Co-owned and Loaned Juve players (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Lo-Pan
- Start date
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CO-owned/ Loaned Player Transfers update,.,.,
Spinazzola -> Virtus Lanciano
Spinazzola's move makes sense. He has 5 others in front of him in the Empoli midfield, and after his success last season as one of our finest primavera players he needs to be getting more than 7 games in 4 months. Virtus Lanciano have Nicola Leali, so there will be an immediate connection for the youngster, and we can only assume that they have asked for Spinazzola. In the relegation fight, in which they are doing very well, he is likely to get far more playing time. An expected move from Beppe and his team.
Alberto Masi > Ternana
Masi's moving to Ternana is more interesting and unexpected. Before his injury he was playing as a starter. In some ways it makes sense...Pro Vercelli are mired in the pit of doom near the bottom. whereas Ternana are mid table and still well within striking distance of the play off positions if they could put together a good run. We have to assume that the Ternana management has seen a role for Masi, and if so, then its a move up for him. What causes slight concern is the report on FI I read which states that -
'Ternana have the option to sign the player outright in June 2013, but the Old Lady have a counter-option over his ownership.'
Originally, we purchased 50% of him, then quickly grabbed the remaining 50%. Which was last summer. We then loaned him back to Pro Vercelli (from whom we we buying him).
What does that FI gibberish mean???
He remains our player, likely on a 3-5 year contract. We have loaned him to Pro Vercelli, and now loaned him to Ternana. Ternana have the option to buy him at the end of the season, but whether they want him or not we can make a counter-offer...which makes things even harder to fathom. For to WHOM would be offering anything??? If I am mistaken on this, put me Right.
I guess we must await the finer details of the loan arrangement before passing judgement.
Prince Desir Gouano > Vicenza
As for the Prince...He has made just the one appearance for Virtus Lanciano, in which they were cut to slithers in a heavy loss. It was essential for the french defender to move elsewhere, hopefully to a club who will give him games. He needs chances to redeem himself. I could be mistaken, but I vaguely recall that in that particular game Prince was subbed on, and then subbed off...have I imagined that? Needless cruelty but worth mentioning, for the record.
This is probably not the end of the last minute movements of our various loaned/co-owned players, but for now, they all look sensible and positive.
Spinazzola -> Virtus Lanciano
Spinazzola's move makes sense. He has 5 others in front of him in the Empoli midfield, and after his success last season as one of our finest primavera players he needs to be getting more than 7 games in 4 months. Virtus Lanciano have Nicola Leali, so there will be an immediate connection for the youngster, and we can only assume that they have asked for Spinazzola. In the relegation fight, in which they are doing very well, he is likely to get far more playing time. An expected move from Beppe and his team.
Alberto Masi > Ternana
Masi's moving to Ternana is more interesting and unexpected. Before his injury he was playing as a starter. In some ways it makes sense...Pro Vercelli are mired in the pit of doom near the bottom. whereas Ternana are mid table and still well within striking distance of the play off positions if they could put together a good run. We have to assume that the Ternana management has seen a role for Masi, and if so, then its a move up for him. What causes slight concern is the report on FI I read which states that -
'Ternana have the option to sign the player outright in June 2013, but the Old Lady have a counter-option over his ownership.'
Originally, we purchased 50% of him, then quickly grabbed the remaining 50%. Which was last summer. We then loaned him back to Pro Vercelli (from whom we we buying him).
What does that FI gibberish mean???
He remains our player, likely on a 3-5 year contract. We have loaned him to Pro Vercelli, and now loaned him to Ternana. Ternana have the option to buy him at the end of the season, but whether they want him or not we can make a counter-offer...which makes things even harder to fathom. For to WHOM would be offering anything??? If I am mistaken on this, put me Right.
I guess we must await the finer details of the loan arrangement before passing judgement.
Prince Desir Gouano > Vicenza
As for the Prince...He has made just the one appearance for Virtus Lanciano, in which they were cut to slithers in a heavy loss. It was essential for the french defender to move elsewhere, hopefully to a club who will give him games. He needs chances to redeem himself. I could be mistaken, but I vaguely recall that in that particular game Prince was subbed on, and then subbed off...have I imagined that? Needless cruelty but worth mentioning, for the record.
This is probably not the end of the last minute movements of our various loaned/co-owned players, but for now, they all look sensible and positive.
Brescia wasted a chance to dig their heels deeper into the play-off turf with a disappointing scoreless draw at home to mid table Spezia. Dutch midfielder Ouasim Buoy started and was subbed very late on, with his juve buddy Fausto Rossi entering the fray for the last 20 minutes.
'Uncle’ Albert Masi failed to make his debut in another boredraw, with his new side Ternana failing to overcome the rear guard wall of a Bari team slowly sinking towards the trapdoor of Serie B. It may be a case of fitness, for Masi was suffering from injury for much of December and all of January. Let’s hope he recovers soon and gets given the chance to continue his development, for prior to his stint in the sick ward, he was a first team regular at Pro Vercelli, gaining solid experience. Ternana remain in 13th, distant enough from the relegation ménage a trois to feel comfortable, and within screaming distance of the promotion places.
The future is looking increasingly bleak for Masi’s former team-mates at Pro Vercelli, who continued their woeful form and steady march towards a swift return to the lower leagues with an expected 2-0 loss away to 2nd place Livorno. No sign of Elio de Silvestro and it appears that Brazilian regista Gabriel Appelt remains crippled and crying in the treatment room. 9 points presently stand between their present position and Safety. Far from insurmountable, but the situation is looking worse by the week…
Vicenza appear to be fighting tooth and claw against Pro Vercelli for the title of 'worst form in Italy’, adding another defeat to their recent run of LLDL with their predictable 1-2 reverse to Juve Stabia. What the fuck do they expect when not only refusing to place new signing The Prince of Shit, Monsieur Gouano on the bench, but to add insult to injury, removing Carlo Pinsoglio from the starting role in goal. The young keeper was first choice for the pre Christmas period and we can only hope that he is injured, or if fit, that he regains what is rightfully his jersey sooner rather than later. Why any club would choose to sign prince Gouano is beyond my ken to fathom…This is the kid who gained infamy when caught reciting Rimbaud during his one and only appearance for Virtus Lanciano in the heavy 0-3 home defeat to Bari. A debut in which he was rightfully subbed, the manager opting to bring on a member of the crowd in his place…
Chibsah. Born in 1993 or 1963???
Lacking Richmond Boakye, Sassuolo missed the chance to extend their lead at the summit of Serie B when engineering a 1-1 draw at home to fellow promotion rivals Empoli. Ghanian midfielder Rahman Chibsah, the kid who looks at least 40, appeared in the second half to shore up the midfield, which he did with aplomb.
U19
Our primavera took advantage of Fiorentina’s slip up in their home draw with basement dwellers Cagliari…Making it 5 wins on the trot, Baroni’s bashers poleaxed poor Grossetto 3-1…extending their lead at the top of the primavera championship to an impressive 6 points.
Federico Gagliardini - Francesco Bertinetti, Hördur Björgvin Magnússon, Christian Tavanti - Matteo Gerbaudo, Filippo Romagna, Giuseppe Ruggiero (SUB- Di Benedetto), Andrea Schiavone(SUB-josipovic) - Edoardo Ceria, Eric Lanini(SUB – Braccini), Léo
The goals came from Gerbaudo, Lanini and Magnusson.
Before this convincing execution of a team which looks destined for more doom and gloom, the lads conjured a tight 0-1 victory away to Cagliari, with Schiavone’s first half penalty deciding the affair.
Federico Gagliardini - Jacob Laursen, Filippo Penna, Daniele Rugani, Christian Tavanti(SUB- Ceria) - Elvis Kabashi, Federico Mattiello, Giuseppe Ruggiero(SUB- Gerbaudo), Andrea Schiavone - Eric Lanini, Léo
Goal – Schiavone (pen)
Heading back even further…
12th January, 2013 Pro Vercelli 0 – 1 Juventus (Gerbaudo)
19th January, 2013 Juventus 2 – 1 Spezia (Lanini 2)
With several key players to return to the squad, (Branescu, Beltrame, Padovan), and the additions of Cevallos and Pepic, perhaps also Sakor, the immediate future for the primavera appears wonderful. The Viareggio tournament kicks off on February 11th, with our primavera as reigning champions, kicking off their campaign with a tie they will very much be expected to win, against Slovenian slouches Maribor. Two days later on the 13th we face Avellino, with the final group game falling on the 15th, pairing us with Sydney’s A.P.I.A. LEICHHARDT.
We have won the prestigious tournament 8 times alongside perennial rivals AC Milan and Fiorentina. With midfielder Spinazzola winning the golden boy award in last season’s competition, the stage is set for Bonatini and company to step up to the challenge and retain the title as well as the player of the tournament accolade.
Serie A
Finally, a quick peek at our investments placed in Serie A reveals a great month for Gabbiadini at Bologna with 3 goals in his last 4 outings, where Sorensen has also been playing regularly and Pasquato impressing when given the chance. The same cannot be said of Immobile, whose is getting the games but not the goals. Since we were apparently attempting to prize one of the two strikers away from their present clubs during the recently shut January marcato, a quick comparison of their fortunes this season seems of interest…
Ciro Immobile- Played 22 (4 SUB ON, 6 SUB OFF) 5 goals, 2 assists. 1633 minutes. 326 minutes per goal.
Manolo Gabbiadini – Played 19 (9 SUB ON, 7 SUB OFF) 6 goals, 1 assist. 946 minutes. 157 minutes per goal.
Manolo gabbiadini...improving by the week. and also known as...tate Langdon...of American Horror Story fame>
A quick peek at the African Cup of Nations, where our support lies firmly with Ghana. Asamoah has, as expected, played a prominent role in his team’s progress to the semi-finals. And young Richmond Boakye, after been ruled out through injury for the 3 group games, made the bench for the victory over Cape Verde, but found no action. Let us wish Richmond the best of luck with selection for today’s crunch match against Burkino Faso.
'Uncle’ Albert Masi failed to make his debut in another boredraw, with his new side Ternana failing to overcome the rear guard wall of a Bari team slowly sinking towards the trapdoor of Serie B. It may be a case of fitness, for Masi was suffering from injury for much of December and all of January. Let’s hope he recovers soon and gets given the chance to continue his development, for prior to his stint in the sick ward, he was a first team regular at Pro Vercelli, gaining solid experience. Ternana remain in 13th, distant enough from the relegation ménage a trois to feel comfortable, and within screaming distance of the promotion places.
The future is looking increasingly bleak for Masi’s former team-mates at Pro Vercelli, who continued their woeful form and steady march towards a swift return to the lower leagues with an expected 2-0 loss away to 2nd place Livorno. No sign of Elio de Silvestro and it appears that Brazilian regista Gabriel Appelt remains crippled and crying in the treatment room. 9 points presently stand between their present position and Safety. Far from insurmountable, but the situation is looking worse by the week…
Vicenza appear to be fighting tooth and claw against Pro Vercelli for the title of 'worst form in Italy’, adding another defeat to their recent run of LLDL with their predictable 1-2 reverse to Juve Stabia. What the fuck do they expect when not only refusing to place new signing The Prince of Shit, Monsieur Gouano on the bench, but to add insult to injury, removing Carlo Pinsoglio from the starting role in goal. The young keeper was first choice for the pre Christmas period and we can only hope that he is injured, or if fit, that he regains what is rightfully his jersey sooner rather than later. Why any club would choose to sign prince Gouano is beyond my ken to fathom…This is the kid who gained infamy when caught reciting Rimbaud during his one and only appearance for Virtus Lanciano in the heavy 0-3 home defeat to Bari. A debut in which he was rightfully subbed, the manager opting to bring on a member of the crowd in his place…
Chibsah. Born in 1993 or 1963???
Lacking Richmond Boakye, Sassuolo missed the chance to extend their lead at the summit of Serie B when engineering a 1-1 draw at home to fellow promotion rivals Empoli. Ghanian midfielder Rahman Chibsah, the kid who looks at least 40, appeared in the second half to shore up the midfield, which he did with aplomb.
U19
Our primavera took advantage of Fiorentina’s slip up in their home draw with basement dwellers Cagliari…Making it 5 wins on the trot, Baroni’s bashers poleaxed poor Grossetto 3-1…extending their lead at the top of the primavera championship to an impressive 6 points.
Federico Gagliardini - Francesco Bertinetti, Hördur Björgvin Magnússon, Christian Tavanti - Matteo Gerbaudo, Filippo Romagna, Giuseppe Ruggiero (SUB- Di Benedetto), Andrea Schiavone(SUB-josipovic) - Edoardo Ceria, Eric Lanini(SUB – Braccini), Léo
The goals came from Gerbaudo, Lanini and Magnusson.
Before this convincing execution of a team which looks destined for more doom and gloom, the lads conjured a tight 0-1 victory away to Cagliari, with Schiavone’s first half penalty deciding the affair.
Federico Gagliardini - Jacob Laursen, Filippo Penna, Daniele Rugani, Christian Tavanti(SUB- Ceria) - Elvis Kabashi, Federico Mattiello, Giuseppe Ruggiero(SUB- Gerbaudo), Andrea Schiavone - Eric Lanini, Léo
Goal – Schiavone (pen)
Heading back even further…
12th January, 2013 Pro Vercelli 0 – 1 Juventus (Gerbaudo)
19th January, 2013 Juventus 2 – 1 Spezia (Lanini 2)
With several key players to return to the squad, (Branescu, Beltrame, Padovan), and the additions of Cevallos and Pepic, perhaps also Sakor, the immediate future for the primavera appears wonderful. The Viareggio tournament kicks off on February 11th, with our primavera as reigning champions, kicking off their campaign with a tie they will very much be expected to win, against Slovenian slouches Maribor. Two days later on the 13th we face Avellino, with the final group game falling on the 15th, pairing us with Sydney’s A.P.I.A. LEICHHARDT.
We have won the prestigious tournament 8 times alongside perennial rivals AC Milan and Fiorentina. With midfielder Spinazzola winning the golden boy award in last season’s competition, the stage is set for Bonatini and company to step up to the challenge and retain the title as well as the player of the tournament accolade.
Serie A
Finally, a quick peek at our investments placed in Serie A reveals a great month for Gabbiadini at Bologna with 3 goals in his last 4 outings, where Sorensen has also been playing regularly and Pasquato impressing when given the chance. The same cannot be said of Immobile, whose is getting the games but not the goals. Since we were apparently attempting to prize one of the two strikers away from their present clubs during the recently shut January marcato, a quick comparison of their fortunes this season seems of interest…
Ciro Immobile- Played 22 (4 SUB ON, 6 SUB OFF) 5 goals, 2 assists. 1633 minutes. 326 minutes per goal.
Manolo Gabbiadini – Played 19 (9 SUB ON, 7 SUB OFF) 6 goals, 1 assist. 946 minutes. 157 minutes per goal.
Manolo gabbiadini...improving by the week. and also known as...tate Langdon...of American Horror Story fame>
A quick peek at the African Cup of Nations, where our support lies firmly with Ghana. Asamoah has, as expected, played a prominent role in his team’s progress to the semi-finals. And young Richmond Boakye, after been ruled out through injury for the 3 group games, made the bench for the victory over Cape Verde, but found no action. Let us wish Richmond the best of luck with selection for today’s crunch match against Burkino Faso.
http://www.giornaledibrescia.it/sport/brescia-calcio-stagione-finita-per-bouy-1.1539333
Bouy's season is over
Bouy's season is over
I thought Masi was injured early december, then was back before the end of the year, then was injured again, and I know he made the bench last weekend for his new loan club Ternana...So when is this new injury you are mentioning, W???
Its a crying shame for Buoy, who was indeed doing very well at Brescia, as I have reported regularly throughout the season. On a more positive note, Gabriel Appelt is back in training with Pro Vercelli after recovering from a hairline fracture in the calf bone in November of last year. Like Buoy at Brescia, Gabriel at Pro Vercelli was doing brilliantly prior to the injury, and will surely hope and expect to regain his starting spot soon.
Its a crying shame for Buoy, who was indeed doing very well at Brescia, as I have reported regularly throughout the season. On a more positive note, Gabriel Appelt is back in training with Pro Vercelli after recovering from a hairline fracture in the calf bone in November of last year. Like Buoy at Brescia, Gabriel at Pro Vercelli was doing brilliantly prior to the injury, and will surely hope and expect to regain his starting spot soon.
February proved an uneventful month for our co-owned/loaned players, with few gaining any extra minutes. Leali continued to excel in goal for Virtus Lanciano, and the reports from last season regarding his rare and special potential are gaining substance by the week. However, elsewhere in Serie B, our young juventini struggled to make the bench or escape the treatment room. Let’s hope for a more fruitful March…
Gabriel 'Rasputin' Appelt...they thought they had finished him, but back he comes with a vengeance.
Finally, after a lengthy injury lay-off due to a fractured fibula, our Brazilian regista Gabriel Appelt, returned to the Pro Vercelli starting XI and played till the final whistle in their commendable 1-1 away draw to 7th place Juve Stabia. Vercelli have a hard task to reach safety, but with Vicenza and Bari doing their best to help them out, the present 6 points lying between relegation and safety is far from insurmountable, especially so now they have their midfield dynamo back in the mix. Gabriel was a first team regular prior to his injury and his re-involvement in first team affairs can only do the player and team the world of good. Attacking midfielder Elio de Silvestro failed to reach the field, watching the entire match from the bench. Although he has featured fairly consistently for Vercelli, racking up 3 starts and 10 sub showings.
Superstar in the making Nicola Leali clocked up his 25th appearance of the season, but was unable to stop high flying Brescia scalp Virtus Lanciano 0-2. Leali, as aforementioned, has been in brilliant form for Virtus and if he continues at his current rate of form and improvement, he could well be given a shot by a Serie A club next term. It’s likely he could challenge Rubinho, but what use is sitting 3rd choice for our first team when he could challenge for a starting place at a lower ranked serie a club potentially???? Missing from Brescia was the injured once again Ouasim Buoy, who has yet to really pick up momentum after suffering a few niggles since his injury lay-off in December. Meanwhile his juve team-mate Fausto Rossi started and finished the game helping Brescia maintain their charge towards the play-offs. Wide midfielder Rossi has made two assists in his impressive 19 matches so far this season, as well as continuing to feature in the Italy U21 set-up.
Richmond 'Biggie’ Boakye continued his efforts to regain his starting spot for Sassuolo after his trip to Africa for the ACON, by entering the fray in the 68th minute of the league leaders’ shock 0-2 home defeat to bottom of the pile Grosseto. The Ghana international didn’t play in South Africa as Ghana struggled to finish fourth in the tournament, but the experience will certainly have proven rich and encouraging for a lad of just 19 years of age. His countrymen Chibsah missed this match entirely, through injury or suspension I am unsure…The striker will be hoping to add to his impressive 9 goals and 4 assists over the final third of what has been a wonderful season full of promise and power.
Highly thought of defender (Uncle) Albert Masi was a second half substitute for Ternana, for whom he signed on loan in January. The elegant defender could not prevent his side losing a potentially pivotal mid table clash with Citadella 1-0, and now must face the future with a bleaker demeanour, for the play-offs are close to out of sight. Still, all we care about is more playing time for a defender we own, who looked quality during our pre-season. We will hope for suspensions or injuries to Ternana centre backs…nothing too nasty, just serious enough to give Albert a chance to get a foot in the first team door and stay there until the end of the season.
Moving up to Serie A…
Freddy 'the iceman’ Sorensen continued his successful season by starring in Bologna’s 3-0 extermination of a hapless Cagliari effort. Notching up his 14th start of the campaign, Freddy kept resolute watch alongside Cherubin at the centre of the home defence. Also in action was Manolo Gabbiadini, who lasted until the 86th minute before swapping kisses and caresses with fellow juventino Christian Pasquato who went onto to score a lovely goal from distance to put the icing on the cake for the home side. All three are enjoying a solid season, with the Danish star shining the brightest. I would very much like to see him back at Juve, but we will have to wait and see how Paratici and Beppe judge his development (as well his value to other sides who own players we desire) in the summer.
Over at Genoa, who now sit shamefully in 17th position, 5 points and only one place clear of the relegation rabble, Ciro Immobile persists in his struggle to get games in his best position. Arriving in their latest ruin, a 3-1 loss away to Roma, in the 61st minute, and proving unable to stem the tide of misery and failure. It must be galling for the young prima punta to be playing second fiddle to Borriello…such is the price of youth in Italy eh? or perhaps just the ability to beguile of the former fan favourite, just ask Conte and Matri what the hell was going on last season…
A quick comparison of the three major striking hopes presently on our books>
Gabbiadini – 188 mins per goal/assist
Immobile- 228 mins per goal/assist
Boakye- 104 mins per goal/assist
Clearly these stats do not tell the whole story. Gabbiadini has an easier time at Bologna, where his inclusion is more common in a position he enjoys. Richmond is playing only at Serie B level, for a team flying high near or at the top since early on this term. Ciro has a hard time, an impossible time dislodging Borriello who occupies his position, with Genoa coach Ballardini preferring to tighten up the team rather than open up offensively also making life harder for a player who so much was hoped for after his stunning 2011/12 season in serie B with Zeman’s free scoring Pescara side. Just to compare…in that period, Ciro managed a goal/assist every 85 minutes. Which suggests that he knows where the goal is, and that we shouldn’t be overly impressed with Boakye who we cannot judge accurately until he is playing in the top league.
PRIMAVERA
Vajebah Sakor made his debut for the U19 primavera squad at the tender age of 16.
After our unexpected freak loss to Juve stabia dumped us out of the Viareggio tournament, Baroni had a fair amount of time to regroup the troops, integrate some of the new arrivals and prepare long and hard for the return to league action against Genoa last Saturday. Unfortunately, despite playing well from the start, creating several fine chances, and Beltrame giving us an early lead, we succumbed to two goals in quick succession after the break, and fight as we did, could not manage an equalizer. That 1-2 home defeat brought an end to a winning streak which reached back 12 games. Still, we remain in 1st place, 3 points clear of 2nd place Fiorentina on whom we have a game in hand.
Laurentiu Branescu - Jacob Laursen, Daniele Rugani, Joel Untersee - Elvis Kabashi, Hasan Pepic, Giuseppe Ruggiero, Andrea Schiavone - Stefano Beltrame, Edoardo Ceria, Stefano Padovan
GOAL- Beltrame 3’
SUBS –Garcia for Ceria 59’
Sakor for Schiavone 64’
Lanini for Ruggiero 76’.
Exciting Montenegrin left winger Hasan Pepic made his debut from the start, with fellow January arrival, the Norwegian wonder kid Vajebah Sakor also tasting his first piece of competitive action. Whilst Pepic, at 19 years old, is expected to be ready for this level, and will surely be loaned out in the Summer, 16 year old midfielder Sakor must be very highly thought of by the management to be thrust into the deep end so soon.
Thankfully we have the perfect opportunity to redeem ourselves next weekend, when the primavera play against our high flying city neighbours, Torino, who are in a rich run of form. Before the derby we have the small issue of Sakor’s former club Rosenborg to deal with in the do or die Nextgen knockout round this Thursday.
It’s great to see not just the increasingly expansive, efficient scouting network competing for and procuring the signatures of some top talent around the world, but also these same players been given a chance to fight for the cause as soon as they merit it in training.
My hopes are blossoming for Sakor…Kabashi, Beltrame, Rugani are all looking very promising and of the players at other clubs Leali and Sorensen seem the most consistent performers, with F. Rossi, Boakye, Appelt, Buoy and Gabbiadini all doing everything right in the journey from Exciting Youth Prospect to Established Senior Player.
Gabriel 'Rasputin' Appelt...they thought they had finished him, but back he comes with a vengeance.
Finally, after a lengthy injury lay-off due to a fractured fibula, our Brazilian regista Gabriel Appelt, returned to the Pro Vercelli starting XI and played till the final whistle in their commendable 1-1 away draw to 7th place Juve Stabia. Vercelli have a hard task to reach safety, but with Vicenza and Bari doing their best to help them out, the present 6 points lying between relegation and safety is far from insurmountable, especially so now they have their midfield dynamo back in the mix. Gabriel was a first team regular prior to his injury and his re-involvement in first team affairs can only do the player and team the world of good. Attacking midfielder Elio de Silvestro failed to reach the field, watching the entire match from the bench. Although he has featured fairly consistently for Vercelli, racking up 3 starts and 10 sub showings.
Superstar in the making Nicola Leali clocked up his 25th appearance of the season, but was unable to stop high flying Brescia scalp Virtus Lanciano 0-2. Leali, as aforementioned, has been in brilliant form for Virtus and if he continues at his current rate of form and improvement, he could well be given a shot by a Serie A club next term. It’s likely he could challenge Rubinho, but what use is sitting 3rd choice for our first team when he could challenge for a starting place at a lower ranked serie a club potentially???? Missing from Brescia was the injured once again Ouasim Buoy, who has yet to really pick up momentum after suffering a few niggles since his injury lay-off in December. Meanwhile his juve team-mate Fausto Rossi started and finished the game helping Brescia maintain their charge towards the play-offs. Wide midfielder Rossi has made two assists in his impressive 19 matches so far this season, as well as continuing to feature in the Italy U21 set-up.
Richmond 'Biggie’ Boakye continued his efforts to regain his starting spot for Sassuolo after his trip to Africa for the ACON, by entering the fray in the 68th minute of the league leaders’ shock 0-2 home defeat to bottom of the pile Grosseto. The Ghana international didn’t play in South Africa as Ghana struggled to finish fourth in the tournament, but the experience will certainly have proven rich and encouraging for a lad of just 19 years of age. His countrymen Chibsah missed this match entirely, through injury or suspension I am unsure…The striker will be hoping to add to his impressive 9 goals and 4 assists over the final third of what has been a wonderful season full of promise and power.
Highly thought of defender (Uncle) Albert Masi was a second half substitute for Ternana, for whom he signed on loan in January. The elegant defender could not prevent his side losing a potentially pivotal mid table clash with Citadella 1-0, and now must face the future with a bleaker demeanour, for the play-offs are close to out of sight. Still, all we care about is more playing time for a defender we own, who looked quality during our pre-season. We will hope for suspensions or injuries to Ternana centre backs…nothing too nasty, just serious enough to give Albert a chance to get a foot in the first team door and stay there until the end of the season.
Moving up to Serie A…
Freddy 'the iceman’ Sorensen continued his successful season by starring in Bologna’s 3-0 extermination of a hapless Cagliari effort. Notching up his 14th start of the campaign, Freddy kept resolute watch alongside Cherubin at the centre of the home defence. Also in action was Manolo Gabbiadini, who lasted until the 86th minute before swapping kisses and caresses with fellow juventino Christian Pasquato who went onto to score a lovely goal from distance to put the icing on the cake for the home side. All three are enjoying a solid season, with the Danish star shining the brightest. I would very much like to see him back at Juve, but we will have to wait and see how Paratici and Beppe judge his development (as well his value to other sides who own players we desire) in the summer.
Over at Genoa, who now sit shamefully in 17th position, 5 points and only one place clear of the relegation rabble, Ciro Immobile persists in his struggle to get games in his best position. Arriving in their latest ruin, a 3-1 loss away to Roma, in the 61st minute, and proving unable to stem the tide of misery and failure. It must be galling for the young prima punta to be playing second fiddle to Borriello…such is the price of youth in Italy eh? or perhaps just the ability to beguile of the former fan favourite, just ask Conte and Matri what the hell was going on last season…
A quick comparison of the three major striking hopes presently on our books>
Gabbiadini – 188 mins per goal/assist
Immobile- 228 mins per goal/assist
Boakye- 104 mins per goal/assist
Clearly these stats do not tell the whole story. Gabbiadini has an easier time at Bologna, where his inclusion is more common in a position he enjoys. Richmond is playing only at Serie B level, for a team flying high near or at the top since early on this term. Ciro has a hard time, an impossible time dislodging Borriello who occupies his position, with Genoa coach Ballardini preferring to tighten up the team rather than open up offensively also making life harder for a player who so much was hoped for after his stunning 2011/12 season in serie B with Zeman’s free scoring Pescara side. Just to compare…in that period, Ciro managed a goal/assist every 85 minutes. Which suggests that he knows where the goal is, and that we shouldn’t be overly impressed with Boakye who we cannot judge accurately until he is playing in the top league.
PRIMAVERA
Vajebah Sakor made his debut for the U19 primavera squad at the tender age of 16.
After our unexpected freak loss to Juve stabia dumped us out of the Viareggio tournament, Baroni had a fair amount of time to regroup the troops, integrate some of the new arrivals and prepare long and hard for the return to league action against Genoa last Saturday. Unfortunately, despite playing well from the start, creating several fine chances, and Beltrame giving us an early lead, we succumbed to two goals in quick succession after the break, and fight as we did, could not manage an equalizer. That 1-2 home defeat brought an end to a winning streak which reached back 12 games. Still, we remain in 1st place, 3 points clear of 2nd place Fiorentina on whom we have a game in hand.
Laurentiu Branescu - Jacob Laursen, Daniele Rugani, Joel Untersee - Elvis Kabashi, Hasan Pepic, Giuseppe Ruggiero, Andrea Schiavone - Stefano Beltrame, Edoardo Ceria, Stefano Padovan
GOAL- Beltrame 3’
SUBS –Garcia for Ceria 59’
Sakor for Schiavone 64’
Lanini for Ruggiero 76’.
Exciting Montenegrin left winger Hasan Pepic made his debut from the start, with fellow January arrival, the Norwegian wonder kid Vajebah Sakor also tasting his first piece of competitive action. Whilst Pepic, at 19 years old, is expected to be ready for this level, and will surely be loaned out in the Summer, 16 year old midfielder Sakor must be very highly thought of by the management to be thrust into the deep end so soon.
Thankfully we have the perfect opportunity to redeem ourselves next weekend, when the primavera play against our high flying city neighbours, Torino, who are in a rich run of form. Before the derby we have the small issue of Sakor’s former club Rosenborg to deal with in the do or die Nextgen knockout round this Thursday.
It’s great to see not just the increasingly expansive, efficient scouting network competing for and procuring the signatures of some top talent around the world, but also these same players been given a chance to fight for the cause as soon as they merit it in training.
My hopes are blossoming for Sakor…Kabashi, Beltrame, Rugani are all looking very promising and of the players at other clubs Leali and Sorensen seem the most consistent performers, with F. Rossi, Boakye, Appelt, Buoy and Gabbiadini all doing everything right in the journey from Exciting Youth Prospect to Established Senior Player.
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