Chapter 1 Italian Broadcasting Corporation

Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini arrived at the control room as special guests.

Italy has no shortage of legendary superstars.

But these two are the darlings of older women on the Apennine Peninsula, a guarantee of high ratings.

"The only Libra to breach Buffon's goal?"

"The adverse playing conditions are more beneficial to us!"

"Spaniards are inherently fond of ball control. As the field becomes increasingly slippery, their touch and passing accuracy will be greatly reduced!"

"Rainy conditions! This puts our midfielders and forwards on the same level of skill as the Spanish stars, and the game will become increasingly chaotic!"

"Set pieces and counterattacks are our opportunities."

"That little Buffon is in good shape. He anticipated the opponent's shooting angle, but he was a bit unlucky. That damn goalpost helped the Spaniards."

"I believe Italy can equalize!"

Maldini's tone was firm, encouraging all Italian fans in front of the television.

Baggio remained silent.

He watched the entire replay of the goal on the big screen, feeling somewhat complicated.

That Spanish number 6's left foot...

And his control over the team's overall offensive rhythm... it's just unbelievable.

Successive accelerations and decelerations created two opportunities to threaten the goal.

....

Stade de France.

After a quick consultation with the team doctor, Minano said anxiously, "Boss, Li is okay..."

Del Bosque breathed a sigh of relief. The smile on his face vanished in an instant, his brow furrowing.

"Unexpected rain."

"Difficult."

On the other side.

Conte quickly adjusted his mood, which had been affected by falling behind.

He gestured and shouted loudly at his players.

His on-the-spot adaptability might be slow, but once the Italian coach regained his composure, he could completely counter the opponent.

The rain gradually obscured vision.

Advantage.

The heavier the rain, the greater the Italian team's advantage.

....

Ctv5 Live Broadcast Room.

After a series of exaggerated expressions like "Unbelievable!" "Terrifying" "Perfect" "Astonishing," Duan Xuan and He Wei gradually calmed down.

"According to news from the front, it was just a false alarm. Li Kang and Buffon are fine!"

"The camera focuses on a corner of the stands, the lights reflecting a hazy rain curtain, shrouding the Stade de France in a light veil."

"Rainy conditions usually create a lot of highlight reels of mistakes. No matter how good your footwork is, you can't beat the adverse environmental effects!"

"Which side will the goddess of victory smile upon? Let's wait and see!"

The number of viewers and comments continued to increase.

-[Heaven is helping the Italians!]

-[Why?]

-[Let me give you an example. This rain will drop the Spanish technical players from T0 level to T2.5, while the Italian midfielders and forwards are already at T2.5. The strength is leveled! But the strength of the Juventus defense is still T0!]

-[Then why doesn't Spain park the bus?]

...

The game resumed.

Although trailing by one goal, the Italian team's morale was not greatly affected.

Pelle kicked off and passed back to Parolo.

Then he charged headlong into the Spanish half.

Eder followed closely behind.

A combination of one tall and one fast forward is in line with Italian tradition.

Candreva and Florenzi advanced on both wings.

The Spanish team launched an orderly pressing in the attacking third.

"The Italian team's back line is disconnected from the front line."

"Not a big problem. De Rossi maintains a good distance from the defense."

"Conte's three-center-back system relies heavily on the two defensive midfielders... Oh no, Morata fell!"

...

Morata's big butt splashed water.

A gap appeared in the Spanish attacking third's cross-pressing network.

Bonucci, who had just settled the ball, had plenty of time to adjust.

What's his nickname?

Bonucci.

In the post-Pirlo era, he is Juventus's and Italy's most important ball-playing center back.

A center back who is the initiator of the team's attack.

Aside from his character.

The sweat he shed in his youth was not in vain.

Juventus's three center backs are not only responsible for defense!

....

Bonucci took a powerful swipe.

Water splashed everywhere.

The ball spun violently in the air.

Accurately tearing apart the Spanish team's midfield barrier, it fell straight into the dangerous zone.

At the same time.

Chiellini, who had advanced to near the halfway line, began to charge.

Crazy.

The Italian team's center backs always seem so crazy when the team is behind.

"Who says a shield can't attack!"

"The Italian shield slams heavily into Spain's soft spot!"

"Pelle!"

Accompanied by the cheers of Italian fans.

Pelle leaned against the entangled San José.

Stopping the ball with his chest.

Although he is the "weakest number 9" in Italian history.

He is, after all, Southampton's "Mané-like" player in the English Premier League.

When it comes to physical strength, he is not afraid of your La Liga center back!

The moment the ball landed.

Pelle swept his right foot, sending a very crude diagonal pass!

It doesn't matter.

In rainy weather, the quality of the Spaniards' short passes is the same!

"Right wing!"

"Candreva!"

"The Italian team's hidden dagger on the wing!"

....

Candreva's nickname is "Kan Dao" (Candreva Knife).

As a versatile midfielder, he has scored double-digit goals in Serie A for three consecutive seasons.

His speed is average, and his overall ability is very mediocre compared to the Spanish superstars.

But he is strong in vertical advances and physical confrontation on the wing, and he also has a knack for crosses.

In Conte's tactical system: grassroots players just need to do their job well!

Pa!

Candreva began to get into character.

Heavily kicking the ball forward with his right foot.

Launching a charge.

Regardless of touch accuracy!

Regardless of the distance between the ball and his body!

He only needs to do the task assigned by the coaching staff: get this damn ball into the Spanish team's penalty area!

...

Ramos didn't move.

He was more focused on Chiellini, who was rushing towards the center.

The key center backs of both teams.

Will have a showdown in the penalty area.

Who is Chiellini?

He is the Italian center back who tightly restricted Suárez in the 2014 World Cup and was bitten hard by him.

....

On the sidelines.

Minano was very nervous.

"Boss... Italy is a little different tonight."

Del Bosque waved his hand to interrupt, and said in a deep voice: "Don't panic, we have made sufficient preparations."

On the other side.

Conte crossed his arms in front of his chest, unusually calm.

...

Saúl used all his strength to chase back desperately.

Having experienced the fierce battle in the Champions League semi-final, the Atletico Madrid youngster knew Juventus's routine very well.

Signaling Isco to split into two groups.

One to interfere with Candreva.

One to closely mark Eder.

Unfortunately, the wet turf hindered the speed of the two.

Right side of the penalty area!

Isco ultimately couldn't stop Candreva's cross.

Bang!

Accompanied by a crisp sound.

Water splashed again.

"Power creates miracles!"

"Look at this ball!"

"The dialogue between Chiellini and Ramos!"

"Wonderful! The formations of both sides have not been chaotic at all, a defensive duel comparable to the gold content of a final!"

....

Li Kang had retreated early to the front of his own penalty area.

The coaching staff had not arranged detailed marking tasks for him.

It seemed... his teammates could solve everything.

From God's perspective, he grasped all the dynamic information on the field:

Saúl was following Eder.

Ramos was marking Chiellini.

De Gea's positioning was very good.

The Italian team's attack from the center did not pose a threat.

Judging from Candreva's cross... it was aimed at Florenzi at the far post!

He didn't need to go there either.

Carvajal's cover was very timely.

Giaccherini who had inserted later?

He didn't need to go there either.

Juanfran was watching him.

No!

It was Barzagli!

The crazy Italians.

Only Buffon hadn't participated in the attack!

....

Ramos and Chiellini jumped at the same time.

Neither of their big heads got anything!

The ball swept quickly over the Spanish team's penalty area.

"Far post."

"Florenzi!"

Carvajal did not easily try to clear the ball with a header, but chose to block the Italian wing-back's advancing route and shooting angle at the first time!

This is what makes him better than Marcelo and Alba.

Florenzi staggered as he stopped the ball.

He is very short and is often referred to as a 'hooligan' by Serie A fans.

But he was called into the Italian national team because of his agility.

Now, he had to get into character!

"Wonderful lateral dribbling, but due to the influence of the standing water, he looks more agile than the ball."

"Carvajal still didn't make a move easily, the Spanish team's defensive spacing is shortening! Not letting the Italians..."

"Hey! Florenzi's back pass is too exquisite!"

"Setting up a cannon for his teammates!"

....

In an instant.

A flaw was exposed in the Spanish team's defense.

All the players had excellently completed their respective one-on-one marking assignments.

But they just didn't notice Barzagli, who had inserted later!

Spanish fans felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Minano was very anxious.

Del Bosque's expression was calm.

Conte gritted his teeth, hunched his back, and clenched his fists.

The Italians were strictly implementing the offensive routines arranged by the coaching staff.

His on-the-spot adaptability was slow, but he was able to fully stimulate the characteristics of each player, and let his players participate in the team's overall operation, playing their respective roles well.

Who says a group of grassroots players can't overturn a battleship?

...

Barzagli faced the ball, swinging his thick right leg.

Long shot!

Always one of the best scoring opportunities in a rainy game!

De Gea was waiting in full force.

His reaction arc was comparable to lightning.

Compared to Manchester United, playing for the national team was too happy.

After a brief observation, he anticipated the Italian center back's shooting line.

His feet were ready to exert force and kick off the grass, and he was about to make a diving save...

In a flash, a Spanish number 6 jersey blocked his vision!

....

Barzagli missed the ball!

Where was the ball?

It was intercepted!

Li Kang's action of poking the ball with his left foot lasted for less than a second.

The cheers of the Spanish fans had just sounded.

He had already turned around and bypassed the tall and burly Barzagli, and reunited with the ball again.

Pushing the ball again with his left foot.

Elegantly and freely resolving the Italian center back's counter-pressing.

Nesta's phantom roared furiously.

"Elegant!"

"Clean and neat interception!"

"Free and easy ball control."

"Oh my god! It's unbelievable! Li Kang can still make such a soul-stirring touch performance in the rain."

"De Gea has lost his chance to perform!"

"The Spanish team's counterattack!"

"The Italian backcourt is a vacuum."

....

Li Kang couldn't counterattack.

Cazorla and Diego Costa were too good at tracking back. They were only a few steps away from integrating into the Spanish defensive system.

Only Morata, who had crossed the center circle, remained in the frontcourt!

Passing it now would be offside.

Conte's Italy had a very simple defensive style.

Most of the players did not get entangled in counter-pressing. The overall formation quickly retreated, leaving only the forwards to slow down the opponent's attack.

...

The Spanish midfielders and forwards advanced quickly.

The players on both sides seemed to be racing against time!

In the transition between attack and defense, it was a contest of the all-round qualities of the two teams!

"Is Li Kang waiting for Morata to retreat to the offside line?"

"Eder and Pelle are interfering, slowing down his ball release rate and obstructing his vision."

"Wonderful!"

Carvajal and Juanfran quickly approached, ready to support Li Kang and increase the short passing connection points.

Eder saw that the situation was not good and decisively kicked out.

A gap in the encirclement appeared.

Pa!

Li Kang lightly pushed the ball forward with his left foot.

The ball swept past between the two Italian forwards.

Immediately afterwards.

The strong Pelle crossed his body, trying to block, but felt an irresistible force on his shoulder!

He fell on his back!

When he looked up again, he could only see the back of the Spanish number 6!

"He passed the ball to himself two seconds later!"

"Unbelievable! In such an adverse environment, Li Kang can still make such an unbelievable dribble!"

"The ball was more or less affected by the standing water on the turf, but his touch control was too perfect!"

"Dimensionality reduction!"

....

Italian Broadcasting Corporation.

Baggio was dumbfounded.

He even thought that this kid's left foot was like his...

A monster!

He didn't have that kind of adaptability in rainy conditions.

Maldini was stunned for a moment, and quickly said: "The Spaniards have no chance, the Italian defense is quickly falling into place..."

"This kid chose the stupidest dribble, slowing down the offensive rhythm, not waiting for his teammates in the frontcourt... Oh my god! Perfect long pass timing!"

The great Italian legendary center back was still encouraging his own fans.

As soon as he finished speaking.

A "rainbow" suddenly appeared on the screen.

....

Stade de France.

The ball left Li Kang's left foot, outlining a graceful arc in the sky.

The exquisite long pass, with a trajectory just like a rainbow hanging in the sky!

Minano stared blankly.

Del Bosque opened his mouth wide.

Conte stamped his feet in anger.

How was it possible?

Long passes were less affected by the rain.

But how could anyone deliver such an accurate long pass in the rain!

...

"The heavy rain has wiped out the tactical details of the two teams!"

"There are no highly ornamental gorgeous passing plays!"

"A long pass that instantly tears apart the defense also blooms with fleeting beauty!"

"Morata! Not offside!"

Forty meters from the Italian half.

The defending players didn't have time to get into position: people can't be faster than the ball.

Morata had to run in a big circle.

After making sure he wasn't offside, he realized the ball was coming.

This perfect lead was best suited for accelerating the run-up directly.

Start sprinting.

It must be the ball passed by Li, I can't let it slip!

"Terrifying explosiveness!"

"Stopping the ball is a one-on-one chance!"

"Bonucci's appearance is very timely!"

"Chiellini and Barzagli don't have time to get into position, Juventus's defense can only rely on him!"

...

Bonucci often felt depressed.

He didn't understand why the game set his speed so low, although his explosiveness was indeed a bit poor in reality.

Based on his anticipation of the ball's path, he rushed towards the landing point in advance.

Just a little bit short.

Morata received the ball one step ahead!

As teammates at Juventus, Bonucci knew that the Spanish forward's preferred foot was... the right foot.

And the ball just happened to be passed to Morata's left side.

There was still a chance!

There must still be a chance!

....

Boos and cheers were mixed together.

In the Italian half, it seemed that all the spotlights were only on Bonucci and Morata.

The two staged a race to the finish line!

Gradually.

The Italian was left behind.

People then realized: Morata was quite strong when he wasn't shooting.

"Here it comes!"

"A one-on-one chance!"

"Morata's spacing between touches is large, very experienced, minimizing the impact of rain as much as possible!"

"A good opportunity to extend the lead!"

...

In front of the penalty area.

Morata slowed down slightly, facing the lurking Buffon.

He quickly adjusted, and heavily swung his right foot!

Bang!

The ball flew straight towards the upper right corner of the goal.

Not a high shot.

Not sliding out of bounds.

The Spanish forward's rare perfect shot... was easily picked off by the purple gloves.

"Buffon knows this club teammate too well!"

"Wonderful save, easily resolving the danger!"

"No goal was produced."

"An exhilarating rainy-night attack!"