Ivano Bonetti’s glamour signings took to the pitch and Dundee fans ‘felt we were on to something special’
Ivano Bonetti’s glamour signings took to the pitch and Dundee fans ‘felt we were on to something special’.
On July 17, 2000, Ivano Bonetti’s first game in charge of Dundee was against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park in Scotland.
Graeme Strachan Dundee fans got a first look at Ivano Bonetti’s cosmopolitan revolution, which brought a new era to Dens Park 25 years ago.
On July 17, 2000, after a pre-season training camp in the Italian Alps, the team returned to Kirkcaldy for a friendly against Raith Rovers. These were exciting times in Dundee. The charismatic Ivano, who struggled with early morning starts and referred to the SPL as Serie A, had a successful playing career.
Two Italian league titles, one European Super Cup, and one World Club Championship were among the many notable achievements on his resume.
Before the 2000-2001 season, the former Juventus and Sampdoria midfielder replaced Jocky Scott as manager and hired his brother Dario as an assistant. Dario’s own resume was equally impressive.
He played for Roma, AC Milan, Juventus, and Sampdoria, winning the Italian Cup four times, the UEFA Cup, and two international caps for Italy.
Ivano signed talent from across the globe
It became clear that what they lacked in top-tier managerial experience, they more than made up for with their enviable and extensive network.
Ivano spent the summer acquiring talent from around the world, including Fabian Caballero, Marcello Marrocco, Marco De Marchi, Giorgi Nemsadze, and Juan Sara. Caballero and Sara signed 48 hours before the game at Stark’s Park.
“From what I hear of Raith Rovers, they are a top First Division side with several very talented young players,” Ivano told the BBC. “I am sure they will want to beat us in front of their supporters.
To prevent this from happening, we will have to give it our all. “The signs have been very encouraging so far, but this match, and the one against Grimsby on Friday, will tell us a lot more about how prepared we are. “The challenge is to bring everything together on the pitch.” Raith Rovers: Van de Kamp, McCulloch, Opinel, Gaughan, Browne, Javary, Clark, S Tosh, P Tosh, Burns, and Stein.
Subs: Creaney, Hamilton, Hampshire, and Nicoll. Dundee’s lineup includes Langfield, Smith, Tweed, De Marchi, Marrocco, Artero, Nemsadze, Billio, Bonetti, Falconer, and Caballero.
Subs: Boyack, McSkimming, Milne, Rae, and Sara. Ivano selected his strongest lineup, which included himself in midfield.
He impressed me with his skill and guile. Raith manager Peter Hetherston added several new faces to his squad, including former Celtic striker Gerry Creaney, who was hoping to land a contract.
Dundee took a big support for Raith game
Dundee brought 800 supporters to Stark’s Park for the Monday night game. The Dundee fan base was larger than the home support.
Dundee wore their new red away kit. In the first few minutes, the visitors surrounded the Raith end.
According to the Courier, “the woodwork was struck twice in the first 20 minutes, but Dundee failed to create any solid chances to convert.” “A shaky Dundee defence was then punished in the 23rd minute.
“Paul Tosh pushed deep into Dundee’s half, crossed from inches inside the touchline to an awaiting Alex Burns, who scored a simple goal. “There was a flurry of substitutions early in the second half, one of which brought Steven Boyack into the Dundee squad.
“The visitors noticeably stepped up a gear and in a short time, due to Boyack, the game was blown wide open.”
Dundee finished strongly, demonstrating Latin flair and Scottish grit. Boyack posed a greater threat down the wing. He was at the heart of Dundee’s future successes.
Juan Sara was the Dundee match winner
Boyack used clever trickery to set up a couple of opportunities for Juan Sara. The Argentine failed to convert.
Fabian Caballero also came close, but he quickly found his scoring touch. Caballero stabbed a Boyack cross past Guido van de Kamp after 75 minutes.
Sara completed the comeback with his second goal at 78 minutes. He received a through ball from Shaun McSkimming. The Dundee defence held firm, keeping the home forwards at arm’s length.
Bonetti was pleased with the victory, but he expected more in terms of both quality and strength from his players for the serious business of the league season.
We trained hard for two weeks in Italy and had a long trip home yesterday, so I believe the players were tired, and it showed,” he said. “It was difficult to get going at first, but as the game progressed, the stiffness subsided and we created about 10 or 12 scoring opportunities.
“That was good, as was only giving them one chance. “It was a mistake, which they unfortunately capitalised on.
“We did not want to lose, so we worked hard to win the game. “That was significant and demonstrated the players’ desire to succeed. “We still have to work to do, but I feel we are doing the right things.”
Rare footage of Raith game is now online
The Bonetti era was the most vibrant and star-studded in the club’s history. Dundee finished in the top six during Ivano’s first season in charge, which was highlighted by the October signing of Argentine World Cup superstar Claudio Caniggia.
Ivano was in charge of 90 games, with 29 wins, 40 losses, and 21 draws.
Daniel Smith of the Dee Archive has uploaded the entire game from Stark’s Park after discovering surviving footage thanks to the generosity of David Roy. David covered the game for DFCTV.
‘Something new and exciting on the horizon’
Daniel stated: “David Roy contacted me regarding all of the match footage he has recorded over the years. “He said if I could convert it from VHS to digital, I could upload it to Dee Archives’ YouTube channel. “One of the more interesting games, and there are a few, was Bonetti’s first game as manager of Dundee on Scottish soil.
“I’m sure we saw a few seconds of highlights on the news the next day from this game, but I had no idea there was a tape with the entire recording.
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