Line-up: Puig, Mineo (Claudino), Bon, Guarnaccia, Rossi, Lo Presti, Friedrichs (Pellegry), Ouellette, Legere, Godefroid (Bremer), Deschamps;

Finally the best day of the week is coming…and this one has got a special surprise.

Signboards with their faces have been put on each single tree in all the cities of the word asking where they are, how they are, and dramatically, we got no answer! ...in a further attempt, the club had promised money to anyone providing information but, again, nothing and nothing at all! …sadly and reluctantly, RBBFC’s secretary asked EU to dedicate a day in honor of their remembrance… L (EU refused, of course!).

…well, when all seemed lost, all of sudden, a bottle with a message written in an archaic language native of the populations living in south of Mediterranean areas was found in an Oostende beach indicating "We are available!!!” The date shown there was "2 September 2017” but captain didn’t argue with that detail so to get them immediately into the squad because we are all happy to see them again. So who are they? Of course Mr. Claudinho-el-padrinho and Mr. Pellegry-grey hair-Michael Strogoff (for the younger, google "Jules Verne”).

Back to reality; in pre match speech, captain was clearly indicating last Saturday’s performance being better in terms of ball passing and possession but more were needed to win the game. The usual "showing the ball” sentence wasn’t luckily used and it was clear to everybody that it had nothing to do with the after match celebrations (!!!!).

In the changing room, in the silence of the total concentration after captain’s speech, Guarnaccia got noted for his unusual boots. …were they bright and shiny as Jimmy’s boots? …or aerodynamic like Tarik’s? ….no, no they were total black finish! …so Rossi debated about Guarnaccia trying to copy Dybala! …more popular was instead the suspect that the boots were forgotten in the closet since the previous millennium but Guarnaccia has never revealed the truth…..so far!

The injured Tarik is back to support us from the side line dedicating his spare time and we were all happy about it (that, of course, was his version immediately "unmasked” when, at the end of the match, his partner joined us in the bar coming back from Ikea and telling us the truth !!! ahaha).

Squad strategy was partially turned over from previous week in order to systematically adhere to the most classic Guardiola’s principles so being, this week, "4-4(diamond)-2”; having the two found-again pilgrims (el-padrino and Strogoff) in the bench as well as the more-than-welcomed Bremer quickly called to revamp the Teutonic ambience recently lost.

Match started with the first skirmishes which immediately shown RBBFC’s ball possession and territoriality. Pharma was there watching and covering.

Challenge was mostly put on Mineo’s right-back side but with his typical genius and ability and the usual rocky support of internal-diamond Friedrichs, things were sorted smoothly.

Dreamy-eyes Lo Presti gave stability in the middle of the park by promptly killing, or kissing, according the situation.

On top of that Lolo-Legere started distributing quality balls like in the old times; one of these ended up being a great chance with a through pass to El-Fire-man Deschamps not completely exploited, unfortunately.

On the left flank the new married couple (Ouellette / Rossi) hesitated to start flying but clear was that the most of the opportunities were coming from that side. Rossi’s cups of coffee and Ouellette’s courtesy were definitely ramping up for all along the times then. Jim speedy Gonzales Godefroid was additionally contributing to those attempts on the same side.

Pharma’s frustration and inability to pass half of the pitch was clearly noticed. Duo Franco-Venetian Bon-Guarnaccia was however there to make sure frustration will continue. Pharma’s #9 (who joined them from Jefke last year) was however the most dangerous one forcing captain Puig to extra work when pushing away the ball directed straight to the goal set. Good save!

At the pause captain reiterated the same topics: do more, show that we want more and we will win.

Very shortly skillful Bremer came in next to Deschamps with the intention to shuffle the rules of the game. That was partially achieved but not enough to get the well-deserved goal. RBBFC was indeed moving from superiority to domination but score was still at 0-0.

That was even more evident when pilgrim-Pellegry came in by grinding opponents like grains in his left wing. As consequence, Rossi moved to the other side (right back) having ended up his cup of tea. At the same time Bremen was moved back too in a more natural position (internal right) and Mineo sent to the front line to express all his creativity.

RBBFC players now got permanently accommodated in Pharma’s box with no excuses.

Legere’s strategy aimed to repeatedly sending corners balls straight to inner box line was unfortunately not hitting the target (PS - real goalie got injured at the beginning of the second half). RBBFC deserved more fortune for all the efforts made.

RBBFC last attempt was led by Deschamps. I believe all of us dreamt for a second the pleasure of the deserved advantage but his double trick right/left foot touch didn’t get the luck like in the past.

On the other hand, last chance, as often this year, happens in favor of our opponents when, at the very last end, they find themselves in a position to damage with a very dangerous action on our right flank fortunately frustrated by Buffon-Puig.

Match is over; dejected and downhearted RBBFC players were only comforted by Lolo’s last sentence: I had really fun today and I believe I screamed only once at Tarik even if didn’t play!!!!

As usual, in the bar, Claudino-el-padrino started the MoM process with more creativity this time, particularly, going further beyond by introducing Guarnaccia's name written in the paper by acknowledging all his inter-generational achievements.

As you might guess, last act was indeed for Guarnaccia’s boots which were finally granted honor and devotion with the title of the MoM for all the services provided in the last two millenniums.

MoM and reporter: the smooth operator aka Guarnaccia Massi-black leather boots.