[FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)

Looking great so far @DNZY keep it coming

@Dan - Thanks, it's a steady start and hopefully can maintain it!

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CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE:



Lot of emphasis on us doing a demolition job on Domagnano given their recent form, but they were far from being pushovers. In truth, they were the better team, setting up with an unconventional 3-1-3-1-2 DM formation and making it difficult for us to break them down. Luckily, Saporetti found space in the 12 yard box to arrow a delicious first time effort into the bottom right corner to break the deadlock. Soon enough, a second from Saporetti ended the game in which the keeper should have done far better to keep it out. Draining game, but three points in the bag.



A long three week break put us in tip top shape for the game against San Giovanni, again a very tricky side to come up against. Saporetti looks to be in a rich vein of goalscoring form, completing a glorious hat-trick along with some unselfishness work from Sorrentino to square up the unmarked Filippo De Luigi. San Giovanni constantly knocked on the door, Gollinucci was equal to most, except for Dionisi's counter to a counter attack which left us exposed and a magnificent free kick from 25 yards out that bounced off the underside of the bar. Back to back wins and still unbeaten.



The 'di Fiorentino' derby was bound to bring action and certainly did not disappoint. I was left frothing at the mouth when we conceded not one but TWO penalties within the first twelve minutes of the game, both converted in either corner by Alan Amici. We pretty much looked lost in that first half, but a bit of tinkering in the second and soon enough we were having chances. The second half was bossed by us but it took until the 72nd minute before Shoshi's effort from a corner took a wicked deflection to leave their keeper in no man's land. Saporetti came to the rescue two minutes later to complete the comeback. Attacked until the end and Saporetti could have clinched it but for his shot to be directed straight at the goalkeeper.



Record attendance broken, glad they were rewarded with some entertainment.



Ah, of course. First lengthy injury falls to Colombini, out for up to 2 months.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



All about Saporetti this month, terrific form with 6 goals in 3 games. Unbeaten in eight so far.

LEAGUE TABLE:



A win over Fiorentino could have stretched our lead further, but with a game in hand things are looking good. Next up is an away trip to Libertas which could be crucial.

NEXT UPDATE: November 2020

Solid enough start, @DNZY! KIU!

@r96Skinner - Cheers! Glad you're enjoying this!
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Well, fairytales can't last forever and neither can our unbeaten streak as Libertas condemned Tre Fiori to their first defeat under my management. Can't say they didn't deserve it either, Libertas were by far the better side. They boxed us in on so many occasions, making it very difficult to find space. No tactical tweaks made it any different, they read us like a book. Threw the kitchen sink at them before they stole a second late on.



One of the better nil nils I've played, but ultimately unhappy that we were held by Pennarossa. Good chances at either end, Pennarossa twice hitting the bar from long range and our forwards frustrated by their keeper who was stalwart throughout. Let's hope there's no inevitable slump incoming.



Anything but, Faetano backed down to our superiority. Sorrentino back on the scoresheet with an excellent cut inside on the left and finished with aplomb, very unlike poachers to do that. Saporetti also increased his tally, one a rasper from the left and the other making a terrific breaking run past his man to prod home. Back to our best.




In other news, two of our lads won their first caps for San Marino, right back Gatti and central midfielder Reggini spreading their wings in a match against Kazakhstan.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Not our finest hour, but that win over Faetano was the perfect ending to November.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Still top with a game in hand over La Fiorita. Win that and a gap may emerge soon as we come to the halfway point.

NEXT UPDATE: December 2020

COPPA TITANO



Kicking off December with the Coppa Titano match away to San Giovanni. Super sub Sorrentino unlocking the key to our first win of the group, coming on in the 78th minute and finishing a well worked dink over the keeper in the 89th. Wonder what the fans think of him now.



Finally a win on the board as the halfway point is reached.

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



Huge win this; Folgore, top of group B, gave us a run for our money. De Luigi's effort cancelled out in the blink of an eye by the league's top scorer Lonfernini and a clumsy penalty giveaway converted by Maggi. Saporetti came to our rescue once again, firstly bringing the game level before half time and then a penalty of our own to complete the comeback. Folgore did pressure us throughout but held firm to take three vital points.



Libertas came knocking for the second time and this time we were more capable. Somehow, we looked a lot more confident with ten men than eleven. Morri's goal and Di Spagna's red card somehow injected life into our side following a lethargic start. Suddenly the balance of play shifted in our favour, Libertas' keeper had a mare, coming out for two crosses to catch air with De Luigi being in the right place at the right time to lash into an empty net twice to take a surprise lead. Alas, it took something special to break our resistance and a 25 yard bullet from Zanotti, though helped in by a deft deflection did just that. Can't be disappointed at this result but I do feel we could have held on.



What an abomination of a game from our point of view. Absolutely nothing went right for us as Tre Penne waltzed to victory. Two efforts from Andrea Moretti, one passed into the net and one curled in via free kick threw down the gauntlet big time. If that weren't bad enough, we were awarded a penalty to halve the deficit before half time but Shoshi's direction was guessed right by their keeper, Mattia Migani. Second half showed no signs of improving with tame efforts, misplaced passes and just an unproductive approach.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



We've a long winter break of up to 40 days, it was clear to see from the trend of results that their minds were already on holiday.

LEAGUE TABLE:



We may still be top, but a hornets nest of teams lie in the wake, waiting to pounce on our top spot. Eight games remaining, hopefully the break will put our minds at ease but to return with eyes on the prize.

NEXT UPDATE: January 2021

Certainly a harsh winter, most of our boys were dropping like flies with injuries and sickness throughout. Sorrentino would miss our first game back with a life threatening cold (*sigh*). Not only that, but our best right midfielder De Luigi AND his backup Colombini both out as well. Di Spagna had a dodgy spag bol to keep him by the toiletside for a couple of days. It's good to be back.



FEAR NOT! I have found a top replacement for Sorrentino if he's to be out. Say hello to the league's top scorer Maurizio Lonfernini.



Maurizio Lonfernini - ST(C) - free transfer from Folgore

More of a defensive forward or target man, but with fifteen goals in sixteen games he's not shy of finding the net either way. Pacy, strong, confident 79 kilos of flesh and organs. He's going to be a huge part to helping us win the titl....wait a minute.....what the hell is that?

...what...?



No...please....you can't be serious. ARE YOU F#CKING KIDDING ME?!

FRIENDLIES



Nevertheless we cracked on with some winter break friendlies to keep the wheels in motion. Of course Lonfernini can play in friendlies but that's it. Scored in one of them too...*sigh*. Taken don't by the Bastia and Hadjuk kiddies.

COPPA TITANO



One step closer to the quarter finals, reigning supreme over Folgore. Had to improvise with Paulo Verri, our third choice striker to come in for the injured Sorrentino and made an instant impact with the opening goal just seven minutes in. Of course our last encounter with this side resulted in us throwing a lead away - yes, history does repeat itself but in truth it was an unstoppable header nestled in the top right corner. Second half we came out of the blocks strong.



SHOSHI! MY WORD! 35 yard free kick. BOOM. Back of the net. Rooney has nothing on him. Verri completed the job towards to end to put us favourites to come out of the group.




The deed is done, into the next phase though it took a lot longer than anticipated against rivals Murata. The snowy conditions weren't helping but the game was in the palm of our hands with Murata barely threatening. At long last, a whipped in corner was met by Shoshi who squared to Succi, pinged one at goal and diverted in by Stefano Zafferani for his first ever goal. Succi was not to be empty handed as a breakaway from Sorrentino played in a pass to Reggini who 1-2'd it to Succi for a clear one on one which he couldn't miss. The Succ never disappoints.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Only cup matches this month, but two wins from two are still top results.

GROUP TABLE:



Group is won already so mass changes will probably come into effect for the San Giovanni game since it's pretty meaningless.

NEXT UPDATE: February 2021

Gutting news about Lonfernini. Did it not say anything about it in the finalising message, or did you just not read it? I've done that plenty of times with work permits. That aside, the high of the Folgore league win but the low of Tre Penne must have been frustrating! Loving the career @DNZY, keep going!

@r96Skinner - Tell me about it, I'm gutted. I had gone on the assumption that Folgore were his club at the start of the season, didn't mention it when completing the transfer. Mea culpa. Yeah, the Tre Penne result was a kick in the teeth but we just need to maintain our focus.

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CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



I think it's safe to say that we took complete control of San Giovanni, battering them for four. A quick pep talk with Sorrentino re not scoring for a few games must have embedded in his mind, all of a sudden two come at once. Sadly that was all he wrote, stretchered off before the half hour. The real magician on the day was Filippo de Luigi, having a hand in all four goals including scoring one himself. Today was a good day...



...until I saw this. Amazing how FM puts a dampener on a 4-0 win. Most of the remaining season out for Sorrentino.



Saporetti though broke the top goalscorer record for the season with eleven.



Always a joyous feeling to beat your arch rivals, the 'di Fiorentino' derby belonged to the flowers. They should have been dead, buried and decomposed by half time, registering 16 shots on goal with 10 on target. Saporetti's powerful flicked header was the difference on the day. Fiorentino were quiet for the most part, but did have spells of dominance in the last fifteen minutes. Bragging rights belong to us.



Another record smashed, this time defensively. Golinucci only turned 17 in January, absolute talent. Donnarumma better watch out.



THE SUCC DOES IT AGAIN! What a win against the only remaining unbeaten side in San Marino this season. This could have gone either way, but in truth there weren't many clear cut opportunities. Golinucci brought off some good saves to maintain the blank scoreline. All of a sudden a breakaway fell to substitute Massi Bernardi, somehow misses a clear as day one on one, but then, this happened...



Heart in mouth when Bernardi misses, but out of nowhere, the Succ needs to behave. Filthy way to win a game. THE SUCC STRIKES AGAIN!

YOUTH INTAKE:



Pretty solid intake, though the majority of the good players coming in are less advanced on the wings. But judge for yourselves on the top three.



RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Stormed this month with three wins and three clean sheets. Sorrentino's injury is a big problem with our strike force but if our wingers like De Luigi and Saporetti keep this up, we won't need them.

LEAGUE TABLE:



League table looks a lot more pleasing than before the winter break, opening up a good gap for the top three with the exception of Libertas' game in hand. Five games left, top three looks a great possibility.

NEXT UPDATE: March 2021

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



Could have had the division done and dusted to claim a sixth consecutive victory but we shot ourselves in the foot late on with a breakaway goal from Domagnano's top scorer Daniele Martone. Saporetti's trademark cut inside on the left and blasting finish in the bottom right corner had us in front on what was a frosty day in Fiorentino.



Ghion added to the injury list, thankfully should be back in no time.





Yet again failing to capitalise on our chances with a derogatory performance against the bottom club Cailungo, in fact, they looked the more likely to win it in the end. Despite having a goal chalked off for offside a few minutes beforehand, Massi Bernardi finally grabbed a goal for Tre Fiori at the fourteenth time of asking. The lead didn't last long with a glancing header undealt with from Luca Bugli. We did have chances, Bernardi can barely score one so to ask him to get a second was like asking Claudio Bravo to make a save. Shoshi in injury time nodded a header inches wide from a corner and a draw had to be accepted. Not happy.

COPPA TITANO



Our last game of the group against San Giovanni meant diddly squat, threw some of the kids out but we were all over the place. Bernardi may have found a bit of form, two goals in two for him but that was as good as it got. I've no complaints about their equaliser to make it 1-1 but I was bewildered how badly we played in the second half defensively.



Honestly, what is that defending?? Full backs are nowhere to be seen and leaving our two centre backs exposed chasing the same man. Can't be playing like that come our next few games.



As I said though previously, it was a dead rubber game for both teams and we had already topped the group going into this game. Folgore come along with us, leaving Murata in the dust.



Home tie with Faetano in the quarter finals, already beat them 3-0 at home earlier in the season so I'm hopeful we can repeat this.



In between the league and cup was the international break, Valentini the latest of our boys to grab a first cap for San Marino.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



I feel we took this month a little bit too casually, two draws and defeat doesn't justify what we are capable of. On the plus, Bernardi is finding the net.

LEAGUE TABLE:



We are mathematically safe for a playoff position with teams like Libertas, La Fiorita and Fiorentino losing ground with their games in hand. With three games to go (Cailungo (H), Murata (H) & Juvenes Dogana (A)), top spot should be a priority to ensure we're into the further stages of this labyrinth playoff system.

NEXT UPDATE: April 2021

Maurizio Lonfernini looks good for the league shame hes ineligible!!

@Dan - I'm gutted, and with Sorrentino out our strikeforce is quite bare.

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CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



I'm at a loss to explain what happened here, we were absolutely shellshocked at home to Cailungo. One moment we had in the entire game came in the second minute, the other eighty eight were truly awful. Lethargic, uninspired performance altogether getting battered and bruised all ends up. Credit to Cailungo and Luca Bugli for a well deserved win.



An improvement against Murata, but still not enough to ensure top spot in the division. Murata took the lead early on with a tale of two flicked headers, one flicked into the six yard box and the other diverting the ball past Golinucci. Our boys pressed hard just before the break and smart work from Bernardi holding the ball up to pull 5 players out of position and then finding Saporetti to rifle it in on the left hand side. Filippo de Luigi out of nowhere in the second half drilled a low free kick through the wall and into the back of the net to poke ourselves in front. Count on us to lose that lead shortly afterwards giving away a penalty for the game to finish honours even.



Juvenes Dogana provided our final match of the regular season and this was one we couldn't afford to lose. I guess we have to thank Marco Golinucci again for saving our bacon, yet another needless penalty conceded but thankfully it was truly a daisy cutter straight down the middle, so tame that Golinucci only had to stand still and catch the ball in his hands. Luck on our side, but this rut in form really needs to end soon.

COPPA TITANO



A wise man once said "if you don't take your chances, someone else will", pretty much summed up our fortunes this month. Faetano barely posed a threat on goal, leaving us to bombard their goalmouth but not finding any way through. Of course we had to literally pay the penalty by losing the shootout. Golinucci in fairness did make two good saves, but our spot kicks left much to be desired. Sadly no treble winning season this time around.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



The lack of a (competent) striker is hurting us badly. Definitely one of the more forgettable months at Tre Fiori.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Despite our wobble, top spot is secure with Fiorentino and Libertas joining in from Group A. Faetano, Virtus and Juvenes Dogana make way from Group B.



Since the winners of both divisions meet each other in this intricate playoff system, we'll be taking on Faetano in the later stages of the competition. Let's hope we can get out of this alive.

NEXT UPDATE: May 2016 (The Playoffs)

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE PLAYOFFS

FIRST ROUND





Libertas and Fiorentino advance to face each other in the second round. Virtus and Juvenes Dogana play each other in the losers playoff third round.

SECOND ROUND



Fiorentino move to the major semi-final to play winners of Tre Fiori vs. Faetano. Libertas play the winners of third round tie Juvenes Dogana vs. Virtus.

THIRD ROUND



Juvenes Dogana move to fifth round to play Libertas. Virtus officially eliminated.

FOURTH ROUND



Revenge was sweet, although not as dominant from the Coppa Titano quarter final, we were far more clinical. De Luigi knows exactly where to place a free kick these days, 25 yarder to put us in front. The lead doubled shortly after with a flicked header from centre back De Biagi. Second half toned down a touch, not producing many highlights with our defensive stance remaining strong.



Another grueling local derby in the midst, Fiorentino stand in our way between a final or another backdoor playoff.

Tre Fiori advance to major semi final vs. Fiorentino. Faetano move to sixth round to play either Juvenes Dogana or Libertas.

FIFTH ROUND



Juvenes Dogana advance to sixth round to play Faetano. Libertas officially eliminated.

SIXTH ROUND



Juvenes Dogana advance to minor semi final to play losers of major semi final between Tre Fiori vs. Fiorentino. Faetano officially eliminated.

MAJOR SEMI FINAL



Bloody hell, we thought the goal was never going to come but we move to the grand final to play the winners of the minor semi final. Amici's red card softened up Fiorentino but the opening goal came in the harshest of circumstances, shot from De Luigi deftly brushes off the heel of their defender, shaves the inside of the post and deceives the keeper to trickle in over the line. There was no doubt about the second as the floodgates finally opened, Saporetti on hand to put the game to bed with his trademark finish into the bottom right corner. One game stands in our way of becoming champions!

Tre Fiori advance to Campionato Sammarinese final. Fiorentino move to minor semi final vs. Juvenes Dogana.

MINOR SEMI FINAL





Well, well, well. Fiorentino have redeemed themselves a second chance against our boys in the final. Nothing better to settle a league with another local derby.

Fiorentino advance to Campionato Sammarinese final vs. Tre Fiori. Juvenes Dogana officially eliminated with Europa League qualification.

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE FINAL



NEXT UPDATE: Postseason 2020/21

Wahey! Congratulations @DNZY!

Did your best to blow it at the top didn't you @DNZY good job your form sorted for the crazy playoff routine!

@r96Skinner - Thank you my man!

@Dan - Thought I'd blown it too, but when Sorrentino was reinstated into the squad, we looked a lot more confident.

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Saporetti was the fans' favourite for the season, understandably so based on his blistering form. Shoshi may not have won the fans' choice of player, but his goal of the season was something else. Shall we see it again? Ghion had a good impact in his debut season, making him the signing of the season and finally Filippo De Luigi, young player of the season. Kept Colombini benched since his injury, has not disappointed one bit.



Oh yes, oh yes.



Saporetti rocked it this season, 15 goals, 6 man of the match awards and 7.27 average rating. De Luigi providing 6 assists and oddly enough Massi Bernardi best passer with 85% completion, probably because he kept passing to their f#cking keeper with one on ones. Discipline was a little bit hairy, but only one red card during the season isn't that bad. Di Spagna taking that unwanted record.

AWARDS





What a year it has been for 21 year old Filippo De Luigi, started out as our second choice right winger, moves to the first team due to Colombini's injury, scoops not only the young player of the season but also player of the season. May be hot merchandise come the summer.





Saporetti wasn't left empty handed either, awarded the Foreign Player of the Year plus the Sammarinese Golden Boot.

Surely I must have won something, right? Being a new manager to win the league first season in charge?



NOPE. Instead the Manager of the Season award goes to that d_ckhead Massimo Campo, despite absolutely tearing his side apart in the Campionato Sammarinese final. Disgraceful.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE



Drawn in the first qualifying round to Faroese champions HB, whom I also share a great deal of history with. Certainly won't be an easy game.

SUPER COPPA SAMMARINESE



Also have the San Marino supercup on the horizon, yet another scrap with Fiorentino who we've still not lost against so far.



Another addition to my coaching skills to hopefully improve not only my management skills but also my reputation.



Ending on a sad note, our Albanian sensation Maringlen Shoshi hung up his boots to take up a staff role. Huge loss to our side, he'll be remembered for that 35 yard screamer as goal of the season. As much as I tried to change his mind, his intentions were clear. Alas, winning the Sammarinese league was to be his swan song.

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2021/22

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1QR



First leg in San Marino didn't start off all moonlight and roses, big smack of reality from Poul Ingason within two minutes leaving us to chase an away goal. Despite the odds being against us, the lads didn't back down and five minutes before the break, Valentini pinged in an equaliser from a corner. Second half wasn't too enthralling with both sides seeming to prepare for the second leg. Definitely a good blueprint to work on.



Nice to see everyone turn up when it's a glamorous fixture.



Marco Golinucci, what a man. Not only did he swat away countless efforts from the HB frontline, but saved three penalties in the shootout to incredibly send us through to the next qualifying round. Filippo De Luigi grabbed us the vital away goal only 5 minutes in, thinking to ourselves that if we could hold out for another 85 we'd go through. Hell no we didn't! Instead Salomone decides to concede a penalty 10 minutes later, neatly converted. HB knew that they were on the ascendancy and made us sweat for the remainder of the game, creating four clear cut chances, missing absolute sitters. That said a goal for us would have sent us through with more away goals and De Luigi was a whisker away beating everyone but the post. Penalties it was, cometh Golinucci - 17 year old mastermind - guessing right for three consecutive penalties to claim a famous victory.



Our reward in the next phase were Slovakian champions, Slovan Bratislava. Tricky one.



Meanwhile, this came to my attention. Would be a foolish decision not to go for it.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2QR



A sell-out crowd at the national stadium to see a pretty credible nil nil draw. Slovan looked quite tame in truth, looking even tamer with the red card for Gambos only half an hour in. Only one half chance really, Lonfernini eligible now to play for us taking an ambitious effort from 25 yards but gathered by their keeper. Still, no away goal conceded.



Benefits of having me as a manager. $$$.



So close yet just not close enough. Golinucci called into action once again, playing an absolute blinder. Slovan looked edgy and not entirely confident in themselves and our lads gave them a good run for their money. It was the tale of two penalties; Slovan skipper Vukan Savicevic missing his spot kick eight minutes into the second half after Golinucci stood strong to deny him, then came extra time...penalty awarded to Tre Fiori...Saporetti feeling the pressure as he could grab the crucial away goal to send us through...SAVED by Vladimir Smak, nervous pen with no conviction. Our efforts and dreams were shattered by Lesley de Sa, 109 minutes in, nicking the winner. Nearly 200 minutes collectively in the tie not conceding. Excruciatingly close.




You've got to love Champions League payouts. Balance now surpassing £1 million.



Lovely jubbly.

TRANSFERS



Quite a few outs this window, number of fringe players needed to go due to the size of our squad. Two players were snapped up by Libertas, hot prospect Marco Francini was a bit of a blow but with our system not using left sided midfielders it might as well happen though could have been developed properly. Massi Bernardi also exited to the fans' delight, hadn't made the impact I hoped for upon signing him originally, only two goals and three assists from 17 appearances. Not enough pedigree to be in the first team.



Not a busy window at all really as our team looks quite strong as is. Seems we made some sort of trading link with Libertas in this window to invite a former Tre Fiori player back and one player I hold in high regard from my previous stint at Tre Fiori in FM16.



Samuele Buda - D/WB/M(RL)/AM(R) - free transfer from Libertas

The versatility on this lad is impressive, can play all along the right and left hand side of defence or midfield. Problem is he's aging at a rapid pace so he's not as spectacular attribute-wise than he was previously but certainly a good bench player to make an impact. Soft spot for Buda and wanted him in our squad.

FRIENDLIES



Good pre-season against some Italian Serie D/E level teams and a Slovenian third division outfit, Lonfernini getting stuck in already.





Two more of our boys were called into the San Marino flock, De Biagi and Lonfernini both grabbing their first caps for the nation. Golinucci also got a call up but didn't play, won't be long now I think.

NEXT UPDATE: September 2021

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



If I told you I've had worse starts to the season, I'd probably be lying. We were outrageous and menacing against Faetano, hitting them for seven, six of them in the second half. Our passing game was phenomenal, completing 670 passes with 86% completion, more than double what Faetano managed. Bossed the first half but only one goal showed from it, De Biagi from a corner. The second half was exhilarating, clocking four goals in five minutes as Saporetti and Lonfernini terrorised their area to grab braces each. Succi got on the wagon and grabbed a sixth from the edge of the area before clumsily giving away a penalty for the visitors' only goal of the game. That was probably the only criticism in the entire match from our viewpoint, but what a stunning league debut for Maurizio Lonfernini, capping off a whirlwind display with a hat-trick. De Luigi also should get a mention, assisting three of the goals.



Biggest win of the save thus far.



Cailungo absolutely battered us in the previous meeting between the two sides last April, but the shoe was on the other foot when we came knocking. Lonfernini picked up where he left off with the opener six minutes in. De Luigi showed that player of the season quality from last season to break free on the right from Succi's through ball to grab a second. Should have been curtains just three minutes later, defender Molinari bringing down Lonfernini for a penalty and getting his second yellow in the process. Saporetti needed the confidence to silence his demons from Bratislava but skyed it over, may need to assign a new penalty taker. Second half, Cailungo were lumping it forward and taking pot shots and one of them got lucky, Luca Bartolini blasted it home from outside the D. Suddenly the wheels were coming loose, Cailungo dug in and found an unlikely equaliser from Angelini. Came to the conclusion to mirror their tactics going into the final ten minutes and Lonfernini was the hero of the hour to snatch it at the death. A late win, but the collapse was unacceptable.



From the high tempo of the first two games, this match paled in comparison. Neither side looked overly self assured, but Saporetti latched onto another exquisite delivery from De Luigi on the right to prod home from close range. Second half, kept possession well but neither side created anything of note. Flat atmosphere and I've never been so puzzled to hear the final whistle sound with three points in the bag.

COPPA TITANO



Samuele Buda got the nod to start his first home game on his return to his former club, quarter of an hour later he makes his way to the dressing room with a red card. Even with the man disadvantage, Tre Fiori looked the better side, sat back and soaked up pressure and on and after the hour the fans were vocal again, Saporetti netting twice in three minutes to take an unlikely 2-0 lead. Murata looked shellshocked and Sorrentino grabbed his first goal since his return from his lengthy injury last season to seal a rather unconventional convincing win.



Domagnano were certainly up for this, despite heavily against the odds. Largely rotated side due to the congestion of fixtures and it showed that match sharpness was not at it's peak as they went in front through a towering header. Aerially, Domagnano's defence were woeful and missed so many key headers from direct balls, it was the motive to set Colombini clean through but missed a crucial one on one. Same move, Di Spagna delivered an angelic 50 yard pass to deceive their centre backs and land to the feet of Sorrentino who popped it home with ferocious drive. Four minutes later, it happened yet again but this time Saporetti played the long ball, same scorer, different corner, clear as day, thank you very much. Regrettably, I switched Saporetti on the left with a young prospect, Thomas Francioni, and I can't help but feel he was responsible for their equaliser, losing the ball on the left too easily but the pass to Martone was outstanding, breaking free of our defensive line to smash it pass Andrea Giacobbi. Ten minutes left, impact substitution, De Luigi on; what does he do? Only restores the lead and sets up Sorrentino for a hat-trick. What a man.



Two wins from two, already pulling ahead of the rest. A win over La Fiorita could all but send us through with a number of games to spare.

SUPER COPPA SAMMARINESE



I'm biting my tongue. I'm not saying we were robbed here, but judging from what I saw we were definitely robbed. Lonfernini's opener got me all giddy and Fiorentino weren't looking threatening but for one play, deep cross met by the head of Alan Crescentini. One shot, their only shot on target in the entire game. Reduced to ten men due to an injury to Reggini after using all three subs, we were frustrated for the remainder. Another penalty shootout, this time ending in defeat. Golinucci kept one out but with the lack of good penalty takers (Saporetti left on the bench as an unused sub), we were the reason for our own downfall. Sour grapes, maybe a little, but congrats to Fiorentino and C*nto.



Adding insult to injury, we've lost Reggini for up to eight weeks. Terrific timing too.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Almost the perfect month in a tiring month of games for an amateur club. Lots of goals which is pleasing, Lonfernini and Sorrentino both making cases for the lone striker role. Such a shame about the super cup though.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Certainly not messing about in the league, three wins from three with a healthy goal difference from the Faetano game. We may be ones to beat this season.

NEXT UPDATE: October 2021

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



Quite a sizable win against the most reputable team in the nation. Took a different approach based on their pitch being long and narrow and our central play had more emphasis. 19 year old Matteo Bernardi made a huge impact as he filled in for the injured Reggini at central midfield, firstly scoring and then picking out a beautifully floated ball to De Luigi on the right who crossed in for Saporetti to smash it home for 2-0. De Luigi grabbed the third with a rasper that cannoned in off the post from an unusually central position from where he usually positions himself. No matter, comfortable.



Following a three week break to accommodate internationals and a free week, we faced a challenge away to Cosmos - a side who also had a 100% start to the season. Lonfernini has definitely found a home, seventh goal of the season after being put through by De Luigi. Oddly enough a talking point during the game was a penalty awarded to us that looked marginally outside the edge of the area, nevertheless Saporetti got it right this time to make it 2-0. Cosmos pressed a lot more in the second half, probing and finally scoring from Manolo Vitali making for nerve jangling in the last ten minutes. Our run continues.



Eight assists and we're not even in November yet. Outstanding. Future legend.



Brushed aside bottom club Pennarossa with two unlikely goalscorers. Andrea Ghion got his first ever goal with a long range effort, while centre back Salomone fortuitously got the final touch worked from a corner that Succi got on the end of, took a crack at, pinged off a defender and to the feet of Salomone to belt it home. This win proved to be a milestone, we've now won nine league games in a row stretching back to last season's convoluted playoff system.



This game needed something really special to unlock, dire match throughout. Rotated the squad largely to leave De Luigi and Bernardi on the bench, brought them both on with 20 minutes left, low and behold the two combine with Bernardi slipping it to De Luigi's path to finally break the deadlock. That wasn't the main talking point though.



Pick that one out! The pass from De Biagi is a thing of beauty to set up Saporetti on the half volley.



Meanwhile during the international period another of our boys made it to the San Marino roster, Salomone breaks in. Hopefully one of them with finally score a goal for San Marino.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



We well and truly flew this month, looking unstoppable currently. Ten straight wins in the league.

LEAGUE TABLE:



As long as we don't have another wobble, playoffs already look a strong possibility.

NEXT UPDATE: November 2021

Absolutely bossing it! Super Cup a disappointment but everything else has been fantastic.

@r96Skinner - Yeah, that was very disappointing but penalty shootouts are 50/50. Hasn't stopped the momentum thankfully.

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CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



Dropped points for the first time this season and in the cruelest fashion. Two up at the break with goals from Lonfernini and Bernardi put us in a good position but Libertas weren't going to leave this game unanswered. A familiar face popped up, Massimiliano Bernardi, haunting us with his first goal of the season. Proper cliché. Decided to shut up shop after that, and we were almost there but for a 93rd minute equaliser from Enrico Golinucci proving to be the last play of the game. Cruel end to our winning streak.



I've always rated Domagnano as being a tough place to go and we were made to fight again. Saporetti grabbed the only goal of the game but were hard to break down afterwards. Thankfully the home side weren't clinical enough to bulge the net but we heed the warning for future games.



It also meant we smashed another record. On a supreme run lately.



A game which reeked of that super cup final with Fiorentino, except with our other rivals Murata. Again, Saporetti banging in a goal from the edge of the box to lead but set pieces let us down as a whipped free kick was met by the head of Lorenzo Bianchi. Obscene amount of yellow cards for five of our players, miracle not nobody saw red but does mean suspensions are incoming. Sloppy draw, but thankfully not a defeat.

COPPA TITANO



Very poor game, man of the match peaked at a 7.0 which shows the amount of quality in this game.



Domagnano defeated Murata which means we still have work to do in the second round of fixtures of the group.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Goals and wins seemingly drying up this month, that aside we haven't lost a game in 90 minutes in 24 games (28 if you include friendlies).

LEAGUE TABLE:



Twelve point gap at the halfway point of the league. Be difficult to catch us.

NEXT UPDATE: December 2021

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



Talk about drama here! Folgore and I were the only sides unbeaten going into this scrap, so the pressure was well and truly on us to get a result. Less said about the first half, the better - we were truly outplayed and deservedly went one down. Changed the system for the second half, taking our DM off for Lonfernini and single-handedly made the difference, first combining with Sorrentino to tuck in the equaliser and made most of a calamitous error from their defenders being too casual with the ball and blasted home. However, our defence had a nightmare of their own, scrambling in our own area to get the ball away before Salomone's heavy touch put it on a plate for Muccioli's second to get what seemed to be the equaliser. We weren't have any of that, straight back to attacking, Samuele Buda moved up to right wing and found space to cut inside and was hacked down and a penalty was awarded! Buda took the honours, kept his composure and restored our lead before injury time. Stuck with the attacking momentum for Matteo Bernardi to poach home a fourth to put the game beyond doubt. Great game for the neutrals!



The scoreline here was too kind to us, we did not look confident at all bar Saporetti. San Giovanni controlled the flow before they saw red for a late challenge on Lonfernini. Saporetti is in proper goalscoring form lately, 9 goals in 12 games in the league after today. In truth, he could have netted a hat-trick but the woodwork rescued San Giovanni twice. The visitors still came forward despite having ten men and testing the gloves of Golinucci before Saporetti turned provider for De Luigi for a second deep into injury time. Unconvinced, but at least it's a prelude to the winter break. Much more work ahead.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Six points that we didn't entirely deserve but good to see a few people chipping in this month.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Going into 2022 unbeaten, can we keep this run going?

NEXT UPDATE: January 2022

Let's hope you can continue, maybe a perfect season for you?

A superb run you're on, go the season unbeaten! Do it!

@Matthew C @Dan - You guys trying to jinx it?

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FRIENDLIES



Keeping our boys fresh in the chilly Italian winter with some friendly wins. Decent draw to the Bastia reserves too.

COPPA TITANO



Lonfernini to the rescue once again for the three flowers. Murata were by far the better team in the first half despite an opener from Sorrentino, they bounced back strongly with Bonini's equaliser and could barely contain them. The ol' switcheroo made the difference as Ghion came off for Maurizio and his acceleration was too much for the last defender following a direct ball to punt home the winner.



Frosty conditions made for quite a fast pace game at home to Domagnano. Quality goals flowed in early on, Stefanelli silencing the home crowd with a stealthy effort from the D. What Stefanelli can do, Sorrentino could do better and in similar but more stunning fashion leveled it up from an absolute peach from 25 yards. Decided to use the width a lot more in the second half and duly paid dividends, Saporetti shone once more to grab two goals from right hand crosses at the far post.



Objective complete, now we just need to not screw it up in the QFs.



No defeats in ninety minutes this season. 29 in total (35 incl. friendlies). On fire.





This may come as a surprise to many since we only signed him in the summer, but Gatti had kept him out of the selection and Samuele was having none of it. Complained to the media, although giving him first team opportunities this month wasn't enough to convince him to stay. Bit of a bummer, but we'll get by.



We recruited two new members in the meantime.



Davide Vagnini - AM(R) / M(R) - free transfer from Cosmos

Can already sense the giggling from his surname, but this lad looks quite a weapon. Blistering pace and acceleration, good technique and mentally decent. Work rate does need improvement as well as crossing but certainly a good backup for De Luigi. Colombini may have to leave though.



Marco Gasperoni - D(C) - free transfer from Cailungo

A bit of a boost to our centre back options, as I feel it hasn't been too reliant recently. Beefy, tall, has great ability though hasn't really been getting regular first team football. Heading is a little bit of a worry and is quite slow but could make a claim for first team football if our lads keep making mistakes at the back.


RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Good opening to 2022, the run continues...though it's only the cup.

GROUP TABLE:



La Fiorita will have something to play for in the last game of the group, would like to go the length unbeaten despite us comfortably winning the group.

NEXT UPDATE: February 2022

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



The bubble finally burst as our unbeaten season has come to an end and in the cruelest fashion. Severe lack of discipline cost us dearly, picking up six yellows and a clumsy red for Davide Succi, two cards in two minutes. That would have been a feeble excuse as momentum was never really with us, Domagnano were the better organised team. One foul too many led to a free kick and Martone's hit took a slight deflection from the head of debutant Vagnini in the wall.



Numerous suspensions didn't stop us from bouncing back against Juvenes Dogana. Classic combo of De Luigi and Saporetti was enough to merit the three points. Not a great match despite the number of shots. Return of Samuele Buda too, but didn't make a huge impact.



We've a terrible record against Libertas, no win in six against them following this defensive horror show. Libertas were always in control of this game, Andrea Zanotti with a belter despite three players surrounding him opened the scoring. Tweaks and changes at half time invigorated the team in the second half (or so I thought..), Matteo Bernardi making great strides since coming into the first team and almost broke the net to equalise from 12 yards. That lasted less than three minutes as we failed to clear a corner properly, leaving an unmarked Giacomo Valentini restore the claret's lead. Zanotti was a handful for our quote unquote defence and punished them again for poor closing down and marking. The honeymoon period is well and truly over...

YOUTH INTAKE



Just in time, we receive some good defensive prospects in our youth intake.



RESULTS OVERVIEW:



From being unbeaten to losing two in three this month. Now the hard work truly begins.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Realistically, I don't think we're under major threat. Virtus and Pennarossa next for our boys, surely we can perform better against those sides.

NEXT UPDATE: March 2022

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



This game was anything but exciting, mind-numbingly tedious would be a better description. Sorrentino was isolated up top so I brought on Lonfernini for support, ten minutes later we're in front. Lonfernini playing the defensive forward played out wide and crossed it in for a proper poacher's finish by Sorrentino. Scrappy win.



Only I could come up against a side who've been winless for twenty games. ZERO WINS RECORDED THIS SEASON. Shockingly bad in front of goal, foolishly went attacking for the last half hour only for Consoli to present himself free avoiding two defenders from a direct ball to poke home what proved to be the winning goal. We are an absolute disgrace. Disgusted.

COPPA TITANO



We are a side short in confidence, somehow winning our final group match against a fairly superior La Fiorita. 40% possession, yet somehow going against the grain to take the lead from Lonfernini. The second was fortuitous but very well taken, La Fiorita pressed hard leaving their backline exposed, won the ball back with Saporetti pacing away and leaving a four on two situation, unselfishly pulls the ball back for Succi who couldn't miss. Bit of a spirit raiser to end the month.



Coasted through.



Except this is a real worry. Very poor record against Libertas, let's hope lady luck will be on our side.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Suddenly red dots are appearing a little bit more frequently, that Pennarossa defeat was infuriating. Despite two wins, we're not the same side that started the season.

LEAGUE TABLE:



One more win and top spot is secured. Hard to believe we're now only looking over our shoulder.

NEXT UPDATE: April 2022

Some annoying results in that spell for you @DNZY, still well clear though. Hopefully you'll end the Libertas rot in the cup.

@r96Skinner - Incredibly annoying, hopefully we do!

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CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE



This was more like it, confidence flowed through all our orifices. Despite Virtus playing a 4-3-3, their midfield and defensive structure left a lot to be desired. Kept bombing forward in the first half, De Luigi scoring for the first time in an age coupled with Lonfernini on hand. Virtus never looked like getting into the game, three easy points.



Too many times we let our guard down and switch off at vital moments. Cosmos were a side we should have comfortably dispatched but ended up scraping a draw. Defence sliced open for Bianchi to have the time and space to punish us. Nothing was going right in front of goal and the impact sub was required. Sorrentino on for Lonfernini, boom. Ten minutes on the pitch, game level. Should have won it late on but a deflating draw is all we could manage.



Derby day turned out to be derby disaster. Twelve minutes is all it took for Fiorentino to build a mountain between us and a result. Sheer dominance throughout, 18 shots, 9 on target, our goal didn't even come from play. Awarded a penalty which Saporetti made no mistake. The third goal was utter bullshit given the San Marino standard of football, ball headered clear from a corner, falls to Biordi to thump a worldy volley straight into the top corner from 25 yards out. Embarrassment.

COPPA TITANO

QUARTER FINAL



Some days we just don't turn up, but when we do, results like this occur. De Luigi seems to be back at his peak following a bit of a drought, pulling something magical from his locker with that fierce right boot of his and arrowing a 30 yard free kick to give us the lead.



The game started to become ill-disciplined, ref booking six players in a twenty minute spell. Mularoni was the first red casualty, awarding a free kick for De Luigi to float and effortlessly met by Saporetti's head. Libertas didn't give us much of a game surprisingly before the red, and after the red they weren't about to change that. Lonfernini coolly capping off a third before the visitors were reduced to nine men with a handball. Ends that horrible run against Libertas at the seventh time of asking.



Saporetti breaking his own record from last season.



La Fiorita in the semis.

SEMI FINAL



*sigh* I'll be the first to admit neither side deserved to lose. Terrific, free-flowing, open game of football. A proper cup semi-final. Cristian Salomone popped up from defence to oddly float an almost slow motion header over the rest to put us in front. What happened next? We immediately buckled, they come straight down the other end and Paolini placed his shot away from Golinucci to equalise. The game constantly went from end to end, Gianluca Vivan being the more busy of the keepers to keep the game level after extra time. I made a foolish substitution in ET, bringing Francioni on, a left sided player who has good penalty attributes but has rarely kicked a ball in the first team this season. Funnily enough, he was the only one to choke, dragging his kick wide and sending La Fiorita through.



In the end, La Fiorita won the trophy and defeating Fiorentino 1-0 in the process. Suppose it's not all bad news.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Not a huge improvement from our previous month. Slumping slightly, but then again that was the case going into the final playoffs the previous season. Gutted I couldn't record a Coppa Titano success so it now all lies with the Campionato Sammarinese.

LEAGUE TABLE:




Speaking of which, top place secured with Domagnano and Juvenes Dogana qualifying from group A. Fiorentino won group B with Folgore and somehwat surprise package Cailungo also joining in.



Oh great...more derby antics. Let's hope we don't balls it up this time.

NEXT UPDATE: May 2022 (The Playoffs)

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE PLAYOFFS

FIRST ROUND





Juvenes Dogana and Folgore advance to face each other in the second round. Domagnano and Cailungo play each other in the losers playoff third round.

SECOND ROUND



Folgore move to the major semi-final to play winners of Tre Fiori vs. Fiorentino. Juvenes Dogana play the winners of third round tie Domagnano vs. Cailungo.

THIRD ROUND



Cailungo move to fifth round to play Juvenes Dogana. Domagnano officially eliminated.

FOURTH ROUND



We put Fiorentino back in their place on the back of losing 3-1 to them previously. De Luigi rarely scores with his head and Andrea Ghion rarely produces a cross, well the unforeseen event happened and the flowers took to the front. But what Tre Fiori performance would it be if there weren't a glaring error to follow that, Nicolo Gatti failed in a take on with Fiorentino's Michele Mina and in a burst of pace on the left hand side, crossed into Felici who couldn't miss. Turning to the second half, two pivotal penalty decisions went our way, one resulting in a red card for our former player Volpinari. Saporetti went the same way for both, straight down the middle and took a 3-1 advantage. The game was ours from that moment on, De Luigi hit the bar from a free kick which could have embarrassed them even more, but we safely advance to the major semi-final.



Folgore await patiently in the semis.

Tre Fiori advance to major semi final vs. Folgore. Fiorentino move to sixth round to play either Juvenes Dogana or Cailungo.

FIFTH ROUND



Juvenes Dogana advance to sixth round to play Fiorentino. Cailungo officially eliminated.

SIXTH ROUND



Fiorentino advance to minor semi final to play losers of major semi final between Tre Fiori vs. Folgore. Juvenes Dogana officially eliminated.

MAJOR SEMI FINAL



Bit of a cagey affair here, neither side gave anything away in a battle of the tactical minds. Folgore set up very well defensively to block us out of any attacks, resorting us to fire long range. First half showed no real signs of breakthrough, we came closest with Lonfernini's low shot smothered comfortably by their keeper. Second half, Folgore came into the game very quickly, nodding a header narrowly wide and forcing Golinucci into a save to deny Muccioli. At long last, the first goal game from a seemingly overhit pass into Lonfernini by Succi that caused some sort of confusion between Folgore's goalkeeper and defence for Lonfernini to tuck it in against his former employers. Suddenly, Folgore were all over the place and gave away a soft penalty on the edge of the area which Saporetti took full advantage of. Another year, another final!

Tre Fiori advance to Campionato Sammarinese final. Folgore move to minor semi final vs. Fiorentino.

MINOR SEMI FINAL





In similar circumstances to last year, we meet the team who we beat in the major semi final. Folgore looked too much for Fiorentino and look dangerous as we face off against them in the final.

Folgore advance to Campionato Sammarinese final vs. Tre Fiori. Fiorentino officially eliminated with Europa League qualification.

CAMPIONATO SAMMARINESE FINAL



NEXT UPDATE: Postseason 2021/22

Congrats!