Roberto Baggio - Bologna

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Note to readers:
I have read quite a few threads on here, and whilst i will try to keep it unique, elements of the layout will surely match those done before me. I wont credit all names on here, but hope that those who recognise their work will appreciate the mimicry.

Also, there realistically is a possibility that i will suck hardcore at the save, so be prepared.



Introduction

Roberto Baggio, known by the world for 2 reasons:
1. Great Italian Footballer With An Amazing Career
2. That Penalty Miss


Also previously known as *** on legs(straight from the mouth of my own mother, shudder!)


Now, Baggio has decided to take the reins at Bologna. A novice in the managerial game, this could either make or break him.


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[FM_TNSSO]

Will be following mate! Good luck!

 

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Expectations

The club expects Baggio to achieve a mid table finish in Serie A, and to reach the 1st round of the Italian Cup. Both expectations have been deemed reasonable for a first season in charge.

Squad

In terms of the squad, Baggio has 4 players that he will attempt to mould his squad around, focusing on youth in the creation of the core of his squad. However as the transfer window goes on, the squad could change.

1. LB Adam Masina - 23 years old and with room for improvement, Masina will be the 1st name on the team sheet

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2. CM Adam Nagy - At 22 and with 18 Hungarian caps to his name, Adam Nagy will be expected to hold the midfield together for years to come

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3. AMR Simone Verdi - A class attacking midfielder, his natural fitness is low and will have to be managed carefully throughout the season

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And finally at 4. AML Ladislav Krejci - Another attacking midfield, this time playing as a winger. Baggio will be hoping the player can trouble the full backs and assist the lone striker in his formation.

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Speaking of formations, Baggio does prefer a 4-2-3-1, but does not have a capable ACM. For now, a 4-3-2-1 Wide will be implemented. Below is the formation in action, prior to any transfers. Most will note that Mattia Destro has not been mentioned in this post. Though a good striker, i will be looking at selling him to enable me to improve other necessary positions.

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Transfers

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Roberto Baggio has taken no time in making changes to his squad, selling 3 players, and loaning out another 3. The sale of Matia Destro has come of little surprise, as there have been rumours linking Destro with a departure from Stadio Renato Dall'Ara from the moment Baggio walked through the door.


Putting his own stamp on the side, Baggio has gone ahead and signed 2 permanent transfers in RB Giulio Donati and GK Alessio Cragno from Leverkusen and Cagliari respectively.The experience of Donati and the potential of Cragno are seen as pivotal to Bologna reaching the targets set by the board.


In addition to the above, Bologna have also signed both Patrick Cutrone & Manuel Locatelli loan deals from AC Milan for the next 2 seasons. Both players have been mentioned as future Italy stars, Locatelli himself told the clubs fans that playing under Baggio was a dream, and looked forward to improving his play from the man who achieved 56 caps and 27 goals for his country.




Pre Season

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Bologna's short 4 game pre season has provided insight into Baggio's game plan. The formation has led to only 1 goal being, with a clean sheet against Juventus the highlight. 2 wins and 2 draws completed the unbeaten warm ups for the beginning of the season, and attentions now turn towards the Italian Cup 3rd Round Qualifier, as Bologna take on Carpi.


The wait is over...
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13th August 2017 - Italian Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

Injuries
Blerim Dzemaili, Ladislav Krejci, Cesar Falletti, Felipe Avenatti


Suspensions
Manuel Locatelli

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Half Time

A solid yet unspectacular first half as both teams go down the tunnel level at 0-0. With Carpi not yet having a shot on target, the worry for Bologna boss Baggio must be that with young Cutrone leading the line, that maybe the inexperienced youngster could have done with being blooded in slowly instead of thrown in at the deep end.

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Full Time

Roberto Baggio leaves the stadium content as the Serie A sides class shows in the 2nd half, winning the match 3-1. The performances of the front 3, Verdi, Orsolini & Cutrone was particularly impressive as all 3 went on to score. The Carpi equaliser just 5 minutes after Bologna had taken the lead has led to questions regarding the concentration levels of the defence, but after one game, improvements can be made.

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August


Bologna will start the league campaign at Home against Cagliari, followed by an way game at Napoli. According to sources at the club, Roberto Baggio has targeted 3 points from the first 2 games, quietly aknowledging that the Napoli game will be about damage limitation. The rest of the month will be the first real test of Baggio's managerial career, a test which he will be hoping to pass with flying colours.

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Cagliari - A bad start as Baggio's men lose 2-1, failing to capitalise on Simone Verdi's early goal from a free kick. An injury to Donati meant that there was a replacement at RB, with Emil Krafth brought in, despite his lack of match fitness. A lack of discipline also did not help manners, as 5 players ended the game with yellow cards. Early it may be in the season, but these cards could have an effect if suspensions are needlesly racked up. 3 points were on the agenda here, and Baggio will be hoping that with Napoli next, a possible 2 losses from 2 games does not set the tone for the season.

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Napoli - Bologna have ended the month with 0 points from 2 games, after the expected loss to a strong Napoli side. Simone Verdi cut a frustrated figure during the game, with the player seemingly carrying the side with little assistance. Again, Cutrone's lack of experience showed as he missed 2 guilt edged chances which could have made the game closer. Baggio will be happy however that the chances were being created, and that the loss was not by a bigger margin.

Not the start that Baggio wanted. At least the international break has arrived to allow the manager to further impose his methods his side.

Che cavolo!​

 

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September


The transfer window has closed, with Baggio bringing in a singular reinforcement. Gabriele Angella has signed from Udinese for £1.7m to try and improve a defence which has been found wanting in the opening games.


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First game up, SPAL, a now must win game for Bologna.

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SPAL - Aaaaand Bologna lose the must win game against SPAL, with Baggio's managerial methods and lack of tactical acumen being questioned. Even more upsetting to the fans was the lack of local players in a derby game. With this being the 3rd loss on the trot, the board may be getting twitchy, and a continuation of this poor run could end in a P45 for Baggio.

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Inter - Tactical Genius! Managerial Marvel! The tone has changed as Baggio masterminds a 1-0 win against Inter Milan. Patrick Cutrone scored early against his parent clubs rival to hand Bologna their first win of the season, moving the club out of the relegation places and into 16th. The result was tarnished however with Simone Verdi suffering pulled ankle ligaments which will keep him out for approx. 3 weeks.

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Genoa - Bologna completed a well earned comeback, drawing 2-2 from 2-0 down, with all goals being scored in the 2nd half. Baggio will be particularly happy with the goal from Sebastien De Maio, scoring only 8 minutes after coming on as a substitute. The players will have gone home pleased, showing the fighting spirit they will need to show for the entirety of the season

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Lazio - 7 points from a possible 12, and upto 13th in the table, things are looking up for Baggio. Di Francesco's 92nd minute goal saving Cragno, after an error by the Bologna goalkeeper nearly cost them the game. With Baggio's methods being bought into by the players, the trust of the fans is seeping back into the club.​

 

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Rescheduled Game & October


5 games in this update, with the match moved to the end of Septemer, and 4 games in October. Baggio will be hoping that the current run of form continues, with a minimum of 6 points from the month being suggested, though 9 is not out of the question.


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In other news, Simone Verdi is being monitored closely by both Manchester United & PSG. With 4 years left on his contract, Baggio will be reluctant to lose his man, but also knows that the money brought in could allow him to sign players to strengthen his squad in a number positions. A choice will need to be made, and the player himself could push for the move himself.

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Torino - A 2-0 loss to a side now unbeaten in 7 games, and including a much hyped striker in Belotti, Bologna will look at this game as a write off, and now focus on the rest of the month.

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Crotone - Shambolic! A 4-0 hammering to one of the sides Baggio was expecting points off from, will once again have the fans questioning the managers decisions.

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Verona - A return to winning ways, Bologna beat Verona 2-1, and are then hit by an injury crisis in the striker department. Both Cutrone & Palacio are out for 3 weeks, and with no obvious replacement, Verdi could have EVEN MORE responsibility put on his shoulder and be leading the line.

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Fiorentina - Verdi comes up trumps as he scores a late 2nd half penalty. The pressure was on after missing one on the 17th minute, but Verdi ensured the 3 points went Bologna's way with a well struck effort. 6 points from the month already in the bag, minimum target reached.

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Sassuolo - Target man Kaloyan Krastev makes his full Serie A debut after a brief sub appearance in the previous game, and celebrates with 2 goals to lead Bologna to a 3-2 win. A match that was closer than it should have been after being 2-0 up and playing against 10 men.

League Table

Roberto Baggio can smile with his Bologna side currently sitting in 8th place after 11 games. Though still early in the season, to the fans, positions still count. One worry is Verdi. Though not making any noises about leaving, preliminary talks about renewing his contract led to him asking for 80k per week, a figure clearly out of the question for a side of Bologna's stature.

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[Klippybo]

WOW - crazy results - lose against the dross and beat the strong teams!!!!

 

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WOW - crazy results - lose against the dross and beat the strong teams!!!!

Tell me about it! Personally i put it down to the bigger clubs under estimating us, quite often they go 4-3-3 with 3 central strikers. Leaves too much room on the wings. With the smaller clubs, just think we are **** at breaking down defensive teams, and my defence itself is questionable at best!

 

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November

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4 games this month, can Baggio's men continue to make leaps forward? FM critic KLIPPYBO commented on the clubs ability to beat top teams yet to lose to others as the world takes notice.

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Benevento - a missed Simone Verdi penalty means Bologna left this away game with only a 1-1 draw. A fair result in the end, but could have been much better!

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AC Milan - Baggio does it again, tactically outwitting the top teams. Goals from midfielders Krejci & Donsah gave Bologna a late 2-1 win.

Just before the Sampdoria game, Bologna announce that Baggio will sign an extension to his current contract.
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Sampdoria - a 3-2 loss ends Bologna's 5 game unbeaten run, showing the Jekyll and Hyde season the club is having. Beating the top teams, and then losing to those closer in ability, Baggio must be worried.

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Cremonese(CUP) - Absolute *****. a 2-0 loss to a team not even in the same division, the riot act has been read!


4 points from a possible 9, and a cup exit, not exactly what the doctor ordered. Next month will be harder still, with games against Roma & Juventus to come.
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