th of the season.

Abysmal result. Six games without a win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

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Entella v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Matheus Pereira, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: Merola, Guevara, Lucera
Suspensions: Riccardi

PRE-MATCH

Ringing the changes now - a chance for fringe players to impress as the first teamers have let themselves down badly.

Rare starts for Tozzo in goal and Partipilo and Rosseti up top.

OVERVIEW

GET IN! Great early goal - Garbutt swings in for Partipilo (10) to power in at the back post.

It's two! Garbutt free kick, Armini (12) slams in his 5th of the campaign.

Entella right back into it after the break - lovely cross from Cicerelli, Rodriguez (46) nods it in.

Phew... Entella were on top for a long spell there, but Matheus Pereira floats one over the defence and Rosseti (72) catches a lovely volley into the bottom corner.

Finally, we win!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

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TERNANA v. Benevento - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Tozzo, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Seoane, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: Damian, Parodi, Guevara, Marilungo

PRE-MATCH

A flu outbreak and a few random injuries before this game. Annoying, as this is a must win game - a loss here all but spells the end of our top three chances; a win could see us right back in there, with Salernitana and Verona playing eachother later today too.

OVERVIEW

Ahead after having the better of the majority of this half - Lucera with a cross field run, find Capone, cuts back to Seoane (43) and it's a tidy finish.

Oh my... what a let off. Thought it was another last gasp equaliser, but somehow Improta puts it wide with just Tozzo to beat.

Nevermind, it's another one. Schiattarella (90+2).

*swears loudly*

Four draws, one win in last five.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaimes SEOANE (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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Cittadella v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Parodi
Suspended: Phillips, Paghera

PRE-MATCH

Weirdly, we're only five points off 2nd-place still. If we stopped throwing points away left, right and centre, we'd have a chance at it with 11 games left.

Rakovsky straight into goal. He's a class above Virgínia and Tozzo, an insanely good deal on a free - tiny wages too.

Matheus Pereira has gone - £2m approx for a guy that didn't exactly pull up trees in the time he was here is excellent business.

OVERVIEW

That was the most boring game of all time.

We've won one of our last nine games, but of those we've drawn six of them!!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Frosinone - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: None.
Suspended: Guevara

PRE-MATCH

Right, so this is our very final, completely last chance to challenge for promotion outright in the run in.

If we beat second-placed Benevento today, we go within 4 points off them. If we lose, we're 10 off them, and it's game over.

I'm just trying all sorts of combos up top, trying to get a tune out of them...

OVERVIEW

Tremendous opener. A team goal - final assist from Fosu-Mensah and Rosseti (11) hits the net at the near post.

We're playing very well for a change here - one up at the break.

It takes a while but there's the second! Garbutt cross and it's one hell of a bit of technique from Riccardi (72) on the volley to convert a difficult chance.

Best we've looked in months that, against good opposition too. Nine games left to go - my kingdom for a bit of consistency now!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.2)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

A huge gap between games now, so I scheduled a friendly against cannon fodder for two reasons. One, to get match fitness for fringe players. And two, to get them scoring goals and being confident!

For anyone who cares, final score was Ternana 15 Ortana 0.

I googled "Ortana Football Club" and the first image was a kids side, so I think we just battered a Primary School team.

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Padova v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Phillips, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Riccardi, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

The first time in what feels forever that we have a fully fit squad with no suspensions.

Padova are 19th - we simply have to win this game!

OVERVIEW

Tremendous breakaway goal on the counter - Lucera with the final pass for Capone (35) to slot beyond the 'keeper comfortably.

Wrapped up late on - a fine individual goal from Merola (87) who took possession in between the line of defence and midfield, turned and rifles a low effort home from 25 yards.

Far from a vintage performance, but it's an away win - I'll take them however they come.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (30) Verona 72pts +42 GD
2nd (30) Salernitana 61pts +19 GD
3rd (30) Benevento 60pts +31 GD
4th (30) Frosinone 59pts +15 GD
5th (30) TERNANA 58pts +25 GD
6th (30) Empoli 53pts +18 GD
7th (30) Trapani 47pts +6 GD

OVERVIEW

How tight is that league table! Despite... erm... let's be generous and say "patchy" form, we're still - remarkably - only three points off automatic promotion.

We're essentially guaranteed a playoff place at this point - 17 points clear of ninth with eight to play, and no chance whatsoever of any club in third gaining a 15 point gap on fourth now - but, with two wins in a row and two clean sheets, maybe - just maybe - we can get into contention.

...... it's a shame we play Verona next!

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Verona - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

If we win today, we go within 1 point of second, thanks to clubs around us seemingly playing a fantastic game of "who can screw up the hardest".

So, so unlikely though. Verona have been truly dominant this season, but we've saved our best in the second half of the season for the bigger sides.

Just the one change - Seoane in for the slightly out of form Damian.

OVERVIEW

A surprisingly dull game. Guevara with a disallowed goal and we generally edged play, but it's a 0-0 draw.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Timothy FOSU-MENSAH (7.4)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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Trapani v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

We've quietly went unbeaten in two months. Unfortunately, those two months consist of seven draws and three wins.

Still, we haven't conceded a goal in our last four games. That's something I guess.

We're running out of games to close what is now a four point gap to second-place, and to be honest I think it's now extremely unlikely we'll do it. I'd say we need at least 15-16 points from the available 21.

To highlight how much we've struggled away from home, we've scored just 17 goals - at home, we've scored 30.

OVERVIEW

They take the lead with absurd ease - Micovschi (8) with a free back post header.

Equaliser. Corner routine leads to the ball worked to Fosu-Mensah (12) who powers home.

Penalty! Stunning run from Capone, dances past two and then is hauled down - Garbutt (33, PEN) puts us ahead from the spot.

3-1! Garbutt, for some reason, takes a long throw, and Capone (45+1) simply flicks it on into the far corner!

Didn't see that turnaround coming after going behind!!!

Wow, where was the defending! Half cleared corner, ball worked back to Garbutt, he picks out a cross for Lucera (52) who had acres of space to nod in a header unchallenged.

It's five! Garbutt corner, Phillips bullets a header down and Armini (72) taps in after continuing his run at the far post.

Where did that performance comes from!!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (9.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-5

 

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TERNANA v. Crotone - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Merola
                    
Injuries: Fosu-Mensah

PRE-MATCH

Just the one change enforced by injury today - Parodi in.

If we had a very decent striker for this level who'd get us 15-ish goals, I think we'd have been easily promoted this season.

OVERVIEW

Excellent start - Capone carries the ball on the left and slips inside for the run of Riccardi (15) who bags his 7th of the season.

That's a lovely second! Garbutt teases the cross across the six yard box but instead pulls it back towards the edge of the box where Seoane (43) finishes with aplomb.

Ohhhh wonderful free-kick from Lucera (82) to wrap up an impressive win - we're temporarily up to 2nd!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

Benevento and Salernitana play a day later - Benevento win but Salernitana drop points with a draw against Lecce.

Which means all three of us are tied for 3rd place, three points behind Frosinone in 2nd, who narrowly beat Padova at home.

Five games left!
 

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Empoli v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto
                    
Injuries: Fosu-Mensah, Tozzo
Suspensions: Armini

PRE-MATCH

It feels like we have momentum back - a win here would confirm it. The last two games have felt like the "old" Ternana.

With Frosinone taking on Verona away from home, a win here could see us move into 2nd-place.

OVERVIEW

BOOM! One up inside a minute! Lucera nudges back to Seoane (1) and it's a rocket of a shot!

A belter of a second too! Lucera carries the ball infield, turns, lays off for Guevara (22) and he thunders it in from 25 yards!

Penalty! Lucera is running the show today and is tripped in the box... Garbutt (24, PEN) sends the 'keeper the wrong way for 3-0!

We're well and truly back!

Argh they've got a penalty early in the second half... loose pass from Phillips, they're in on goal and Garbutt trips Mancuso (48, PEN) who gets up to convert it.

But there's number four to seal the game. Seoane in for Damian (83) who nods in at the back stick.

Lovely win!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (9.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-4

 

 

Frosinone took a point off Verona, so they remain in 2nd by 1 point.

... but Salernitana AND Benevento both lose, so we're now three points clear of them in 3rd!

It's getting interesting! Our run-in is comfortably the easiest, with all but one team in the bottom half. Frosinone, in comparison, have three top half teams to play.

LEAGUE POSITION

1st (34) Verona 78pts +43 GD
2nd (34) Frosinone 69pts +20 GD
3rd (34) TERNANA 68pts +35 GD
4th (34) Salernitana 65pts +19 GD
5th (34) Benevento 65pts +32 GD
6th (34) Empoli 60pts +18 GD

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Cosenza - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: Seoane, Tozzo, Fosu-Mensah
Suspensions: Capone

PRE-MATCH

I've checked the Serie B rules and head-to-head record counts over goal difference - luckily, we have a better head-to-head record against all three of our rivals, so goal difference doesn't matter - we can gain second place if we just match the points tally of them.

Of course, every game is a cup final now, but we take the first one on without the influential Seoane - but a good replacement to have in Damian.

OVERVIEW

In the lead! Partipilo (21) finishes off a beautiful flowing move; great assist from Lucera, but the ball in behind for him from Riccardi was phenomenal!

That goal was too easy! Garbutt floats a deep, straight free kick and Armini (45) simply flicks his header over the 'keeper, completely unchallenged. 7th of the season for the brilliant youngster.

Cosenza make this nervy in the second half, dominated the game suddenly until we grab our third against the run of play!

Garbutt flies down the left, receives the ball, first time cross, and there's Partipilo (69) to grab another - a very impressive showing from a fringe player this season!

Penalty! Partipilo hauled down, gets up to take... misses! That was a golden chance at a hat-trick!

But there's another! A rare assist from Matino as his looping cross is nodded in easily by Lucera (88) for his 8th of the season.

We're on fire!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Raimondo LUCERA (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 4-0

 

Frosinone 0 - 0 Trapani
Benevento 0 - 2 Empoli
Salternita 2 - 1 Pescara

We're clear out in 2nd by 1 point with three games to go!

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Juve Stabia v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Phillips, (CB) Armini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: Seoane, Tozzo, Fosu-Mensah

PRE-MATCH

Three more cup finals left!

Capone is back but it's a place on the bench as I go completely unchanged for today.

Fairly easy games for everyone in the promotion hunt today, so a slip up would be extremely costly.

OVERVIEW

Early goal! Parodi down the right, cut back for Riccardi (14) who nearly takes the net off with his finish!

Equaliser though! Szyminski (19) with his first of the season after a mistake from Armini.

We hit the bar twice - first Armini with a header, then a Garbutt free kick.

Back in front! Cleared corner but Damian does excellent to keep the chance alive and his nudge in the air is headed expertly in off the post by Phillips (44).

Salternitana and Benevento being held at half time, and Frosinone are 2-0 down!

Such a tightly contested game this... Rosseti hits the post with his last contribution before going off.

Side looks exhausted... just hold on...

Ohhh we do more than that; we've added a third! Damian works it to Paghera (90+1) and his first of the season is an absolute beauty from the edge of the box, in off the bar!

Get in!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Filippo DAMIAN (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

Ascoli 0 - 1 Salernitana 
Cosenza 1 - 4 Benevento
Crotone 2 - 0 Frosinone

Benevento now out of the running - six points behind, worse head-to-head record with two games to go.

Frosinone are now four points behind, Salernitana three points behind.

We secure 2nd place with one win from our next two games!!!!!!

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TERNANA v. Lecce - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Partipilo, (AML) Capone, (ST) Rosseti
                    
Injuries: Tozzo, Phillips
Suspensions: Parodi, Lucera

PRE-MATCH

If we're to win promotion today, we'll have to do it without quite a few players. Phillips will miss the last two games - he's sadly played his last game for Ternana. 

Luca Parodi is suspended, so Fosu-Mensah plays half fit with a broken wrist. Needs must!

... but as we're the late kick off, I get news that we're almost there! Frosinone 2-2 Empoli - they can't catch us!

Only Salernitana can now - they kick off at home to Entella at same time as us. If we win, we're up no matter what.

OVERVIEW

Pressure? What pressure!

38 seconds on the clock, Garbutt free kick, back post, Armini (1) rises and slams it in!

Nerves growing here though... I want that second!

AND THERE IT IS! What a goal that is! Guevara with a slide rule pass for Capone (24) and from just inside the box he hits a beautifully placed first time effort into the corner of the net!

Salternitana 2-1 up at the break, but it doesn't matter as long as we hold this lead.

This is so, so tense! Lecce having the better of this half...

BUT THAT SETTLES IT!!! Gnonto lays off for Guevara (88) and we wrap it up in style with a smash of a hit from 20 yards!

WE'RE UP!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (8.4)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

... or are we? For some reason, the game hasn't acknowledged it, and it's now saying Salernitana could still go up... I check and we actually have an inferior head-to-head record to Salernitana, but... we were ahead of them when level on points a few games back?

And even when we won that last game, my post-game team talk was "congrats on promotion to Serie A"...

I'm confused. We need a point away to Monza to make sure I guess.

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Monza v. TERNANA - Serie B

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Armini, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Marilungo
                    
Injuries: Tozzo, Phillips, Rosseti

PRE-MATCH

Oh man... if we lose it now after I thought it was done. The nerves...

I'm giving Guido Marilungo his first start of the season in Rosseti's absence. Just a gut feeling...

OVERVIEW

Pure. Nerves.

DAMIAN (19) I LOVE YOU!!! It's a trademark banger, low and hard into the bottom far corner!!!

Oh dear... equaliser! Rapid counter-attack, Sini flicks the cross clear but Sampirisi (37) runs on and belts it in!

Pure. Pure. Nerves!

AAAHHAHAHAHA!!! It pays off! Corner half cleared, Riccardi nods it down and Marilungo (42), on the half volley, fires home!

... but they're instantly back level! Again a counter attack, again down their left, cross comes in and Gliozzi (44) guides the ball back into the corner beyond the 'keeper!

Salernitana are level with Genoa at the break...

3-2! Parodi from the right, Capone (53) makes a gorgeous angled run into the box and nudges his volley home - 'keeper got a touch but couldn't keep it out!

Capone becomes the only player to get double figures for goals this season.

... and finally, finally there's breathing space! An odd goal - scramble in the box and it sort of hits Sini (64) for his 1st of the season!

And Salternitana are one down to Genoa - that's gotta be it!

It is!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luca PARODI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-4

 

After all that drama, in the end we secure 2nd by 6 points!!!

Our preliminary wage budget for next season is announced... £140k a week. For the whole squad. Cristiano Ronaldo alone is on £950k a week!!!

FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS

1st (38) Verona 88pts +49 GD
2nd (38) TERNANA 80pts +46 GD
3rd (38) Frosinone 74pts +19 GD
4th (38) Salernitana 74pts +21 GD
5th (38) Benevento 72pts +34 GD
6th (38) Empoli 65pts +19 GD

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Luke Garbutt (40%), Filippo Damian (25%), Ander Guevara (22%)
GOAL OF THE SEASON: Jaime Seoane (vs. Crotone)
SIGNING OF THE SEASON: Luke Garbutt (FREE)
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Jaime Seoane

... and now my immediate reaction of joy turns to one of terror. How the hell do I keep us up???

[Tubey84]

TERNANA RENEW KEY PLAYER LOAN CONTRACTS

FERE MOVE TO SECURE GUEVARA AND CAPONE FOR SERIE A CAMPAIGN

Top goalscorer Christian Capone and key anchorman Ander Guevara will ply their trade at Libero Liberati once more next season for their Serie A campaign after extending their loan contracts.

Atalanta and Real San Sebastian respectively were happy to see their young players continue at a club where they were virtual ever-presents throughout the 2020/21 season.

Ternana were surprisingly promoted to Serie A in their first season in Serie B, and will be up against it as they aim to survive in Italy's top division. Meanwhile, player of the season Luke Garbutt and midfield stalwart Filippo Damian are attracting strong interest ahead of the transfer window opening.

Edited September 11, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

TERNANA SECURE £5.25M DEAL FOR PESCARA HITMAN BORRELLI

£80M RELEASE FEE IN NEW CONTRACT FOR 21-YEAR-OLD

Ternana have raided Serie B ahead of their assault on Serie A, spending big on 14-goal striker Gennaro Borrelli from Pescara.

The £5.25M deal takes a big chunk out of the estimated £10M budget available to Ternana this summer - however, manager Lee Tubey is confident that it's worth the outlay.

Borrelli was the second highest goalscorer in Serie B last season, despite Pescara finishing in 9th-place. A deal for top scorer Lamin Jallow to follow Borrelli to Ternana from Salernitana collapsed after Fere cancelled the deal at the eleventh hour.

Edited September 11, 2020 by Tubey84

[Tubey84]

TERNANA SQUAD 2021/22

Right, time to stop being lazy! With our transfer business done (that took a while!), here's links to our starting squad so you can see the players I've been talking about and will be talking about!

GOALKEEPERS

Joao Virgínia

Andrea Tozzo

Patrick Rakovsky

 

DEFENDERS

Agostino Camigliano

Nicoló Armini

Javier Montero

Luca Parodi

Luke Garbutt

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Simone Sini

Federico Dimarco

Leonardo Sernicola

 

MIDFIELDERS

Fabrizio Paghera

Ander Guevara

Jaime Seoane

Rodrigo Riquelme

Yan

Alessio Riccardi

Filippo Damian

Raimondo Lucera

Anthony Partipilo

Christian Capone

 

STRIKERS

Davide Merola

Degnand Wilfried Gnonto

Gennaro Borrelli

Manu Appeh

 

------

 

TRANSFER WINDOW ROUND-UP

IN:

Gennaro BORRELLI - ST - £5.25M, FROM PESCARA

I nervously gulped when I clicked confirm on this one, but he suits me tactically and he's proven he can score goals in a poor side. Plus, despite the big fee, it's small wages - only £5k a week.

Javier MONTERO - CB/LB - LOAN, FROM ATLETICO MADRID

Two year loan, as I'm very, very confident that he'll be a starter for those two years. Solid, solid defender - and I somehow have managed to wrangle the option to sign him permanently for £5m at any point during this loan!

Federico DIMARCO - LB - LOAN, FROM INTER MILAN

Another loan with an option to buy - this time for a small fee of £3.2m. However, I'm less convinced with him than I am with Montero - but we'll see.

Franco VEZZONI - CM - FREE

Ex-Inter Milan youth prospect who joins the youth team. Has a bunch of potential.

Manu APPEH - CF - £475K, FROM PONDERRADA

In retrospect this may have been a silly signing, as I'm well stocked in the striker area now, but he has scored goals galore and comes highly rated by the scouts. We'll see.

YAN - RW - LOAN, FROM INTERNACIONALE (BRAZIL)

This is the first signing since... well... ever, that I've made completely blind. I had no clue how good he was; all I knew was that Manchester City and Tottenham were interested in him. A two year loan with an option to buy for a hefty £12.75m, but he looks VERY promising.

Rodrigo RIQUELME - CM - £650K, FROM ATLETICO MADRID

A guy I scouted at the same time as bringing in Montero, and went back for him a few weeks later when he came available on the cheap. He's a similar mould to Jaime Seoane and will feature as a squad rotational option - we needed depth in centre-mid.

Leonardo SERNICOLA - RB - LOAN, FROM SASSUOLO

Parodi is injury prone, and Fosu-Mensah isn't dynamic enough to be the full back option for me long term, so Sernicola comes in for depth.

 

OUT:

Emanuele SUAGHER - £170K, TO TRAPANI

Lorenzo ROSSETI - £185K, TO PESCARA

Kevin AGBONIFO - FREE, TO NOVARA

Guido MARILUNGO - £29K, TO CARPI

Alessandro CELLI - LOAN, TO TRAPANI

Raffale VERGARO - FREE, TO PORDENONE

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Spezia - Italian Cup 3rd. Qual. Rnd

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Montero, (LB) Sini, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Dimarco, Armini
Suspensions: Lucera, Guevara, Parodi, Garbutt, Fosu-Mensah

PRE-MATCH

FIVE suspensions?!?

Welp, good job it's not a league game, as that's definitely the priority this season!

OVERVIEW

Oh my word... if that's a taste of what we have in store, Yan (4) is going to be something else!

He skips infield past two players and calmly slots in.

We're not at our flowing best today - a lot of new players fitting in.

The second with the last kick of the game - Spezia had committed everyone forward, lost the ball, Sini ran down the left, pulled back and Paghera (90+5) fires in.

An easy win, acts as a good pre-season game.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Fabrizio PAGHERA (8.7)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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AC Milan v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Capone

PRE-MATCH

Oh boy, here we go...

I'm dreading this season - happy to be in Serie A of course but the original plan was to get a foothold in Serie B, gradually build a side up and get promoted inside 2-3 seasons.

We're wayyyyy ahead of schedule!

The plan is twofold - take points off the bigger sides early in the season where they are perhaps a bit more unsettled, and try to win as many relegation six pointers as we possibly can.

OVERVIEW

All Milan - difference in pace and tempo is staggering; they've hit the bar three times in the first half hour.

Ohh Yan should score! He's in, ball from Lucera and he has the simplest of volleys about five yards out and he blasts over...

Still 0-0 at half time... somehow. The pace of Rafael Leao is terrifying.

WE'RE AHEAD! Seoane with a cute ball inside the left back, Sernicola (58) with the perfect run and slots beautifully!

Wow... what a goal that is from Kessie (69) to equalise! Runs it, and then thumps it in off the bar.

VAR gives Milan a penalty... meh. Kessie (81, PEN) scores his second from the spot.

A good effort that from the lads, but a defeat.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Leonardo SERNICOLA (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

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TERNANA v. Brescia - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Capone, Yan

PRE-MATCH

We need to make Libero Liberati a fortress this season.

Yan has had three injuries in two weeks... this one the worst of them, out for 2-3 weeks, but already big concerns about his injury susceptibility...

OVERVIEW

Brescia ahead inside two minutes - Viviani (2) with a beautiful low strike, 'keeper no chance.

Gnonto has looked dangerous on the right in the early going - good cross here for Lucera who strikes hard but hits the outside of the post.

Seoane hits the bar - we're doing well here despite being behind.

Great goal! Seoane (48) punishes a slack clearance with a first time half volley from 20 yards.

Unlucky not to win that - Borrelli hits the bar late on. Good performance!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

FYI - Man City just bought Tammy Abraham for £191m!!!!!!

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Atalanta v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

We brought in Barcelona centre-half Chumi on deadline day. He's on the bench.

In retrospect, whilst that performance against Brescia was good, that was a home game against a team with an outside chance of relegation - we probably needed the win there.

The international break means that Yan has recovered and not missed more than one game - but he's on the bench today.

OVERVIEW

Jesse Lingard finds himself at Atalanta and he's terrifying us with pace at present.

Goal for... Ternana! Capone with the final pass after incisive football down the left and Riccardi (6) tucks away our first chance of the game!

Lucera sent off, 31 minutes... deliberate handball in a nothing situation, stupid thing to do.

All Atalanta now but we take the lead into the interval.

Oh! They're down to ten men! Mistake from Lingard, Borrelli nicks it and Sutalo is shown the second yellow as he hauls him down.

Oh wow... Zapata sees VAR rule out his last minute equaliser; that was razor tight!

That's a great win in a very close, extremely competitive game!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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TERNANA v. Perugia - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Fosu-Mensah, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Guevara
Suspensions: Lucera

PRE-MATCH

This is the Umbria Derby!

And we're favourites for it somehow!

Well, they have lost their first three games, conceding eight in the process, so maybe it's not a surprise!

This is a 100%, absolutely must win game.

OVERVIEW

Dominating without creating anything early on.

Perugia look reluctant to come out of their own half.

Lovely incisive football to give us the lead - Seoane and Sernicola combine down the right before Borrelli (30) is slipped in for his 1st Ternana goal.

Perugia are genuinely not coming out of their half - not even competing for their long goal kick clearances, just happy to give us the ball back.

Penalty! Gnonto brought down, VAR confirms it... Borrelli (76, PEN) thumps it in, 'keeper didn't even move!

3-0! Yan, playing on the left, flies down the wing, an arrow of a cross and Gnonto (88) scores a rare headed goal at the back post.

I've not seen a more negative performance from any team in my time on FM. We had 34 shots on goal, simply because they kept giving us the ball.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gennaro BORRELLI (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

6th (4) AC Milan 7pts +2 GD
7th (4) Parma 7pts +1 GD
8th (4) TERNANA 7pts +3 GD
9th (4) Torino 7pts +1 GD
10th (4) Sassuolo 6pts +3 GD
11th (4) Verona 6pts +0 GD

OVERVIEW

Last season, 29 points was enough to stay up. The season before, 34 points - so it's a low bar to clear in theory, and picking up 7 points from the first four games is a very positive start for us in our mission to avoid getting sucked into the relegation struggle too early.

But that said, the league table barely matters right now - Lazio are in the relegation zone on 1 point, for example. Very early days.

[Tubey84]

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Salernitana v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Partipilo

PRE-MATCH

Huge game this - you have to think this is a relegation six pointer.

OVERVIEW

All Ternana but we can't put the ball in the net so far!

And of course Jallow (27) scores after I pulled the plug on a deal for him in the summer... Their first chance of the game.

Wow, two chances, two goals. Billong (29) with it.

Half time - they've been clinical, we've been anything but.

One goal back - terrible mistake in defence as a simple header away is missed and Montero (54) tucks in easily.

And then we make the same mistake. Long ball, Montero totally misjudges it and, of course, Jallow (58) is in and scores.

3-2 - the 'keeper is unlucky there. He dives one way to save a shot from Seoane but it's blocked and falls perfectly for Yan (67) who has an open goal to pop it into.

But it's a 3-2 defeat. Desperately disappointing result.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Javier MONTERO (7.5)
FINAL SCORE: 3-2

 

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TERNANA v. Udinese - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Armini, Partipilo

PRE-MATCH

Udinese have struggled at the start of this season - it's a chance at a result whilst they're not at their best.

OVERVIEW

Dull opening apart from one moment by Dimarco - a thudding shot that forces a brilliant save onto the bar from their 'keeper.

Seoane is teed up as the half draws to a close but his half volley flies narrowly over.

We've been the better team but 0-0 at the break.

We're ahead! Capone (57) turns on the volley, Udinese 'keeper Musso gets a hand on it but it bobbles off him into the side netting.

Nesterovski should equalise at the death but he fires narrowly wide with the 'keeper stranded.

We hold on - very, very good result!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Federico DIMARCO (8.0)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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Napoli v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Armini, Gnonto

PRE-MATCH

Should be a straightforward win for Napoli on paper. But the game isn't played on paper!

OVERVIEW

Koulibaly (1) - it took 50 seconds!

Borrelli is in... wonder save from Meret at full stretch. Damn!

Asensio is brought down by Guevara, VAR gives the pen... Politano takes, and it's saved by Rakovsky!

2-0! Milik (24) gets it; massive gulf in class here.

Koulibaly (32) again - powerful header that!

We're getting battered here in terms of the score, but their 'keeper Meret has stopped two excellent chances for us.

Second half and they just ease off the gas and take this win, nothing much happened.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (7.5)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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TERNANA v. Cagliari - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Fosu-Mensah, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: Guevara, Gnonto

PRE-MATCH

A better chance of points at home to solidly mid-table outfit Cagliari, but they are in form here.

OVERVIEW

We're ahead! Dimarco swings in a delicious cross and it causes havoc, ultimately resulting in Bradaric (3, OG) putting into his own net beyond Ospina.

Montero scores... but it's disallowed by VAR! Adjudged to have put it in with his arm!

*sigh* equaliser... Montiel (23) with a great low finish.

Capone... how does he miss? A head two yards out and he hits the bar and the ball bounces on the line and away. Shocking miss.

2-1 to Cagliari, Simeone (27) - pathetic defending from Montero.

Great equaliser - Dimarco arrows it across to Seoane (39), who is unmarked, takes a touch and buries it.

Keystone cops defending from both sides today; 2-2 at the break.

Borrelli has this unnerving knack of being the unluckiest footballer alive. He could have had five or six more this season but he keeps being denied in absurd ways.

Absolute beauty for 3-2, and it's the Dimarco/Seoane (53) combo yet again; Seoane with another fine strike from distance.

He's been agitating for a contract renewal and he's making it hard to deny him.

4-2, more terrible defending, assist from Borrelli after he walked through two challenges and chipped to the back stick for Capone (58).

5-2 - lovely finish from Yan (82) who just slides it into the bottom corner with laser accuracy.

Err... 6-2! What a strange, strange game! This one is a first of the season for Manu Appeh (88) after Yan forces an error on the right, crosses, big deflection and it's a tap in.

7-2! Cagliari just can't defend! Yan (90+2) with another absolutely beautiful, placed finish.

One of the strangest games I've ever seen! In no way did that game feel like we'd score seven in it, but they just couldn't defend!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (9.5)
FINAL SCORE: 7-2

 

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Lazio v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Manu Appeh
                    
Injuries: Gnonto

PRE-MATCH

Normally, this is a write-off fixture - but Lazio, despite spending more than £100m in the summer, have been awful so far in the league, and we're just off the back of scoring seven goals in a game.

So who knows!

It's Nicoló Armini taking on his parent club - when he left, he joined a Serie C/C team - he returns three seasons later above them in Serie A!

Manu Appeh in for Borrelli after his goal last time out - taking Borrelli out of the line of fire for a game.

OVERVIEW

1-0! Yan (7) has been extremely impressive so far and it's a fine headed effort from a Dimarco cross, but where was the marking???

Oh that's a lovely equaliser. Great composure from Immobile as he resists the difficult chance and instead puts it on a plate for Borré... but VAR are having a look... it's ruled out for offside!

Yan should make it two right on the whistle, but hits the bar.

The second half is a tight affair with no real chances - suits us, 1-0 win!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Federico DIMARCO (7.9)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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TERNANA v. Juventus - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Riquelme, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: None.
Suspensions: Seoane

PRE-MATCH

If we get a point of Juventus, I'll throw myself a party!

OVERVIEW

Borrelli should put us ahead instantly - terrible mistake from Hamsik, but he rolls the ball wide by inches...

We're dominating the game! Crazy complacency so far from Juve.

GOALLLL!!! Lovely reverse chipped pass from Riccardi to the back post, Yan (42) nods it and it bounces beyond the 'keeper into the corner; that's a PERFECTLY placed header!

Armini makes it two on the whistle but... he doesn't. He's an inch offside...

That's a stunning first half performance, we've dominated the game and limited Juventus to one shot on goal!

Higuain is in... fantastic stop from Rakovsky! That was the swiftest counter attack I've seen on FM to date!

Higuain does equalise on the 75th minute... VAR having a look... wowwwwww... it's disallowed because the defender is behind the goal line when he taps it in, making him offside!

Ahhh c'mon... damnit! Higuain (90+1) equalises in stoppage time and it's so, so undeserved, but a lovely finish.

But it's a 1-1 draw - I'm throwin' a party!!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: YAN (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

6th (10) Fiorentina 18pts +7 GD
7th (10) Torino 18pts +3 GD
8th (10) TERNANA 17pts +6 GD
9th (10) Salernitana 14pts -1 GD
10th (10) Roma 14pts +3 GD
11th (10) Sassuolo 14pts +0 GD

OVERVIEW

We're doing very well - a few expected losses, one disappointing result against Salernitana, but everything else has been fantastic. Zero complaints. Salernitana themselves are high-flying too, and Verona are out of the bottom three as well.

Yan has been a revelation - he's 6ft1 so decent in the air, but very technical. Love him! Just hope he stays fit!

[Tubey84]

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Inter Milan v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli
                    
Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

The league leaders, away from home. No injuries or suspensions- let's see what we can do!

Quick note - only three of our starting eleven are permanent signings, the rest are loans!

OVERVIEW

A golden chance from Borrelli goes wanting before Inter strike - Leroy Sané blitzes down the left, cross and Draxler (15) thunders a header in on the run.

Borrelli hits the bar... honestly I think the lad is cursed.

We're not embarrassing ourselves here to be fair, but it's 2-0 - Willian José (28) with the header from a lovely Brozovic free-kick.

Wahey we get one back, and finally Borrelli (59) strikes after a lovely flick on from Riccardi.

An expected loss but we did well out there today.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

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TERNANA v. Bologna - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Fosu-Mensah, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: None.             
Suspensions: Armini, Dimarco, Guevara.

PRE-MATCH

Bologna are above us in the league, but only by two points. Indeed, we're on six points off Juventus in 2nd after 11 games, so perhaps it's time to start having a bit of confidence!

Especially when you consider that, remarkably, we're unbeaten at home so far.

This is off the back of yet another international break - seems like it happens every five minutes!

This is my 100th game in charge, and I have a boatload of suspensions for it!

We're seeing some shock results this season - Juventus have already lost three in twelve, as have Napoli.

OVERVIEW

Early minor thigh injury for Yan - taking no chances, off he comes.

Goal Bologna. A stunner too from Vignato (7) - smashed it in.

Terrible mistake from Scuffet in the Bologna goal - tried to pass it out short, Capone (22) and promptly puts the ball in the net.

That's really slack defending - Cangiano (39) allowed to waltz into the box, nobody closed him down and he says "thanks" and puts it high beyond Rakovsky.

That's a fortunate equaliser - we've been well off it today. It's a great strike from Sernicola (74) though.

That is so harsh on Bologna... they've been the better side but it's Gnonto (83) who puts us ahead due to his sheer pace; a long ball from Capone on the counter and he takes a great first touch, runs clear and slots well.

Iheanacho with a golden chance in stoppage time, but it's a remarkable recover and tackle from Chumi!

Vignato with a chance with the last kick of the game but it's a great stop from Rakovsky.

Somehow, we've won that! 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (8.4)
FINAL SCORE: 3-2

 

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Sassuolo v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Chumi             
Suspensions: Sernicola

PRE-MATCH

Our showing so far is remarkable, but as for Salernitana... it's beyond belief what they're doing. They spent less than us in the summer, have a very limited squad, came up from Serie B by the playoffs, yet they're above us in Serie A - and are unbeaten in 8 games!!!

Effectively our strongest eleven available today.

OVERVIEW

All Sassuolo early on, and they get a deserved lead - corner in and it just hits Fosu-Mensah (11, OG) and bobbles across the line.

Borrelli... *sigh*

Ball in to feet, hits the near post from six yards out, bounces back to him, has an open goal and hits the other post.

I actually sub him off immediately after that, 20 minutes in.

Equaliser! We were well on top - Capone cross after a half cleared corner and Montero (27) has stayed up and nods it in.

Two! Same combo, this time directly from the corner, and Montero (30) nods in Capone's excellent delivery.

On balance of play, fortunate to be ahead at the interval.

A sitter for Carascal - but misses. Should be level, all Sassuolo early in the second.

A wonder save from Rakovsky from Defrel to keep us level. All Sassuolo!

Oh what a counter attack! Fosu-Mensah given the freedom of the pitch on the right, cuts back to Yan, shoots, great save but Gnonto (49) converts the rebound.

Another stunning save from Rakovsky, this time from Goldaniga at close range.

Mistake from Montero, Raspadori is in, beats Rakovsky and strikes the outside of the post and wide.

On another day, Sassuolo could have had five or six here.

ANOTHER unbelievable stop from Rakovsky! Raspadori free-kick, deflected high, going in the top corner and the 'keeper gets a strong glove on it and tips it away.

Off the line from Armini in the last minute... they've had 12 shots on target here, yet they've lost 3-1!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Javier MONTERO (9.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-3

 

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Parma v. TERNANA - Italian Cup 4th Qual. Rnd

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Camigliano, (CB) Chumi, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riquelme, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Merola, (AML) Partipilo, (ST) Manu Appeh

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

As much as a cup run is fun, the league is just 100x more important. Reserves time!

That said, it's not like my reserves are terrible or anything. So we still have a good chance.

OVERVIEW

A disjointed first half, but Parma get the lead late on and just about deserve it - Mbaye (44) from close range.

Penalty - Parodi hauls down Gervinho, and his second yellow - he's off. Inglese (49, PEN) scores.

We got battered there.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Joao VIRGÍNIA (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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Verona v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

Before the season started, this was earmarked as a relegation six-pointer, but once again we're exceeding expectations and can probably start to think of mid-table.

A fully rested, full strength side... sort of. Borrelli gets another chance; I've got to believe in him!

OVERVIEW

Boom! Fosu-Mensah (4) with a rocket for 1-0.

A great start to the second half too - Fosu-Mensah the provider this time with a cross for Riccardi (50) to nod in on the run.

A fairly comfortable, dare I say routine win. We're not going down this season!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Timothy FOSU-MENSAH (8.4)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

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TERNANA v. Parma - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Dimarco

PRE-MATCH

A chance for revenge after our reserves got leathered in the cup.

Not a time for complacency - in both seasons we started to struggle around Christmas and into January/February, so the longer we can keep momentum and keep results flowing, the better.

OVERVIEW

Garbutt is on the assist trail once more - corner, and Montero (20) puts in his 4th of the campaign.

Great goal for Borrelli (31)! Yan with an incisive pass and the so-far lacklustre forward with a tidy finish for a change!

3-0, despite Parma being quite decent today. We've been very clinical, and this time it's Yan (67) popping in after good work from Capone.

Fantastic counter attack for a consolation goal - Mendy (84) with it.

Remarkably, we can now start to dream of Europe!

MAN OF THE MATCH: YAN (7.8)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

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TERNANA v. Fiorentina - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Riquelme, Capone

PRE-MATCH

I think what has happened is that I've brought in good, ambitious young players and slotted them into a solid system. That combined with a relatively weak/strange league this season that sees, amongst other things, Fiorentina up in 1st.

I'm not complaining no matter what the reason is - I'm about 15-20 points better off than I thought I might be.

Riccardi isn't injured, but he is jaded - Damian comes in.

OVERVIEW

Goal of the season for Yan (6). No question.

It was a wide free kick for Fiorentina, nodded clear by Armini to Yan who picks it up well inside his own half, sprints clear cuts inside and slots in.

Lucera nearly does the same! Fiorentina are far too cavalier with attacking set pieces and are leaving barely anyone back - we're countering them with ease.

This is a special performance from Yan, it really is. He's terrifying them on the counter time and again.

Second half, Armini concedes a penalty... Pulgar (60) steps up, saved, but he nets the rebound.

Fiorentina as you'd expect dominated large portions of this game, but it ends 1-1. Great result.

MAN OF THE MATCH: YAN (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

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TERNANA v. SPAL - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Capone, Paghera

PRE-MATCH

SPAL are in 20th, have lost four of the last five. A win here will see us really in contention for Europe as we approach the halfway stage of the season.

OVERVIEW

Seoane (3) opens up his body and curls one into the top corner majestically for 1-0.

By the way, long throws seem very overpowered . Doesn't even matter if the taker has decent stats - it seems to always cause defensive chaos.

A 9th of the season for Yan (24)! He's turning out to be a total superstar; this time it's another well judged header.

SPAL back in it late on - Campagna (75) gets above Armini to power in the header. We concede a lot in the air.

Lucera off injured (POST-MATCH NOTE: That's a torn hamstring unfortunately...), that puts us down to ten men. SPAL nearly capitalise but a rasping shot from Hulk just misses the far post.

We hang on - convincing early, got complacent late.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Federico DIMARCO (8.6)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

4th (17) Juventus 36pts +21 GD
5th (17) TERNANA 33pts +13 GD
6th (17) Torino 32pts +6 GD
7th (17) AC Milan 30pts +14 GD
8th (17) Bologna 25pts +8 GD
9th (17) Salernitana 21pts -7 GD

OVERVIEW

Unbeaten in six, just five points off Napoli at the top.

Is FM20... easier in some way? Usually I'd be adjusting on the fly a lot more in earlier games. I'm wary that just winning constantly makes this a dull narrative, but I can't deliberately gimp myself.

[Tubey84]

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Roma v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera, Paghera, Sini

PRE-MATCH

Roma are some distance below us in the league, but today they should - note the word "should" - be a massive challenge away from home.

We've struggled in the second half of each season; this is the first game of 2022.

OVERVIEW

A tense, tactical battle of a first half. Roma edged the play but not to a great degree.

Same story second half - Rakovsky with a stunning save to deny Kluivert, but generally it was a very tight game.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Patrick RAKOVSKY (7.5)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Torino - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera
Suspensions: Yan

PRE-MATCH

High-flying Torino are defying expectations of a mid-table struggle and are firmly in the European hunt. This should be a tough test today.

A win would put us on 37 points and make us effectively safe from relegation even if we lost every game from here on in.

Big news just prior to kick-off - Riccardi agrees to stay at Ternana for a fourth consecutive season.

OVERVIEW

Corner swung in, Armini (23) back post, 'keeper should keep it out but doesn't, 1-0!

Rakovsky has been a brick wall lately - another great performance today.

Torino had the better of it, but again we've simply been more clinical and took our best chance, and that's secured the win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (7.5)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. AC Milan - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Chumi, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera
Suspensions: Fosu-Mensah, Montero, Guevara

PRE-MATCH

Our decision to crash out of the cup means we've had a longer rest than Milan did - that may or may not make a difference.

A win today would see us go four points clear in 5th from Milan and Torino behind us, and - ridiculously - would put us in the title picture...

Fabrizio Paghera becomes the latest veteran from Serie C/C to start a game for Ternana in Serie A.

OVERVIEW

Chumi injured early on - Sini the replacement.

Yan pulls his groin, is about to come off... when he scores with his last touch! Sernicola tackles, Yan (28) gets a toe on it and guides the ball into the far corner.

Nearly two as substitute Borrelli does what he does best - hit the bar.

It's two! We've limited them to half chances, and countered well; it leads to the goal here - Riccardi with the final superb pass and Borrelli (83) prods it home.

Rakavsky again... denies Suso and Belotti in quick succession. Incredible performances from him of late.

Unbelievable... it's three! Milan threw everyone forward, Gnonto carries the ball, slides in Borrelli (90+4) to wrap up a superb performance.

We've just beat AC Milan 3-0! This result means we have a two points per game record after twenty games - staggering...

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gennaro BORRELLI (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Brescia v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera, Chumi

PRE-MATCH

We're unbeaten at home - the joint best home record in the league in fact - but we're not so hot away again. Four wins in nine away from Libero Liberati.

Against lowly Brescia, we need to improve that record to keep up our ridiculous push for... well, Champions League football at this point.

OVERVIEW

My word, what a goal that is from Torregrossa (15) - he leaps up, turns in the air and fires a volley from the edge of the area into the top corner.

That will be in goal of the season contention.

Not the greatest first half performance to put it mildly.

We're doing better in the second! Yan layes off and it's an arrow from Seoane (51) into the top corner.

A quiet half overall though, ends 1-1. Our unbeaten run continues but, in the context of how this season has gone, that's two points dropped.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

A very, very quiet January transfer window - only Camigliano out on loan, and a loan offer for Luke Garbutt rejected. No incomings - didn't even look to be honest. No funds.

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TERNANA v. Atalanta - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera, Chumi, Riccardi, Parodi

PRE-MATCH

So a must win game for very different reasons now! We've got to stick our home form to keep momentum now.

A bit of injury crisis though - so much so that we can only name 10 subs. Riccardi is the one that hurts most.

OVERVIEW

Seoane (15) doesn't half pick out some beautiful finishes - here's the latest; a dipping effort from outside the box.

A really tight game of few chances, but Capone is putting on a show here against his parent club.

And there's an assist from him! Lovely threaded through ball for Gnonto (71), and his finish goes straight through the 'keeper; a terrible mistake.

Gnonto (76) gifted his second through another defensive mistake - he robs Varnier, sprints clear and slots. This hasn't been a 3-0 game but Atalanta have been their own worst enemy.

Atalanta have collapsed now. Gnonto should have his hat-trick, Manu Appeh is denied from close range and Armini hits the bar, but it remains 3-0.

11 games unbeaten. Just absurd.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian CAPONE (8.8)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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Perugia vs. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera, Chumi, Riccardi, Parodi

PRE-MATCH

If we seriously want European football next season, we have to take three points from this game.

We have Napoli, Juventus, Inter and a resurgent Lazio coming up basically in a row in the run-in, so we need to take attainable points wherever we find them.

Totally unchanged from the last match. Rare!

OVERVIEW

We're doing that "crap away from home" thing again... Kouan (25) gives them the lead.

Penalty given 65 minutes in (even looking at the replay I don't know why, inoccuous to say the least!)

Dimarco steps up... saved. This is one of those games were the match engine just seems determined to screw you over.

They had two shots, we had ten on target alone - they win the game 1-0.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. Salernitana - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Lucera, Chumi, Parodi, Partipilo

PRE-MATCH

Riccardi back in for this - Salernitana have plummeted after a strong start after taking on the division heavyweights one after another.

OVERVIEW

A few VAR calls - Yan is deemed outside the area when he's tripped, so no penalty, but moments later Borrelli is brought down and the pen is given.

Borrelli (19, PEN) puts it away.

A very tight game after that with no real chances to speak of. 1-0. I'll take it.

Juventus lose away to Bologna - we're now above them by one point.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Timothy FOSU-MENSAH (6.9)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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Udinese v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Riquelme, Chumi, Parodi, Partipilo

PRE-MATCH

Udinese have struggled this season, but still - away game.

OVERVIEW

All the entertainment came at the tail end of the first half - numerous chances for both sides in a free-flowing encounter, but we go in goalless.

Udinese take the lead - Ghiglione (60) with a fine striker, and on the balance of play it's a deserved goal.

A shocking error from Rakovsky gifts them the second - he should have came out and cleared but was just static, Lasagna (67) just gathers up the ball and sticks it in.

Cristo (89) gets his first ever Udinese goal late on to wrap up a comprehensive win.

We weren't good enough today. I'll need a rethink of approach to away games tactically.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jaime SEOANE (6.9)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

5th (25) Juventus 49pts +29 GD
6th (25) TERNANA 47pts +17 GD
7th (25) Torino 45pts +7 GD
8th (25) Bologna 37pts +10 GD
9th (25) Lazio 30pts +2 GD

 

OVERVIEW

Our away form once again harming our chances - 2 points from a possible 12 in the last four away games. Not good enough.

On the flip side, 10 wins, 3 draws in 13 home games.

If you think that's good though, check out Napoli - 12 home games, 12 wins, 25 goals scored, 1 - yes, one - conceded.

Guess who we've got next? ^^

[Tubey84]

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TERNANA v. Napoli - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Parodi, Paghera

PRE-MATCH

A team who are looking like champions-elect right now - if they do win it, they will break a Juventus title winning streak that extends to 2011/12.

We've requested transfer funds from the board - we're using it to try and tie up permanent deals for Montero and Sernicola.

OVERVIEW

We're well in this - Borrelli is causing all sorts of trouble for them on the counter.

GOAL! Dimarco sees a corner headed back to him, his second cross is a peach and Armini (22) catches a thunderous volley at the back post - a wonderful finish.

Five yellow cards for us in the first half as we kick the daylights out of them. It's working - 1-0 at the break.

Back to the wall stuff - Coman is terrorising us on the left.

We hang on! What an incredible result that is; for me our best performance ever. We dug really, really deep.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (8.2)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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Cagliari v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Damian, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Parodi
Suspensions: Dimarco, Riccardi, Capone

PRE-MATCH

We've just beaten the league leaders... you'd think I'd be confident playing 17th-placed Cagliari, but no; I'm expecting a loss, simply because we're away from home!

I think my tactical approach is too gung-ho when away, but that's my style really and it's hard for me to develop a "park the bus" strategy.

By the by, a win today would put us in 5th, 2 points above Juventus, who barring a miracle will not be defending their title this season.

OVERVIEW

Same old story - a poor away performance; so much so that in desperation I've gone for a generic 4-4-2 here 30 minutes in just to try and avoid the inevitable.

Nope that isn't working - Ryan Fraser (39) tucks in a counter attack.

I've made two subs inside 40 minutes, just tactically! Panic stations!

Cagliari should be three or four up - as it stands, it's just the one at the break.

We didn't look like scoring for a single moment that game... We haven't won an away game in three months.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Patrick RAKOVSKY (6.9)
FINAL SCORE: 1-0

 

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TERNANA v. Lazio - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Parodi, Sini
Suspensions: Yan

PRE-MATCH

We just need to keep doing well at home, simple as that. But Lazio will be extremely tough - they are resurgent after a dodgy start to the season.

OVERVIEW

Lazio have far more quality on paper and it's showing today - they're getting the better of the early stages.

They get the opener - Edouard (44) needs two stabs at it but nets eventually.

Dull after that - Lazio take a comfortable away win. Our first defeat of the season at home.

We've lost four of our last six games, and we've only scored two goals in that time. Serves me right for asking if FM20 was easier!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (6.9)
FINAL SCORE: 0-1

 

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Juventus v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Fosu-Mensah, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Virgínia, Parodi, Sini, Dimarco, Yan
Suspensions: Guevara, Armini

PRE-MATCH

Juventus. Away.

*cries*

Oh, and Yan is out for six weeks, Dimarco out for 2 months.

OVERVIEW

Ronaldo has an early one ruled out for offside.

Ramsey is pushed by Chumi, penalty. Ronaldo (23, PEN) plants it beyond the 'keeper for 1-0.

Borrelli sent off just before half time - two footed lunge on Bonucci.

De Ligt (74) wraps it up from a Pjanic corner.

Chumi (90+1, OG) with a comical own goal puts the icing on the cake - we won't be taking up the option to sign him I'm afraid.

Easy Juve win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Patrick RAKOVSKY (6.8)
FINAL SCORE: 3-0

 

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TERNANA v. Inter Milan - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Virgínia, Parodi, Sini, Dimarco, Yan, Borrelli
Suspensions: Sernicola, Borrelli

PRE-MATCH

Yay, a home game. Boo, against Inter.

OVERVIEW

Get in! We're up for this, and Armini (22) takes our first solid chance, his 3rd of the season.

Rakovsky with a wonderful save to deny Esposito.

Tremendous counter attack that though, Esposito (40) converts this time for the equaliser.

Ahhh... Garbutt concedes a penalty... Barella (78, PEN) gives them the lead. That was coming...

Equaliser immediately! Gnonto (79) skips past two to create the chance, is tackled, but Seoane puts him back in and he slots with ease!

We deserve something from this game, really do.

Chiesa mishits a last gasp glaring chance, but we take the point!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 2-2

 

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Bologna v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Borrelli

Injuries: Yan, Dimarco, Rakovsky

PRE-MATCH

This is a European qualification six pointer. Bologna, in 8th, are six points behind us right now - a win would put them right on our tail; a loss would see then out of sight with seven games remaining.

This would be a good time for us to win an away game...

OVERVIEW

Garbutt hits the post with a free kick as we start fairly well.

Oh come on Borrelli... simple chance, puts it wide. I had such high hopes for him too.

We go in 0-0, but we've had the better of this.

Second half, nothing in it, no chances, 0-0 - that's a good result!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-0

 

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TERNANA v. Sassuolo - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Manu Appeh

Injuries: Yan, Dimarco

PRE-MATCH

We haven't won in our last five games. This is a great chance to put that right.

Rakovsky coming back in goal, Borrelli out as I've lost all patience.

OVERVIEW

0-0 half time after we'd once again edged it.

GOAL! Riccardi nicks the ball away, quick pass and a first time finish from Manu Appeh (47)!

Quick reply. Great wide free kick from Carrascal and Goldaniga (53) puts it away.

Oh come ON Borrelli... Lucera over the top, fantastic run but the tamest of finishes from the substitute...

Ferrari sent off late on for Sassuolo, but it finishes 1-1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-1

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

5th (32) Juventus 61pts +30 GD
6th (32) Torino 58pts +6 GD
7th (32) TERNANA 53pts +13 GD
8th (32) Bologna 49pts +12 GD
9th (32) Atalanta 42pts -3 GD
10th (32) Lazio 37pts +0 GD

OVERVIEW

Yeah we've collapsed, but given the season overall I can hardly complain - we've played out of our skin.

We have a four point gap to Bologna for the last European qualification spot, and it'd be a shame to lose it at the death.

But regardless, it looks like a top eight finish is secured, which is simply fantastic.

A big summer transfer window coming up after this season though.

[Tubey84]

TERNANA ACTIVATE LOAN CLAUSES TO SIGN MONTERO & SERNICOLA

PAIR HAD OPTIONAL FEE CLAUSES INSERTED INTO DEALS

Ternana have secured centre-half Javier Montero and Leonardo Sernicola after activating clauses in their loan contracts to seal their permanent acquisitions.

Montero has had a great season in Umbria and, with experts stating his market value as closer to £15m, Ternana will be delighted to secure such a bargain at £5m.

Similarly, Sernicola - rated at approximately £7m - has been acquired for just £1m.

The deals came after manager Lee Tubey appealed to the Ternana board for extra transfer funds on the back of an impressive showing in Serie A this season, safely avoiding relegation and pushing strongly for continental qualification.

However, it's not all good news for the denizens of Libero Liberati. Attempts to renew the loan contract of Nicoló Armini have failed after Lazio indicated a desire to have the youngster in their own first team squad next season.

[Tubey84]

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Parma v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Fosu-Mensah, Sini

PRE-MATCH

Both teams are in terrible form going into this - for us, it's a crucial encounter.

OVERVIEW

Urgh... Schuurs (2) gives them the early lead.

This has been a disgusting performance so far.

66 minutes until we create a chance, and we take it! Damian (66) smashes it in for his first of the season!

GOALLLL! Wow, that's controversial! Garbutt free kick, hits the bar, comes out to Montero who strikes it, hits the post, crawls across the line and Armini (87) slides in to score, but he almost certainly committed a foul there... but nothing given!

We win it! An away win! We were terrible for large chunks of that game, but we won it!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (7.3)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

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TERNANA v. Verona - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Capone, (ST) Manu Appeh

Injuries: Fosu-Mensah
Suspensions: Seoane

PRE-MATCH

On paper, our easiest game of the season. It's a must win as we look to secure 7th.

Damian in for the suspended Seoane - he would have started anyway after his goal. Garbutt in as he impressed off the bench too

100th game for Ternana for the extremely influential Riccardi.

OVERVIEW

A nothing first half - 0-0.

There's the opener! 5th of the season for Armini (53) from a wicked Garbutt corner.

It's two! Capone lays off for Riccardi (55) who celebrates his 100th game in style with a drilled finish.

They're back in it - Zaccagni (80) with his 10th of the season.

Petkov equalises... does he?... no! Offside!

We made hard work of that late on but we secure the win! For now, that actually moves us into 6th.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 2-1

 

Crazy news from Serie B - Frosinone, who barely missed out on promotion last year, have been comfortably relegated this season.

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Fiorentina v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Gnonto, (AML) Lucera, (ST) Manu Appeh

Injuries: Fosu-Mensah

PRE-MATCH

Just one of those games you hope for the best in - a point is a bonus.

Capone and Guevara out just because they're one yellow from a suspension, and we need a full strength team for our next game against SPAL. Seoane back in for Damian.

OVERVIEW

Bloomin' eck... what a sensational goal from Cutrone (34). Amazing first touch, accelation and then plants it in the roof of the net. Unstoppable.

Cutrone (37) is putting us to the sword. It's another majestic solo effort - leaves Armini for dead and then powers it home.

Goal back in the second half - it's a great solo goal from Manu Appeh (55) as he pickpockets the defender and finishes well.

Hat-trick. Cutrone (74) has been outstanding.

Igor (90+3) finishes off a clinical performance from Fiorentina.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Manu APPEH (8.3)
FINAL SCORE: 4-1

 

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SPAL v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Dimarco, (RW) Yan, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Guevara, (LW) Garbutt, (ST) Borrelli, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: None.

PRE-MATCH

These are bottom and haven't won in three months - we HAVE to win this.

An experimental 4-4-2 to start with in an attempt to remedy the away game curse. I'll change back at half time if need be. My logic is that even if we're terrible we'll still have a good chance to win it second half.

OVERVIEW

GOAL! Armini (8) powers in a Garbutt corner - a Serie B staple of a combo for us!

We'll miss Armini badly next season - he's been fantastic for us.

And again! We've not looked convincing, but set pieces have gave us the way to win here - Armini (40) with his second.

Hat-trick! Garbutt's left foot is lethal, and Armini (56) is once again the beneficiary!

And now Garbutt (59) turns goalscorer! Yan lays it off and he smashes it in!

We've had one shot that was from open play this entire game and scored from it.

Garbutt with an excellent tackle, but it's going to VAR... gives the free kick but no red card; it wasn't even a free kick!

A spectacular scoreline, not so much a spectacular performance, but it edges us closer and closer to European football.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicoló ARMINI (9.8)
FINAL SCORE: 0-4

 

Atalanta thrash Bologna 4-0, so 7th place is ours with two games to spare!

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TERNANA v. Roma - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Fosu-Mensah, (CB) Armini, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Manu Appeh

Injuries: Sernicola
Int. Duty: Yan

PRE-MATCH

Back to 4-5-1 - the formation had little to do with the last performance; we just scored with every set piece we got near!

As an aside, a note on Salernitana - the scale of their collapse is unbelievable. They won one league game since November; they're now battling to avoid relegation.

To the surprise of nobody, as the "Wages to Turnover" stats come out, we're the best of the bunch - only 15% of our costs are wages. That's not surprising, given we only have two players earning over £10,000 a week! Our entire squad is paid less than Cristiano Ronaldo - much less in fact!

OVERVIEW

Goal! We've looked rejuvenated here, and it's a rasping strike from Lucera (14) which proved too hot to handle for Pau Lopez in the Roma goal and he can only push into the side netting.

That's Lucera's first of the season - to be honest, he's been disappointing after such a bright start to life here last season.

Garbutt nearly sets Armini up for one again, but it's well saved.

We've dominated the early going here! One way traffic!

2-0! Seoane is tackled on the edge of the box but it turns out to be a perfect through ball for Manu Appeh (70)!

Stunning performance - Roma haven't been great this season but they still have top quality players.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.1)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

... and I've just noticed that sets up one HELL of a final game of the season!!!!

We're in 6th, level on points with Torino... and we play Torino away!

**NAPOLI ARE SERIE A CHAMPIONS**

Juventus miss out on Champions League qualification, finishing a dismal 5th.

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Torino v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Rakovsky, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Paghera, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Seoane, (AMR) Lucera, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: None.
Suspensions: Fosu-Mensah, Armini, Guevara
Int. Duty: Yan

PRE-MATCH

Dare I play the 4-4-2... no. It's not ready to come out of the oven; I'd want to see it in pre-season.

Loads of suspensions, not a surprise. Guevara alone has been booked 17 times this season! We're very aggressive.

It's a shame though because for Armini it means he's played his last game for Ternana. 97 league games, absolutely brilliant in the majority of them.

It's also the last game for his replacement Chumi but err... not so many fond memories attached to his goodbye!

So this is essentially a cup final - Europa League if we secure a draw; Europa Conference League if we don't.

OVERVIEW

Hilarious. One down in five minutes - Berenguer (5).

Right, 4-4-2! Seoane off for Dimarco after just five minutes to make the shape work somewhat, Capone goes up front with Gnonto. Nothing to lose!

2-0, Verdi (12).

Oh well!

Gnonto put clean through by Paghera, saved. Our best chance of a dreadful opening salvo.

Now it's Riccardi... places it wide. Golden opportunity there.

We're coming into it now but probably already too late. Early on these played like 1970s Brazil!

Right on half time, Garbutt free kick smashes into the angle and out, Paghera just has to tuck it away and hits the 'keeper on the ground...

Second half, and WHAT a ball over the top from Riccardi for Capone (59) - good finish but it was on a plate with that exquisite pass!

Ahhhh Garbutt deep free kick, falls to Lucera at the far post and his volley hits the post and away.

Penalty Torino - dodgy decision that... Cataldi (67, PEN) puts it away...

And that kills the game - Torino secure 6th.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Alessio RICCARDI (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 3-1

 

Salernitana survive on last day of season by beating Bologna. Verona relegated. Two promoted sides from last season stay up.

FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS

5th (38) Juventus 72pts +35 GD
6th (38) Torino 68pts +6 GD
7th (38) TERNANA 65pts +16 GD
8th (38) Bologna 56pts +7 GD
9th (38) Atalanta 51pts +0 GD
10th (38) Lazio 47pts +2 GD
11th (38) Roma 46pts -2 GD

Player Of The Season: Nicoló ARMINI (56%), Jaime SEOANE (18%), Javier MONTERO (15%)
Goal Of The Season: Manu APPEH (v. Fiorentina)
Signing Of The Season: Rodrigo Riquelme
Young Player Of The Season: Nicoló ARMINI

OVERVIEW

That's a ridiculously good season. No complaints. We collapsed at the end but the fact we survived and survived so well gives me confidence for future seasons.

It is now a critical transfer window though. We need to be less reliant on loans and we have a few outgoings we need to replace with quality. We're also going to have numerous, significant moans about contract renewals.

[EvilDave]

1 hour ago, Tubey84 said:

That's a ridiculously good season

No kidding! Shame you couldn't pip Torino on the final day, but 7th is incredible. Can't quite get my head around Luke Garbutt becoming a Serie A star, but there you go. Looks like a big window ahead of you - looking forward to more of this!

[Tubey84]

TERNANA SECURE TWO-YEAR LOAN SIGNING OF GREENWOOD

20-YEAR-OLD MAN UTD STAR TO PLY HIS TRADE IN SERIE A

Ternana have secured the two-year loan signing of 20-year-old Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.

The player joins Ternana after the Italian club moved on Manu Appeh to FC Nurnberg in Germany, freeing up the required non-EU player slot for Greenwood.

Ahead of the 2022/23 season, Ternana have also moved on midfield playmaker Jaime Seoane to Vallecano of Spain for a fee rising to £3.5m. The sale represents a good profit on a player who joined for free from Huesca in 2020.

[Tubey84]

TERNANA SEAL FOUR-YEAR DEAL FOR YAN

£12.75M FEE FOR HIGHLY TOUTED 19-YEAR-OLD

Ternana have moved to convert their loan deal for 19-year-old wide forward Yan from Internacional for a club record fee of £12.75m, in accordance with the clause contained within the temporary deal for the player.

Yan was deeply impressive for the Italian club last season, finishing top goalscorer as the Umbrian team marked their return to Serie A with a 7th-placed finish.

Following on from the previously arranged transfers for Javier Montero and Leonardo Sernicola for a combined £6m, the club have confirmed this outlay represents the entire transfer budget for the club this season. "Expect only a few loans from here on in," said a well-placed source at the club.

[Tubey84]

TRANSFER WINDOW RUN-DOWN

I had a very tough choice - to let Yan go and spend the £10m allocated more widely, or splash it on him and go for loans.

I went for the latter. I just firmly believe that I'd come to regret it if I didn't.

IN:

Javier MONTERO (from Atl. Madrid) - £5m

Had to make this permanent - really good centre-half, left footed. Losing him and Armini would have been very difficult.

Leonardo SERNICOLA (from Sassuolo) - £1m

I looked around... there were some decent right backs about but none at this fee. Sernicola is fine, especially for that price.

Paolo PIRAS (from Giorgione) - Free

I just poached him from Genoa for a laugh really. 16 year old right back, will never play, he's quite poor. But better than my own youth intake.

YAN (from Internacional) - £12.75m

I was really hesitant but then he stood out in pre-season and I had to pull the trigger - we'll see if he's worth it.

Adama TRAORÉ (from Nottingham Forest) - Loan

After selling Seoane, I needed depth in the middle - Traoré is that depth.

Mason GREENWOOD (from Manchester United) - Loan

I'm paying his £25k a week wages for two years, making him our highest earner, but the lad is rated at £23m - I think that's a fair trade!

Khouma BABACAR (from Sassuolo) - Loan

From a pure logic point of view, this signing makes no real sense, but I've liked Babacar in past games and I'm just desperate for a striker who can score.

Christian CAPONE (from Atalanta) - Loan

They let me have him back! Great left winger for us the last two seasons, delighted to see him return unexpectedly.

FÁBIO (from Botafogo) - Loan

Same deal as with Yan, saw big clubs interested, seen him have high ratings in the same U21 tournament as Yan, so bid on a two year loan blind. I wouldn't have done if he didn't hold Italian citizenship, but he does, so I did. He looks excellent but, unfortunately, no optional fee clause for this one.

Joao VIRGÍNIA (from Everton) - Loan

12 month extension on his loan. Back-up 'keeper, cheap, he'll do.

CHUMI (from Barcelona) - Loan

Another extension - had to be done when I saw transfer budget and couldn't extend Armini.

OUT:

Jaime SEOANE (to Vallecano) - £2.7m, rising to £3.5m

He basically kicked Damian out of the team last season, that's how solid he was, but he was in the last year of his contract and being a nuisance - happy to sell.

Manu APPEH (to FC Nurnberg) - £625k

Minor profit on him, had to be moved on to free up the non-EU slot.

 

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY RESULTS

Oxford 0 TERNANA 4 - Yan (5), Borrelli (10), Merola (12), Virgínia (64, PEN)
Chesterfield 0 TERNANA 4 - Yan (19), Damian (54), Merola (62, 73)
TERNANA 7 Rijeka 1 - Gnonto (8, 28, 82), Yan (15), Borrelli (32), Montero (36), Riquelme (85) - Vuckovic (90+1)
TERNANA 4 Livorno 0 - Yan (16), Bogdan (22, OG), Gnonto (34), Camigliano (90)
Catanzaro 0 TERNANA 3 - Gnonto (13), Guevara (48), Traoré (59)

----

I tried the 4-4-2 throughout and... well, while the results there look good, it just... didn't work. Not to my liking anyway. It'll stay as an emergency back up, but we're going back to 4-5-1.

 

TERNANA SQUAD 2022/23

Click on the names below to see their profiles as of 24 July 2022!

 

GOALKEEPERS

 

Joao VIRGÍNIA

Andrea TOZZO

Patrick RAKOVSKY

 

DEFENDERS

 

Agostino CAMIGLIANO

Javier MONTERO

Luca PARODI

CHUMI

Luke GARBUTT

Simone SINI

Alessandro CELLI

Federico DIMARCO

Leonardo SERNICOLA

 

MIDFIELDERS

 

Ander GUEVARA

Fabrizio PAGHERA

Adama TRAORÉ

RODRIGO RIQUELME

YAN

Alessio RICCARDI

Filippo DAMIAN

Raimondo LUCERA

FÁBIO

Christian CAPONE

 

FORWARDS

 

Davide MEROLA

Degnand Wilfried GNONTO

Mason GREENWOOD

Khouma BABACAR

Gennaro BORRELLI

[Tubey84]

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Bologna v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Traoré, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Gnonto

Injuries: Rakovsky, Fábio

PRE-MATCH

Ooof a tough opening game to say the least...

A few new signings but only Adama Traoré gets a full debut from the start today.

My view is we're stronger in attack, but slightly weaker in defence - no Armini or Fosu-Mensah now.

OVERVIEW

If that doesn't win goal of the season, there's no justice in this world.

Garbutt hangs a ball up on the edge of the area and Guevara (18) with a volley in off the post. It's a stunning, stunning goal.

Playing well here. Away from home! It MAY actually be a fatigue issue as the season progresses rather than a tactical one...

Goal on the counter - beautiful run from Capone, lofts a ball inside, Yan (54) rounds his man then tucks the ball away.

Gnonto tripped for a penalty, goes to VAR... gives it! Looked very harsh to me.

Garbutt steps up... Garbutt (75, PEN) scores!

That was actually an even game - both exactly the same amount of shots on and off target - but ends up in a comfortable win on the scoreline.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 0-3

 

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TERNANA v. Napoli - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Montero, (LB) Garbutt, (DM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (CM) Damian, (AMR) Yan, (AML) Capone, (ST) Greenwood

Injuries: Rakovsky

PRE-MATCH

The champions for our first game at home. Damian in for Traoré who had a small knock, Greenwood starts up front.

OVERVIEW

Politano (13) quickly makes it 1-0.

James Rodriguez (74) pokes home another late on - it's a shame as we really competed there... and the replay shows the ball didn't even cross the line.

Yan (77) grabs one to make the end interesting at least! 

Riccardi shown a second yellow on 89 minutes for a trip.

We didn't deserve to lose that...

MAN OF THE MATCH: YAN (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 1-2

 

Livorno v. Ternana is re-arranged for... some reason.

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TERNANA v. Salernitana - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Sini, (LB) Dimarco, (RW) Yan, (CM) Guevara, (CM) Traoré, (LW) Garbutt, (ST) Babacar, (ST) Greenwood

Injuries: Rakovsky, Montero, Borrelli
Suspensions: Riccardi

PRE-MATCH

I'm giving the 4-4-2 a competitive outing. No goals for strikers in the first two games has me worried, so I feel I need a tactical answer to that problem.

Originally I'd earmarked the away game against Livorno for this trial, but Salernitana will do as a dry run.

If it doesn't impress in at least one of these two games, binned for good.

OVERVIEW

A ridiculous goalmouth scramble gives us the lead - Babacar (33) with the eventual final touch, Greenwood with technically an assist but it was just a melee for about six seconds.

Wonderful from Gnonto (83) late on - sprints clear on the counter, is tackles, Borrelli plays him back in and he tucks away calmly.

The 4-4-2 did what I intended it to do... sort of. It limited them to no shots until the 85th minute of the game, but it took a lot out of our attacking flair too.

Jury is still out, but a solid win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (7.8)
FINAL SCORE: 2-0

 

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Genoa v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Sernicola, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Sini, (LB) Dimarco, (RW) Yan, (CM) Guevara, (CM) Riccardi, (LW) Garbutt, (ST) Gnonto, (ST) Greenwood

Injuries: Rakovsky, Montero, Borrelli

PRE-MATCH

The 4-4-2 experiment continues! Babacar took a slight injury last game, so Gnonto is in, and Riccardi returns to the starting XI.

OVERVIEW

Penalty! Push on Gnonto and... Garbutt (12, PEN) puts it away!

Good lord, that cross from Greenwood! He goes to retrieve a cleared corner, spins and swings it in and it's ultimately a tap in for Garbutt (36) who couldn't miss! Assist of the season already!

Garbutt free kick, Chumi knockdown and Gnonto (90+5) slides it in to put a gloss on the scoreline.

Again, a safe win without ever appearing very convincing... I'm in two minds! All three goals came from set pieces or the second phase of them rather than open play.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke GARBUTT (8.7)
FINAL SCORE: 0-3

 

Davide Merola is shipped out to Cesena for £200k - a flop, but that's still a profit. Alessandro Celli joins Catanzaro on loan.

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Livorno v. TERNANA - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DMC) Guevara, (CM) Traoré, (CM) Riccardi, (RW) Yan, (LW) Capone, (ST) Babacar

Injuries: Rakovsky, Montero, Dimarco, Sernicola

PRE-MATCH

Nah, back to 4-5-1!

OVERVIEW

Abysmal performance. Barely a chance, best ones fall to Livorno all game really, then Traoré tees up Sini (81) for a volley late on.

Sini turns provider late on as his through ball is converted well by Gnonto (89), and he's not done - Gnonto (90+3) wraps it up deep into stoppage time.

In no way was that a 3-0 game. A poor, poor performance - lucky to win.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Armand TRAORÉ (9.0)
FINAL SCORE: 0-3

 

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TERNANA v. Lazio - Serie A

TEAM: (GK) Virgínia, (RB) Parodi, (CB) Chumi, (CB) Sini, (LB) Garbutt, (DMC) Guevara, (CM) Traoré, (CM) Riccardi, (RW) Yan, (LW) Capone, (ST) Babacar

Injuries: Rakovsky, Montero, Dimarco, Sernicola

PRE-MATCH

Our reunion with Armini! Would love to have him in a Ternana shirt today!

Completely unchanged from last game.

OVERVIEW

Lazio have dominated the early going and Asensio (25) gives them a deserved lead.

Chumi sent off on 57 minutes, hauling down Immobile.

The second at first looks like an Armini header, but on closer inspection it's a Guevara (82, OG) own goal. Game over.

We didn't play... badly as such, but not well either.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ander GUEVARA (7.1)
FINAL SCORE: 0-2

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS

5th (6) Lazio 13pts +6 GD
6th (6) Fiorentina 13pts +5 GD
7th (6) TERNANA 12pts +8 GD
8th (6) Atalanta 10pts +6 GD
9th (6) Sassuolo 9pts +0 GD

OVERVIEW

We've won the games you'd expect us to compete in, and lost the ones you wouldn't. Par for the course.