Chapter 194: Italy's Counterattack

Italian Broadcasting Television Station.

Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini, as special guests, came to the director's booth.

Italy never lacks legendary superstars.

But the two are middle-aged female killers of the Apennine Peninsula, a ratings guarantee.

"The only one who can break through Buffon is Libra?"

"The harsh match environment is more advantageous for us!"

"Spaniards love ball possession by nature; as the pitch gets slipperier, their touch and passing precision will greatly suffer!"

"Rain battle! Let our midfield and forward players' technique reach the same level as the Spanish stars, and the game will become ever more chaotic!"

"Set pieces and counterattacks are our opportunity."

"Buffon's little guy is in great shape; he anticipated the opponent's shot angle, but his luck was a bit off—it was that damn goalpost that helped the Spaniards."

"I believe the Italian team can equalize the score!"

Maldini spoke with a firm tone, inspiring all Italian fans in front of the TV.

Baggio remained silent.

He watched the full replay of the goal on the big screen, his mood somewhat complicated.

The left foot of that Spanish number six...

And his control over the team's overall attacking tempo... is utterly astonishing.

By continuously accelerating and decelerating the tempo, he gained two chances to threaten the goal.

Stade de France.

After Miniano and the team doctor communicated quickly, he anxiously said: "Boss, Li Kang is fine..."

Bosque let out a long breath, the smile on his face vanished instantly, and his brows furrowed.

"An unexpected downpour!"

"Difficult."

"The other side."

Conte quickly adjusted his mood affected by the trailing score.

He gestured with his hands and loudly shouted at his disciples.

His in-game adaptability is slow, but as long as the Italian head coach comes to his senses, he can completely counter the opponent.

The rain curtain gradually obscured the view.

Advantage.

The rain grew heavier.

Italy's advantage grew greater.

CTV5 livestream room.

After Duan Xuan and He Wei went through a series of exaggerated expressions like 'unbelievable!', 'terrifying!', 'perfect!', 'shockingly outrageous!', they gradually calmed down.

"According to the news from the front, it turned out to be a false alarm; Li Kang and Buffon are unharmed!"

"The camera panned to a corner of the stands, where light cast a hazy rain curtain, and the Stade de France was veiled in a sheer gauze."

"In rainy matches, mistakes often pile up; no matter how good your footwork, you can't overcome the adverse environment!"

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

The number of viewers and comments kept increasing.

-【Heaven itself is helping the Italians!】

-【Why?】

-【Let me give you an example: this rain will drop the Spanish technical players from T0 strength to T2.5, while Italy's midfield and forward line are inherently T2.5, equalizing the strength! But the Juventus defenders' strength remains T0!】

-【Then why doesn't Spain park the bus?】

The match resumed.

Although trailing by one goal, Italy's morale was not greatly affected.

Pelle kicked off and passed back to Parolo.

Immediately, he plunged headfirst into Spain's half.

Éder followed closely behind.

A tall and fast forward combination, in line with Italian tradition.

Candreva and Florenzi both surged forward on the wings.

The Spanish front line launched an organized pressing.

"Italy's defense and attack are disconnected."

"It's not a big problem; De Rossi's distance from the back line is well maintained."

"Conte's three-center-back system relies heavily on the two holding midfielders... oops, Morata fell!"

Morata's big butt kicked up a splash.

A gap appeared in the Spanish front line's cross-pressing net.

Bonucci, who had just steadied the ball, had ample time to adjust.

What is his nickname?

Bollo.

In the post-Pirlo era, he is the most important ball-distribution point for Juventus and Italy's defense.

A center-back, he is the initiator of the team's offense.

This guy, aside from online dating in his youth, loved to follow behind Materazzi and Pirlo to learn passing.

Let's not talk about character.

The sweat he shed in his youth was not wasted.

Juventus' three centre-backs are not only tasked with defending!

Bonucci struck the ball powerfully.

Water splashed everywhere.

The ball spun violently in midair.

It precisely tore open Spain's midfield barrier and plunged straight into the danger zone.

At the same time.

Chiellini, who had pushed up early to near the midfield line, began a fierce charge.

He's gone mad.

Italy's centre-back always looks that crazy when the team is behind.

"Who says a shield can't attack!"

"The Italians' shield smashes heavily into Spain's weak spot!"

"Pelle!"

Accompanied by the cheers of Italian fans.

Pelle leaned back, holding onto the relentless San Jose.

He trapped the ball on his chest.

Although he is Italy's historically "weakest number nine".

But no matter how you say it, he's also Southampton's "Mané plug".

Talking purely about physicality, you're not inferior to any La Liga centre-back!

The moment the ball hit the ground.

Pelle swept with his right foot, delivering an extremely crude diagonal pass!

It doesn't matter.

In the heavy rain, even the Spaniards' short passes are of this quality!

"Right flank!"

"Candreva!"

"Italy's hidden dagger on the flank!"

Candreva's nickname is "Kan Dao".

As a midfield utility player, he has scored double digits in goals for three consecutive Serie A seasons.

His speed is average, and his overall ability looks very mediocre compared to Spanish stars.

But he is strong in advancing down the flank and physical confrontation, and also has a killer crossing ability.

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

Smack!

Candreva began to get into his role.

He shoved the ball forward heavily with his right foot.

He launched a fierce charge.

Regardless of ball-touch precision!

Regardless of the distance between ball and position!

He only needs to fulfill the coaching staff's task: loft this damned ball into Spain's penalty area!

Ramos didn't move.

He was more focused on Chiellini coming forward from the middle.

The two teams' starting centre-backs.

They will settle the outcome inside the penalty area.

Who is Chiellini?

He is the Italian centre-back who tightly marked Suárez in the 2014 World Cup and got bitten by him.

By the pitch.

Miniano was very nervous.

"Boss... tonight's Italy is a bit different."

Bosque waved his hand to interrupt, saying in a low voice: "Don't panic, we've already made thorough preparations."

On the other side.

Conte stood with his arms crossed across his chest, unusually calm.

Saúl put in every ounce of effort, desperately chasing back.

Having experienced the Champions League semi-final battles, this Atlético Madrid youngster knows Juventus' tactics very well.

Calling on Yin Si Ke to split forces in two directions.

One man to disturb Candreva.

One man to tightly mark Éder.

Unfortunately, the wet grass hindered their speed.

Right side of the penalty area!

Yin Si Ke ultimately couldn't stop Candreva's cross in time.

Thud!

Accompanied by a crisp sound.

Water splashes flew up again.

"Great power creates miracles!"

"Look at this ball!"

"Ji Yelini and La Mosi's dialogue!"

"Excellent! Both sides' formations show no trace of chaos, comparable to the high-stakes attack-defense duel of a final!"

Li Kang early retreated back to defend, pulling back to the front edge of his own penalty area.

The coaching staff did not assign him a detailed marking task.

It seemed... the teammates could solve everything.

God's perspective, grasping all dynamic information on the field:

Sa Wuer follows Ai Deer.

La Mosi marks Ji Yelini.

De Heya's positioning is very good.

The Italy team's attack from the central route poses no threat.

From Kan Delewa's cross, judging... it's looking for the back post's Fu Luolunqi!

No need to go there yourself.

Ka Wahaer's positioning is very timely.

The advancing Jia Likaini?

Also no need to go yourself.

Hu Anfulan is marking him.

No!

"Is Ba Er Zha Li!"

Crazy Italians.

Just missing Bu Feng not participating in the attack!

La Mosi and Ji Yelini jump up simultaneously.

Their foreheads didn't win anything.

The ball hurriedly flew over the Spain team's penalty area airspace.

"Back post!"

"Fu Luo Lun Qi!"

Ka Wa Ha Er did not easily contest the point and clear, but chose to immediately block the Italy team's full-back's forward inserting route and shooting angle.

This is where he excels over Ma Sai Luo, A Er Ba, etc.

Fu Luo Lun Qi staggers and stops the ball.

He is very short, often called a mix by Serie A fans.

But thanks to his agility, he was called up to the Italian national team.

Now, he too must get into role!

"Excellent lateral dribbling, unfortunately due to the waterlogging, he looks more agile than the ball."

"Carvajal still hasn't rushed in, Spain's defensive spacing is shrinking! Not letting the Italians..."

"Ah! Florenzi's pass back is too quintessential!"

"Set up the cannon for teammates!"

In a moment.

The Spanish team's defense exposed a slight gap.

All players excellently completed their individual man-to-man marking.

Yet they failed to notice Barzagli making a late run forward!

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

Minamino was extremely anxious.

Bosque's expression was calm.

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

The Italians strictly executed the attacking pattern laid out by the coaching staff.

His in-game adaptability is slow, yet he can fully bring out each player's strengths and have his disciples participate in the team's overall operation, playing their respective roles well.

Who says a bunch of grassroots can't overturn a warship?

Barzagli met the ball, planting his sturdy right leg.

Long shot!

It is always one of the best scoring chances in a rain match!

De Gea stood ready.

His reaction arc is comparable to lightning.

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

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

His feet were always ready to push off the turf, preparing to launch a diving save...

In a flash, the Spain number 6 jersey blocked his view!

Barzagli kicked into empty space!

Where's the ball?

It was cut off!

Li Kang's left-foot poke of the ball lasted less than a second.

The Spanish fans' cheers just rose.

He had already turned and sidestepped the tall, burly Ba'erzali, reuniting with the ball again.

His left foot then nudged the ball.

He elegantly defused the Italian central defender's challenge.

Nesta's phantom let out a furious roar.

"Elegant!"

"Clean and decisive tackle!"

"Smooth ball control."

"My God! Too incredible! Li Kang can still produce such a soul-stirring ball-touch performance in the heavy rain."

"Deheya lost the chance to perform!"

"Spain's counterattack!"

"Italy's backfield, a total vacuum zone."

Li Kang couldn't counterattack.

Kasuola and Diege Kesita's defensive attitudes were superb; they were only a few steps from blending into Spain's positional defensive system.

Only Morata, who had crossed the midfield line, remained in the front!

At this moment, a forward pass would be offside.

Kongdi's Italy had a very plain defensive style.

Most players didn't get tangled in counter-pressing; the overall formation quickly retreated.

Only the forwards were left to slow the opponent's attack.

Spain's midfield and forwards surged forward.

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

In the transition phase, it's a test of both teams' all-around quality!

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

"Aider and Peilai are interfering, huh, slowing his ball distribution and obstructing his vision."

"Brilliant!"

Kawa haer and Huan fulan quickly closed in, always ready to support Li Kang, adding short-pass receiving options.

Aider saw the situation turn bad and decisively kicked out.

A gap opened in the double-team.

Smack!

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

The ball skimmed between the positions of Italy's two forwards.

Immediately after.

Peilai's sturdy body shifted sideways, trying to block, but his shoulder felt an unstoppable immense force!

People and horses overturned!

When he lifted his head again, all he could see was the back of Spain's number 6.

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

"Unbelievable! In such terrible conditions, Li Kang could still pull off this unimaginable dribble!"

"The ball was somewhat affected by the waterlogged pitch, but his touch was absolutely perfect!"

"Dimensionality reduction strike!"

Italian Broadcasting Television.

Baqiao looked utterly bewildered.

He still wanted to say this kid's left foot was like his...

Monster!

He himself had no such adaptability in rainy matches.

Ma ertini stared, then hurriedly said: 'Spain has no chance; Italy's defense will settle quickly...'

"This kid chose the most foolish dribble, slowing the attack's rhythm, not waiting for his frontline teammates... God! Perfect timing for a long pass!"

The great Italian legendary centre-back continued to encourage his own fans.

Just as his words fell.

On the screen, a 'rainbow' suddenly appeared.

France Stadium.

The ball left Li Kang's left foot, tracing a magnificent, elegant arc in the sky.

An exquisitely perfect long pass, its trajectory like a rainbow hanging in the heavens!

Minianyuo's gaze was dull.

Boske opened his mouth wide.

Kongdi was so angry he stomped his feet.

How could that be?

The long pass was less affected by the rain.

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

"The heavy rain has erased the tactical details of both teams!"

"There is no flashy, high‑entertainment passing combination!"

"A long pass that instantly tears open the defense also blooms with a fleeting brilliance!"

"Morata! Not offside!"

Italy's half, the forty‑meter zone.

The defenders can't get into position in time: no matter how fast a person is, the ball is faster.

Morata ended up making a full circle, literally.

Only after confirming he was not offside did he realize the ball was coming his way.

This perfect lead‑in is ideal for accelerating straight into a run.

He began to sprint.

It must be the ball Li passed over; we can't let it slip!

"Terrifying explosive power!"

"Once he traps the ball, it's a one‑on‑one!"

"Bonucci's appearance is perfectly timed!"

"Chiellini and Barzagli can't get into position in time, so Juventus' defense has to rely on him alone!"

Bonucci often feels gloomy.

He doesn't understand why the game would set his speed so low, although in reality his explosiveness is indeed a bit lacking.

Based on his anticipation of the ball's trajectory, he rushed ahead to the landing spot.

He was just a hair's breadth away.

Morata intercepted the ball one step ahead!

As a Juventus teammate, Bonucci knows well that the Spanish forward's preferred foot is... his right foot.

And yet the ball was played to Morata's left side.

There's still a chance!

There must still be a chance!

Boos and cheers mingled together.

In Italy's half, it seemed as if all the spotlights were trained solely on Bonucci and Morata.

The two of them staged a frantic dash for space!

Gradually.

The Italians were left behind.

Only then did people realize: Morata, when he's not shooting, is still quite formidable.

"Here it comes!"

"One‑on‑one!"

"Morata's dribbling spacing is huge; he's very experienced, minimizing the rain's effect to the greatest extent!"

"A great opportunity to extend the lead!"

The edge of the penalty area.

Morata slightly eased his speed, facing the crouched‑in Buffon.

He quickly adjusted and unleashed a powerful strike with his right foot!

Bang!

The ball flew straight toward the top‑right corner of the goal.

It wasn't a cannon shot.

It didn't slide past the end line.

The Spanish forward's rare perfect shot... was easily snatched away by the purple gloves.

"Buffon knows this club teammate of his forward line too well!"

"A splendid save, effortlessly defusing the danger!"

"No goal resulted."

"An exhilarating rain‑soaked night of end‑to‑end action!"