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#185828 The (Invincible) Boys Are Back In Town (Sort Of)
henrytg
Upload your images to imgur, then copy the link that has the [img] tags either side
#185820 The (Invincible) Boys Are Back In Town (Sort Of)
henrytg
As much as I hate using it, the in game editor proved useful to extend both of their contracts. Everyone else that needed resigning did so voluntarily.
#185800 The (Invincible) Boys Are Back In Town (Sort Of)
henrytg
#185798 The (Invincible) Boys Are Back In Town (Sort Of)
henrytg
He's brazilian, has some technical ability and plays in central midfield. Ultimately, none of the players are good replacements in terms of skill, but they all have similar profiles
#185785 The (Invincible) Boys Are Back In Town (Sort Of)
henrytg
I've been away for a long time, but with time to kill in the summer, it's time for another FM career. It's good to be back.
As an Arsenal fan, we won the FA Cup last year and that was great. But come on, it's not like 03/04. That season was the best by any club anywhere ever (of course), and it often leaves me feeling incredibly nostalgic, knowing we probably won't have a team like that again. It's at this point that many an Arsenal career would go off on a normal path, with many signings and the objective to stay unbeaten. But not his one.
I spent a couple of hours in the editor and swapped out all the players on the current Arsenal squad for all the players who were in the Invincibles squad and still active. I didn't stop there, as for all the great players in the team that have retired (Bergkamp, Vieira, Lehmann etc) I looked for active players who had very similar or identical profiles, in terms of nationality and build. The end result is a team that either has the same players, or very similar players, to the ones from 03/04. Of course you can't replace Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires etc.. but I've tried to get similar players from the same country.
We won't have the same success, but hopefully I won't get sacked and we'll be able to win something.
Without further ado, here are the Invincibles mark II.
Goalkeepers:
Rene Adler (replacement for Jens Lehmann)
Graham Stack
Manuel Almunia (only joined the season after, but needed a third keeper)
Defenders:
Kolo Toure
Justin Hoyte
Ashley Cole
Stathis Tavlaridis
Matthew Upson (replacement for Martin Keown)
Ashley Williams (replacement for Sol Campbell)
Laurent Koscielny (a better version of Pascal Cygan)
Nicolas Nkoulou (replacement for Lauren)
Gael Clichy
Midfielders:
Gilberto Silva
Sebastian Larsson (replacement for Freddie Ljungberg)
Alou Diarra (replacement for Patrick Vieira)
Gary O'Neil (replacement for Ray Parlour)
David Bentley
Elano (replacement for Edu)
Cesc Fabregas
Jeremy Menez (replacement for Robert Pires)
Forwards:
Rafael Van der Vaart (replacement for Bergkamp)
Jose Antonio Reyes
Charles N'Zogbia (replacement for Wiltord)
Thierry Henry
Shola Ameobi (replacement for Kanu)
Jeremie Aliadiere
#131417 Another glitch? Can't have private chats with players
henrytg
When I click private chat, all I get is the the player box saying something like 'you wanted to see me', but then I don't have the box to respond, it's just blank.
Also, in other parts of the game, sometimes some boxes are just blank (like team instructions). This seems to just be temporary (I can reload the screen), however the player chat issue I haven't been able to resolve.
EDIT: running the notoriously glitchy (and f*cking annoying) version 14.2.
#130834 Serious Injury While on Loan
henrytg
This sucks, as Elmander is obviously a pretty important player for us, and he's on loan for the season, so three months isn't the entire duration of the loan.
Also worth pointing out I can continue the game, but Elmander's status just says 'awaiting treatment'. Do I really have to send him back?
#130600 Premium Membership Downloading Speed
henrytg
#130598 Please close
henrytg
#130575 Please close
henrytg
I've got two words for you diary: Angelo Balanta. Normally one our reserves, I decided to start him against Luzern and boy that was a good decision. We were up 2-0 at half time because of him, he scored one and created the other. The second half wasn't so good, we conceded two goals and could have quite easily lost the game. Some tactical tweaking is definitely needed.
Balanta has definitely staked his claim for a place on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday, but we'll see how he trains leading up to the game. I'm all for giving yougsters a chance, and I think he deserves another shot after such a great performance.
Off the pitch issues this week include getting somebody in to fix my TV back home (it drives the missus crazy that she can't watch Strictly) and asking Tony about transfers. I quite fancy the look of Oguchi Onyewu, who's looking for a club, and his agent says he's keen on a move to Rangers. Hopefully Tony will figure something out with regards to salary, I have no clue about any of that stuff.
Anyway, next diary will either see me in a very bad mood, or delighted that we've won our opener against Sheffield. More coming soon from the Redknapp residence.
#130538 Please close
henrytg
This was supposed to be a positive week, but bugger me one thing has overshadowed everything else. I decided to play the young uns against Wick Academy, but unfortunately our Korean full back Yun Suk Young did his cruciate. The doc says he'll be out for 10-12 months, in other words the season and maybe even the start of next season as well.
I'm absolutely gutted for the lad, as he'd shown some good things in training, and he would have been a useful player to have around. Hopefully he'll get back to full fitness, but with injuries as bad as his, you just don't know.
We did win the match 3-1, Junior Hoilett scored two goals for us. It still wasn't a convincing performance on our part, and conceding that goal wasn't at all reassuring. We still have things to sort out before our season opener against the Owls.
Our trip to Scotland didn't last long, and a lot of the first teamers didn't make the trip (they stayed home and did god knows what), but the hotel was nice and I actually got a good night's sleep for once.
Having said that, Joe Jordan did throw a wobbly with a waitress who gave him the wrong coffee. You do not ever want to mess with that man, ask Gennaro Gattuso.
We've got one more friendly before Sheffield Wednesday, so we'll iron out any problems and hopefully get a good result when the season starts.
Gotta go, my bulldogs need walking and I haven't had much exercise.
#130525 Please close
henrytg
Thanks! Good to be back. Hopefully this format will make me stick with the story a bit longer.
Just got back from Germany with a couple of those giant beer glasses, but unfortunately not a couple of wins. We were playing two lower division German teams, so we really should have one both games. The first game against Mannheim was a walk in the park, we won 2-0 with Andy Johnson, Shaun Wright Phillips and Jermaine Jenas grabbing the goals. We didn't have any problems, except the squirrel that decided to streak across the pitch early in the second half. Andy scored an absolute cracker, it has to be said.
The problem was the second game against Trier. We were bloody awful. We couldn't put anything away even though we had the chances, and that came back to bite us in the arse in the second half, when they scored a free kick and an easy finish which we shouldn't have let them have. Andy got a consolation goal late, but it wasn't good enough. Possession means nothing unless you score. We didn't do that, so we lost. I experiemented with Julio in goal that game, obviously didn't go too well.
Off the pitch our trip was good fun, I tried a currywurst which was surprisingly good and the lads decided it would be fun to go to a brewery, although they couldn't get pissed as Joe Jordan was there to supervise. I can't tell say anymore. As they say, what happens on tour stays on tour.
That's all for this week, we go up to Scotland next for a game against Wick Academy, and then I'll have to get thinking about the opener against Sheffield Wednesday.
Auf widersehn, or whatever they say, back soon with more.
#130442 Please close
henrytg
I got one of those iPad thingies for my birthday earlier this year, so I'm gonna give this diary a shot. Blimey, autocorrect really is rather good isn't it? Why bother hiring somebody to write my autobiography? I can do it all myself!
Anyway, here comes another season. My 21st, I started at Bournemouth in 1983. Last year left the whole team really gutted, and we've had to change things up a bit in a bid to get promoted back to the Prem staright away. Q.P.R are a good bunch of lads though, from the players right down to Alfie, the club cook. I'm sure we can get back straight away.
It was great to be back at the training ground, although I must tell Tony to spend some bloody money on a new set of showers. They hardly work, and you don't want to catch a whiff of an unwashed Bobby Zamora if you can help it.
Everyone has got back to work well, and we go to Germany on a pre-season tour in couple of days time. It should be a good test, and hopefully we won't pick up any injuries before we start the season against Sheffield Wednesday in a few weeks time.
Meanwhile, in the few days since coming back together, Joey's Twitter has provided great entertainment as it always does, while Nedum decided it would good fun to fill my car up with those bloody styrofoam pellets as a welcome back prank, but I didn't like that. His punishment was to do Bobby Zamora's washing, so I don't think he'll do anything like that again.
Finally, we welcomed new boys Danny Simpson and Karl Henry to the club. Karl has already made it very clear that if anyone nicks his Liquorice All Sorts, they will regret for a long time to come. And I believe him, which is why I've locked them in a safe in my office. Health and safety, you know.
Tony's told me that Charlie Austin and Matt Phillips could be joining later in the summer, and I've also put forward a few Spurs players I'd like to see at Loftus Road, namely Benoit Assou Ekotto, Niko Kranjcar and Tom Carroll. Hopefully the Malaysian Master can work something out, as they're great lads.
So guten tag, I'm off to Germany. Back soon with more.
#104455 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Lazio 2-0 Palermo
September 26, 2012
A debut goal from Ogenyi Onazi and a late strike from Mauro Zarate gave Lazio a comfortable victory over Palermo in a match they dominated from start to finish.
Zarate (right) and Onazi (left). Photo: Ansa.
Despite Lazio not always having control of possession, there was always a sense that the Biancocelesti had control of the match, and they created their first chance after 17 minutes.
Nico Gaitan played a perfect through ball to wing back Alvaro Gonzalez, who unleashed a vicious shot that struck the inside of the post from a fairly narrow angle just inside the box. It fell to Palermo defender Ezequiel Munoz, who cleared the ball into row Z.
Only two minutes later though, it was Palermo who retaliated, and Abel Hernandez had a chance to break the deadlock. Barreto played a short through ball from the edge of the box which found the Uruguayan striker, however Marchetti closed down well and the Italian keeper parried it out for Cana to clear.
At the 25 minute mark, Senad Lulic thought he'd scored for Lazio when he volleyed home after Nico Gaitan found him free in the box, however the goal was ruled out for offside to the disappointment of the Biancocelesti.
Ten minutes later though, and Lazio finally had a goal which stood. After some interplay between Klose and Gaitan on the edge of the box, it was the Argentine who played through Onazi onside for a one on one with Ujkani. The Nigerian, although defensive midfielder by trade, produced a striker's finish to beat the Palermo keeper at the near post and to put Lazio in front.
Lazio almost had the chance to go two in front one minute after scoring, when sloppy some sloppy Palermo passing allowed Gaitan to pick a pass over the defence to Klose, who controlled and gave himself a one on one with the keeper. With everyone expecting him to convert, it was in fact Ujkani who pulled off a stunning save to prevent the goal.
Half time came and went without another dangerous Palermo chance, and the second half wasn't any more threatening for Lazio. Rarely troubled, Palermo was restricted to a few easy shots for Marchetti and a few headers that missed the target.
It wasn't until 80 minutes that the match yielded another goal, when Palermo were caught with a blistering counter attack. With Palermo pushing men up for an attacking free kick, Arevalo Rios was left alone at the back to defend a counter attack lead by Konko, Zarate and Klose when the ball was cleared by Lazio.
It was an easy pass for Konko to give to Zarate, and that left the Argentine and Klose against the keeper. Zarate didn't help though, smashing it past Ujkani to rule out a Palermo comeback.
The match didn't slow down though, and soon after Zarate's goal Lazio narrowly missed adding a third when there was a game of pinball in the box resulting from a dangerous corner from Lulic.
Even Palermo thought they'd scored deep into added time when Macheda headed in a corner, however the referee ruled that there was a foul on a Lazio player, to the disbelief of the Palermo players.
The match ended as a win and clean sheet for Lazio, who next play Catania in Sicily.
Lineups:
Lazio: Marchetti, Ciani, Diakite, Gonzalez (Konko 45), Cana (c), Lulic, Hernanes, Onazi (Brocchi 82), Gaitan (Ederson 74), Zarate, Klose.
Subs not used: Carrizo, Radu, Andre Dias, Scaloni, Zauri, Matuzalem, Candreva, Rocchi, Kozak.
Yellow cards: Cana
Goals: Onazi (33), Zarate (82)
Palermo: Ujkani, von Bergen, Munoz, Mantovani (Donati 45), Giorgi, Arevalo Rios, Barreto (Pisano 41), Ilicic, Budan (Miccoli 56), Macheda, Hernandez.
Subs not used: Benussi, Brienza, Dybala, Milanovic, Viola, Morganella, Sosa, Garcia, Labrin.
Yellow cards: Mantovani, Barreto, Giorgi.
Goals: None.
Stats:
Shots: Lazio 17-13 Palermo
On Target: Lazio 8-7 Palermo
Fouls: Lazio 12-21 Palermo
Possession: Lazio 47%-53% Palermo
#104401 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Di Canio: Palermo won't be walk in the park
September 25, 2012
Lazio manager Paolo Di Canio remained cautious in his press conference ahead of playing Palermo, warning that it won't be easy and that Palermo shouldn't be underestimated.
Lazio narrowly lost their last game to Juventus. Photo: Ansa.
'People are very quick to write of Palermo, but I did that with Slaven Belupo and it came back to bite me. The reality is that there are no easy games in football anymore, and you always have to give 100% in order to win.'
'You can't go into games, especially one against a team like Palermo, assuming you'll get the three points.'
'They have some excellent players, Fabrizio Miccoli comes to mind, and it would be foolish to disrespect them by just brushing them off as an easy game.'
'Having said all that, I'm confident we can get the job done. Despite losing our last game, I feel we gave a good account of ourselves against Juve, and that if we play the same way again tomorrow, we will win comfortably.'
'We've lost two games in a row, and we really want to stop that run before it gets any worse. Before you know it, you've lost five in a row and you're distanced from the top of the table. We our first win in the Serie A to end that now, and get back to challenging at the top of the table.'
Lazio are currently 15th with 2 points out of three games, and a win against Palermo could push them up into the top ten, which would be a good way to kickstart the Biancocelesti's season.
#104083 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Lazio agree Romario deal
September 24, 2012
Lazio have agreed a deal to sign young Brazilian right back Romario from Vitoria on a free transfer. He will join the Biancocelesti when his contract expires at the end of December.
Romario (right) will be Lazio's first January signing. Photo: Ansa.
Romario, 18, is highly rated in Brazil and is projected to be a top full back in the future. It is understood that he has signed a five year deal with the club, with performance related bonuses.
'I am really happy and honoured to have signed a contract with Lazio. It's a huge club and a dream of mine to be playing for such an important team in Europe. I'll be able to develop more as a player and really learn a new style of football', Romario told Lazio's website.
Vitoria are believed to have offered him a new deal, however when Lazio tabled an offer, it was too good to turn down.
The young Brazilian is a more attacking right back, who can also play higher up the pitch as a wing back or as a right midfielder, and Lazio fans should have high expectations of a player who has been hailed as the next Dani Alves.
'Romario is another great young player who the club have been working hard to sign. He has a very promising career ahead of him, and hopefully he will develop and flourish at Lazio.', Lazio boss Di Canio said.
Romario is expected to play in the Lazio reserves or be loaned out for first team experience before he becomes part of the first team squad.
#103913 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Di Canio: Timing of second goal was decisive
September 23, 2012
Speaking after his side's loss to Juventus, the Lazio boss said that the timing of the Turin club's second goal was what made the difference.
Lazio will next play Palermo at the Stadio Olimpico. Photo: Ansa.
'Looking back on the game, if we didn't concede just before half time, I think we could have got something from the game. We would have gone in at 1-0 with everything to play for, but that goal robbed us of that and basically sealed the deal for Juventus.'
'It was a big blow to us mentally, even though I have to credit the players for still coming out and fighting like warriors. They got a goal and made it really hard for Juve in the second half. We were clearly the dominant team in the second 45 minutes.'
'Even though we lost, we showed real character to play the way we did late on, and we did eventually score. It's definitely a big improvement over our game against Slaven Belupo, which is the important thing. I cared about the performance tonight, and we showed how good we can be against the best team in Italy.'
'I really think on another day we could have got something from this game. If you look at the goals we conceded, it was sloppy defending, we didn't clear the ball, and that really hurt us.'
'We'll have to get back to work before the game against Palermo to sort out some of the issues we had today in the first half. Although I couldn't be happier with the way we played in the second half.'
Lazio have had a tough start to the season, playing Anzhi in the Europa League Playoff before facing Genoa, AC Milan and Slaven Belupo. With their next three games against Palermo, Catania and Sparta Prague, it should give them the chance to get some points on the board.
#103856 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Juventus 2-1 Lazio
September 23, 2012
Juventus only narrowly beat Lazio in what was a hard fought game at Juventus Stadium.
Both goalscorers, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella, celebrate. Photo: Ansa.
It was The Old Lady who dominated from kickoff, having the majority of possession and setting the tempo of the game.
Lazio were stuck in their own half, and had to clear a number of dangerous balls in the box, mostly unconvincingly.
It wasn't long before Juve predictably found the breakthrough. With 17 minutes played, after extended pressure and another failed clearance, the ball fell to Vidal on the edge of the box, who passed to Giaccherini. The Juventus winger then whipped a ball into the box, which was tucked away sweetly at the far post by Quagliarella, who managed to get in front of his man.
Even after the goal, Juventus didn't let up, and Marchetti was forced into a fine save when Marchisio was played through one on one.
It seemed like Lazio were going to hold on to go into the break only one down, but Mirko Vucinic had other ideas. The Montenegrin poked home a low and powerful cross from Giaccherini in the dying seconds of the half to give Juve a 2-0 lead, and Giaccherini his second assist on the night.
While Lazio seemed lacklustre in the first half, they came out strong in the second, hugely restricting Juve's chances and even creating a few ones of their own.
It was the kind of play that Paolo Di Canio would have wanted from the start of the game, although it was too little too late for Lazio, who despite trying failed to penetrate Juve until late on.
Lazio finally got on the scoresheet with one minute left, when Brazilian playmaker Ederson popped up to head home Matuzalem's beautifully delivered free kick.
The Biancocelesti had one last chance with a corner to equalise, although it was cleared by Arturo Vidal, upon which the referee blew the final whistle.
It was definitely an improved performance from Lazio coming off their midweek collapse against Slaven Belupo, and the Rome club will look to build on the positives when they play Palermo in four days time.
Lineups:
Juventus: Buffon (c), Lucio, Barzagli, Bonucci, Giaccherini, Pirlo (Asamoah 73), Vidal, Marchisio, Giovinco (De Ceglie 73), Vucinic, Quagliarella (Matri 67).
Subs not used: Storari, Bonatini, Marrone, Caceres, Iaquinta, Padoin, Isla, Pepe, Slivka.
Yellow cards: Vidal, Giaccherini, Asamoah.
Red cards: None.
Goals: Quagliarella (18), Vucinic (45).
Lazio: Marchetti, Konko, Cana (c), Diakite, Radu, Gaitan (Ederson 70), Hernanes (Matuzalem 83), Gonzalez, Candreva (Lulic 45), Kozak, Klose.
Subs not used: Carrizo, Ciani, Onazi, Cavanda, Brocchi, Zarate, Floccari, Sculli, Rocchi.
Yellow cards: Kozak, Konko.
Red cards: None.
Goals: Ederson (90).
Stats:
Shots: Juventus 10-4 Lazio
On Target: Juventus 4-3 Lazio
Fouls: Juventus 12-17 Lazio
Possession: Juventus 66%-34% Lazio
#103843 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Di Canio: Performance more important than the result
September 22, 2012
In the press conference ahead of the Juventus game, Paolo Di Canio emphasised that he wanted a good performance more than a result, and added that Lazio were going up against 'clearly' the best team in Italy.
Lazio are coming off a shock defeat to Slaven Belupo in the Europa League. Photo: Ansa.
'I think the aim against Juventus is not to win, but to play well and make it difficult for them. After a result like the one we had in midweek, we need to get our morale back up, and that will take time. However I think that even if we don't win or get something from the game, we want to play well and make them struggle.'
'Juventus are clearly the best team in Italy, they have the best players, and it's a challenge for any club in the world to play them. So we just have to play our game without any pressure and see what happens.'
'It will be tough, obviously, after coming back from Croatia late, but I really have confidence in my squad, and the experienced players like Tommaso [Rocchi] and Cristian [Brocchi] are doing a really good job of trying to lift everyone for the big game.'
Asked if there would be any tactical changes, Di Canio hinted that there would be, but didn't give details.
'Yes, obviously Juve have a lot of dangerous players, and we have to counter their threats, so we will make some tactical changes, especially coming off a heavy defeat like the one we suffered. I'm not prepared to tell you more though, as that would undermine the changes we will make.'
Finally, Di Canio was asked about facing Antonio Conte, a manager who he's been inspired by tactically.
'Antonio is a manager I really look up to, even though he's managing a rival team. It will be great to finally compete against him and to try and outwit him on the sidelines.'
After Juve, Lazio face a double dose of Sicily as they play Palermo at home before challenging Catania away.
#103791 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Thanks for that, very interesting. Will keep that in mind about Brocchi, although he is by no means a starter for me anyway. It's just that I'm a bit short in defensive midfield, so I have to play him occasionally as a sub.
Di Canio skips press conference after rout
September 20, 2012
A furious Paolo Di Canio did not speak to the press after Lazio's 3-0 loss to Slaven Belupo, however his assistant Fabrizio Piccareta was available for comment. The Lazio manager did later release a statement on the club's website.
Assistant manager Fabrizio Piccareta was charged with media duties. Photo: Ansa.
'Look, it doesn't take a genius to work out we played terribly, we got complacent, and they punished us', Piccareta said in a brief statement to Gazzetta dello Sport after the game.
'Our defending was extremely poor, and it's a match we really should have won. There still five games left in the Europa League for us to sort it out, but it's a really bad start, and obviously everyone in the team and the management are extremely angry and frustrated, myself included.'
Although Paolo Di Canio didn't comment in the aftermath of the game, he did release a statement afterwards on the club's site, offering to compensate the Lazio fans who came to watch the game. The statement in full:
"It is rare I do not uphold my media duties, but I felt that after that game, I would say something stupid so I decided to keep my anger private. The players know how I feel about the performance, which was probably the worst Lazio game I have seen in my lifetime, and as far as that's concerned, there isn't much more to say.
I will stand up and take the blame for the complacency we showed out there today, as well as squad selection, which in hindsight should have been stronger. What I will not do though is accept some of the player performances which were really terrible. I don't have to point fingers as I think it's obvious, but there will be consequences for those who seriously underperformed.
Finally, I want to address the travelling fans who came all the way to Croatia to sit through a completely undeserving performance. I feel it is my responsibility to compensate you for your wasted time and effort, and if you contact the club, they will arrange for that to be dealt with.
We next play Juventus, in a match guaranteed to be completely different to this game. Our challenge for these next three days is to refocus, forget about the past and make sure that the performance is good in Turin. If we play well, with heart, with spirit, against Juve, I'll be happy.
Personally, while painful and frustrating, I have learnt a lot of things from this game, which I can use to avoid making the same mistakes again in the future. As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Di Canio chose to rest several key players against Slaven Belupo including Miroslav Klose, but he and the other stars will no doubt be back to start against Juventus at Juventus Stadium.
#103662 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
NK Slaven Belupo 3-0 Lazio
September 20, 2012
Croatian side NK Slaven Belupo caused a major upset as they comfortably saw off a ten man Lazio to record a win in their opening Europa League game.
Slaven Belupo celebrate their second goal. Photo: Ansa.
NK Slaven Belupo controlled the ball from kickoff, and despite a couple of minutes of applied pressure, couldn't penetrate the Lazio defence.
The first half as a whole was lacklustre, neither side creating any dangerous chances, except from a scuffed long range pot shot from Senad Lulic, which was easy for keeper Rodic. Rocchi also shot into row Z.
The second half then was where all the action happened, and happen it did. Lazio started slowly, and Slaven Belupo took advantage.
Five minutes in, Candjija threaded a ball through to Delic, who, onside and one on one with keeper, kept his head to smash it into the top corner, leaving Carrizo with no chance. It was poor defending from Lazio, who left a man wide open.
Losing 1-0, things went from bad to worse for the Biancocelesti. Lorik Cana, who had already picked up a yellow card, was booked again after 65 minutes for an aerial challenge on Batarelo, leaving Lazio one man short to play out the game and to try and get an equaliser.
Di Canio replaced Rocchi with Ederson to try and compensate for Cana's dismissal, but to no avail, and things got even worse five minutes later when Slaven Belupo scored again.
Another horrendous marking error allowed Kupresak's punt down to pitch to be collected by Nikola Rak on the right wing, and wide open in the box one on one with Carrizo, it was an easy finish for the Croatian to make it 2-0.
Lazio's nightmares weren't over though, and on 89 minutes, a Slaven Belupo free kick was headed past Carrizo by Hernanes for a freak own goal.
This has to be considered a major upset, and Paolo Di Canio will now have to return to Rome and pick up the pieces before playing Juve in three days time. Coming off a shock defeat like this one, will Lazio come back strong and surprise The Old Lady or crumble further and suffer defeat? We will have to wait and see.
Lineups:
NK Slaven Belupo: Rodic, Baric (Geng 45), Bubnjic (Jedvaj 90), Grgic, Maras (c), Batarelo, Canadjija, Dedic, Rak, Pilipovic (Kupresak 65), Delic.
Subs not used: Pelin, Takac, Briek, Misic.
Yellow cards: None.
Red cards: None.
Goals: Delic (51), Rak (73), Hernanes og (89).
Lazio: Carrizo, Zauri, Ciani, Dias, Radu, Matuzalem (Hernanes 45), Cana (sent off 65), Candreva, Lulic (Gaitan 84), Zarate, Rocchi (c) (Ederson 65).
Subs not used: Marchetti, Diakite, Gonzalez, Kozak.
Yellow cards: Matuzalem, Cana, Lulic.
Red cards: Cana.
Goals: None.
Stats:
Shots: NK Slaven Belupo 11-13 Lazio
On Target: NK Slaven Belupo 5-4 Lazio
Fouls: NK Slaven Belupo 5-14 Lazio
Possession: NK Slaven Belupo 48%-52% Lazio
#103659 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Thanks, really appreciate it. You're not the only one who doesn't understand the co-ownership system, but basically, a team buys 50% of a player, and after a year or two, both teams bid for the other 50% the one who bids highest gets the whole player. It's actually quite a good way to buy someone if you don't have the money, you buy half, then the other half later.
Di Canio: I expect a win
September 19, 2012
Ahead of tomorrow's opening Europa League game against NK Slaven Belupo, Paolo Di Canio said he expected nothing less than a win, and added that he would probably rotate the squad.
Lazio are strong favourites for the game. Photo: Ansa.
'I think we have to come back with 3 points. We are Lazio, one of the best teams in Europe, I think we have to come back not only with the win, but also we must have done it in dominant fashion.'
'These are the games we have to win in order to qualify, and there's no excuse if we don't. We come into the game very confident, knowing that if we play our best we'll get three points.'
The Lazio boss was asked about squad rotation, with a view to the clash with Juve in four days time.
'There will be some squad rotation, definitely. I will be resting a lot of our players for the Juve game, as that is a huge match for us and to go into in unprepared and with unfit players would just be stupid.'
'I would rather to do badly against Slaven Belupo than against Juventus if I had to choose, although I'm 100% confident that we will win the game with the squad I pick tomorrow.'
In the other fixture in Group C, Sparta Prague play Liverpool.
#103362 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Di Canio: What a game!
September 15, 2012
Paolo Di Canio looked delighted as he took questions during his post match press conference, but exhausted at the same time.
Lazio now travel to Slaven Belupo in the Europa League. Photo: Ansa.
'I think there are no words to describe that game,' the Lazio boss said, 'it was absolutely unbelievable. End to end goal to goal, with Cristian equalising for us at the end, it was magical.'
'I think we deserved it, we were the dominant side in the second half, and even if we didn't play well in the first half, the second half more than made up for it. I'm also really happy for Nico, who scored on his debut, and against Milan, he couldn't have wished for a better start.'
'If at the end of the season there is a better game than that, then I'll be very surprised. It was perfect for the neutral, and I'm sure everybody enjoyed it. It was nerve-wracking for me though, just what I needed after the transfer deadline day we had!'
Di Canio was then asked about Cristian Brocchi, and the reasons behind the winning substitution.
'Lulic was getting quite tired in the middle of the park, and Cristian was really keen to come on and play against his former club. When the chance came to him, he took it calmly, and that's always what Cristian does. He brings important experience to our side.'
Lazio next play NK Slaven Belupo in the Europa League, against whom they are strong favourites.
#103302 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Lazio 3-3 AC Milan
September 15, 2012
Cristian Brocchi scored a late equaliser for Lazio as they came from behind to draw with Milan in an entertaining and pulsating game.
Brocchi celebrates after his equaliser. Photo: Ansa.
Coming out of the international break and the end of the transfer window, both sides presented new faces, with Cristian Ledesma making his debut for the Rossoneri and Nicolas Gaitan starting his first game for the Biancocelesti.
The match was always expected to produce fireworks, and it didn't disappoint.
After just one minute, AC Milan had already fashioned the first chance, when Giampaolo Pazzini headed Robinho's cross onto Marchetti's crossbar.
The Rossoneri didn't ease off, and a minute later earned themselves a corner. Cristian Ledesma whipped it in, and it was Pazzini again getting on the end of it, this time heading it home past Marchetti to give Milan the early lead.
Only ten minutes later, the Rossoneri had a chance to go 2-0 up, when Antonini's low cross found Pato unmarked in the box who controlled and shot, only for it to bounce back of the post and be cleared by Diakite.
Lazio finally responded with a chance of their own after 25 minutes, when Matuzalem threaded a ball through to Senad Lulic, who had his shot saved at close range by Abbiati. Nothing came from the resulting corner, allowing Milan to clear.
That was it for an exciting first half, with Milan holding a deserved lead at the break.
Football is a game of two halves though, and the Biancocelesti came out flying after the break.
Milan didn't even have a touch of the ball before Lazio equalised straight from the kickoff. Konko played in Hernanes down the right, the Brazilian putting in a vicious low cross towards Klose, who poked the ball home for 1-1.
Lazio eased off after scoring, but on 60 minutes they conceded through a devastating counter attack. After a Milan clearance from a Lazio free kick, De Jong lofted the ball over the defence to Robinho who controlled beautifully before playing in Pato. 'The Duck' then only had to beat the Lazio goalkeeper, which he did, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
In what was turning into an end to end encounter, Lazio took advantage of Milan's complacency after scoring to equalise immediately. A few passes after kick off, Hernanes played in new boy Nico Gaitan, who got round the back of the Rossoneri defence to slot home past Abbiati for a goal on his debut. The Lazio fans were already chanting his name as he celebrated.
The match wasn't over though, far from it, and 15 minutes later, AC Milan got the goal that they thought would break Lazio hearts. A cross from Traore found its way to Ledesma, who headed it down for Robinho. After stepping inside his man, the Brazilian unleashed an unstoppable right footed shot which left Marchetti standing still and gave Milan the lead.
With the Biancocelesti fans now thinking about the depressing journey home, it was supersub Cristian Brocchi who turned the tables. The former Milan player was introduced with 9 minutes to go, and he proved decisive with his first touch of the ball. When Hernanes whipped in a cross that was headed onto the bar by Candreva, Brocchi was in the right place at the right time to prod home into an empty goal, sending the Lazio fans into raptures.
After equalising Lazio sat back and saw out the final few minutes, capping off an incredible game in which the Biancocelesti will no doubt be delighted to have pulled off the draw.
Lineups:
Lazio: Marchetti, Konko, Cana (c), Diakite, Radu, Candreva, Hernanes, Matuzalem (Zarate 45), Lulic (Brocchi 81), Gaitan (Ederson 70), Klose
Subs not used: Carrizo, Andre Dias, Ciani, Zauri, Gonzalez, Onazi, Sculli, Floccari, Kozak
Yellow cards: Cana, Diakite, Candreva, Lulic
Goals: Klose (46), Gaitan (61), Brocchi (84)
AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, Acerbi (Mexes 67), Antonini, de Jong, Ambrosini (c) (Flamini 60), Ledesma, Robinho, Pato, Pazzini (Traore 62)
Subs not used: Amelia, Ganz, Yepes, Bojan, Montolivo, Zapata, Constant, Fiori, Mesbah
Yellow cards: Robinho, Bonera, Abate
Goals: Pazzini (3), Pato (60), Robinho (76)
Stats:
Shots: Lazio 14-15 AC Milan
On Target: Lazio 6-6 AC Milan
Fouls: Lazio 16-15 AC Milan
Possession: Lazio 46%-54% AC Milan
#103279 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Di Canio: We will fight against AC Milan
September 14, 2012
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the AC Milan game, Paolo Di Canio was defiant about his team's chances and also reflected on the transfer window and the international break.
Lazio face Juventus in the Serie A after AC Milan. Photo: Ansa.
Asked about his team's chances, Di Canio said:
'What can I say? We will fight until the end, AC Milan are our rivals after all, we won't give up and I really want to get something from the game. I feel we can, we've got real quality, we have the desire, the fire in the belly, and I have confidence in my players.'
The Lazio boss was then quizzed on the transfer window, and how it unfolded from his perspective.
'Mamma mia, I almost had a heart attack! It was crazy. Why do we do this to ourselves on the last day. There was one moment where I thought we would miss out on Gaitan and lose Ledesma, so I had to make some pretty quick contingency plans.
'Luckily, everything worked out well. We received a world class player in Nico Gaitan, and Cristian Ledesma got his wish to leave Lazio. It worked out well for everyone.'
The international break was the next topic of conversation.
'It's given us two weeks to recharge our batteries after what was an incredibly stressful last week of August. The national side did well, and so everyone as come back in a more positive frame of mind.'
Finally, Di Canio addressed any injuries the squad was carrying.
'Tommaso Rocchi picked up a knock over the international break, and while he's back in training, he's still lacking fitness, so he'll probably sit out this game. Bizzarri is still out, but Senad Lulic is ready to come back as he played for Bosnia last week.'
Lazio play NK Slaven Belupo in the Europa League after the AC Milan game, before heading to Turin to take on Juve.
#103165 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Thanks!
Lazio confirm Gaitan deal
August 31, 2012
Lazio have confirmed the last minute signing of Nicolas Gaitan from Benfica on a season long loan, with the option to buy.
Gaitan is a highly rated talent in world football. Photo: Ansa.
The Argentine, 24, can be bought at any time by Lazio for €9.5 million. He will wear the number 28 shirt.
'I'm really happy to be joining Lazio for the season. They are a huge club with lots of history, and hopefully I can help them win trophies and do well in Europe.', Gaitan said.
'We have a good team and I think that this season should be very exciting for us. I can't wait to make my debut and get settled. Forza Lazio!'
Gaitan can play across attacking midfield and in behind the striker, and it will be interesting to see where he fits in Di Canio's system after losing a defensive midfield player in Ledesma.
'I am delighted that Nico Gaitan has joined us', Di Canio said on the Lazio site, 'He is a truly world class player that many of the top clubs have been trying to get, and I'm sure he will be a vital part of our team this season.'
Gaitan had the the subject of bids from Man Utd last year if rumors are to be believed, and Lazio can consider that they have pulled off a coup in signing a player who was wanted by so many of the big clubs.
It is expected that the Argentine will make his debut against AC Milan after the international break, where Ledesma will also face his former club.
#103158 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Thanks!
AC Milan complete Ledesma signing
August 31, 2012
AC Milan have finalised the co-ownership deal which will see Cristian Ledesma join the Rossoneri.
Lazio had rejected a number of previous bids for Ledesma. Photo: Ansa.
AC Milan are understood to have paid around €4 million for 50% of Ledesma's rights, and they also have the right to buy the other 50% at any time for €4.4 million, which would make a total transfer fee of over €8 million.
The deal being completed should allow Nicolas Gaitan to join Lazio from Benfica just before the deadline shuts, as Lazio now have the funds required to complete the deal.
Ledesma was one of Lazio's longest serving players, having been at the club since 2006, however the Argentine clearly thought that the time was right to move on after AC Milan and Udinese expressed an interest.
'I'm really happy to be joining a great club like AC Milan, one of the most successful clubs ever, however I'm also sad to be leaving Lazio, a club that has done so much for me. The Biancocelesti will always be in my heart, but now I have to focus on playing well for the Rossoneri and winning titles', Ledesma told AC Milan's official site.
Lazio also released a statement:
'The club can confirm that it has reached an agreement for the sale of Cristian Ledesma to AC Milan. He has been a great servant to this club, and we wish him all the best for the future.'
The Argentine made over 200 appearances for the Biancocelesti, the highlight of which was probably a 25 yard strike in the 2006 Derby della Capitale.
Ledesma will wear the number 19 shirt for Milan.
#103112 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Lazio in talks to sign Gaitan
August 31, 2012
Lazio have launched a deadline day bid to sign Nicolas Gaitan on loan from Benfica. The Argentinian is understood to be keen on a move away from Lisbon.
Gaitan was the subject of a bid from Man Utd last year. Photo: Ansa.
Any move, according to sources, would be conditional on Cristian Ledesma moving to AC Milan, after the defensive midfielder submitted a transfer request earlier today.
The prospect of Gaitan is one that would certainly excite Lazio fans, with the Benfica player rated as one of the best young players in world football. To sign him would be a real coup for Lazio, especially as Man Utd had a bid turned down for him last year.
It seems that circumstances have changed however, and with the Argentine now keen to leave the Estadio de la Luz, Benfica are being forced to consider other options.
Gaitan can play on the left or right wing, and should he join Lazio as a replacement for Ledesma, it will be interesting to see where he fits in Di Canio's system.
He made 66 appearances for Boca Juniors before joining Benfica, where he has made over 50 appearances, scoring 10 goals.
This promises to be an extremely tense deadline day, and with only several hours to go, Lazio will want things to be progressing as quickly as possible. Ledesma still has to sign for AC Milan, which would then allow the Gaitan deal to go through. It's going to go down to the wire.
#103089 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Europa League draw: Lazio to play Liverpool, Sparta Prague and NK Slaven Belupo
August 31, 2012
Lazio have been drawn in Group C with Liverpool, Sparta Prague and NK Slaven Belupo, giving the Rome club a good chance of qualification.
Paolo Di Canio will be making a return to England. Photo: Ansa.
The Biancocelesti's biggest challenge will be Liverpool, the English club having European pedigree winning the Champions League multiple times.
Czech team Sparta Prague and Croatian team NK Slaven Belupo on the other hand aren't expected to cause many problems, and Lazio will be expecting to qualify.
The Europa League games start on the 20th of September, Lazio's first fixture seeing them go up against NK Slaven Belupo before playing Sparta Prague and then Liverpool.
The Europa League draw has meant some of Lazio's domestic fixtures have been rescheduled - the Biancocelesti will now play Napoli on the 9th of December and Torino on the 12th of December as the fixtures were previously too close to the Sparta Prague game on the 6th of December.
Interestingly, the draw will see Paolo Di Canio return to England to play Liverpool, where he will probably have the chance to catch up with some old friends.
The other Italian team in the competition, Inter, will face BATE Borisov, Bursaspor and Legia in their group, giving them an excellent chance to qualify.
#103033 OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
henrytg
Lazio loan out duo for season
August 31, 2012
Lazio have loaned out Tommaso Mazzei to Lecce and Gonzalo Barreto to Grosseto for the rest of season, the club confirmed.
Barreto (pictured) and Mazzei will get more first team football. Photo: Ansa.
Uruguyan striker Barreto, 19, is highly rated at Lazio, although he has failed as of yet to make a breakthrough with the first team.
Tommaso Mazzei, who plays right back, has been playing for the Lazio under 20s and should get more first team football at Lecce, who play in Serie B.
'I'm really happy that I'll be playing for Lecce this season. I will be able to prove myself and hopefully come back to Lazio with a better understanding of the game', Mazzei said.
Barreto also stated that he was happy to be joining Grosseto, and that he hoped he would be part of the first team squad on his return to Lazio.
'This really gives me the chance to prove my worth, and hopefully next season I'll be involved with the first team and scoring goals.'
Earlier today, Lazio agreed a co-ownership deal with Sassuolo for Domenico Berardi, and it is also widely expected that Cristian Ledesma will leave the club. It will be a busy day for the Biancocelesti.