Chapter 114: Rapid blitz
AC Milan Football Club announced after the match that they have officially terminated the contract with Fatih Terim. This coach, who previously led the Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray to win the 2000 UEFA Cup and the 2000 UEFA Super Cup, apparently fell short of expectations.
Replacing him is the Italian Carlo Ancelotti. In the previous three seasons, he was the head coach of Juventus, but was only able to lead the Old Lady to two league runner-up finishes and one insignificant International Toto Cup, resulting in his dismissal.
He has been idle at home since the beginning of this season until AC Milan's team manager, Stuart Kunde, approached him, hoping he could take over the mess left by Terim.
For AC Milan, Ancelotti's coaching record is not considered successful, but being born in the Italian league, he has a deep understanding of Serie A. Therefore, with no better options available, the club's top management decided to give him a try.
Midweek, Inter Milan hosted Chelsea at home.
The visiting team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Cudicini, defenders Le Saux, Gallas, Terry, and Melchiot, midfielders Senden, Petit, Lampard, and Zola, and forwards Goodjohnsen and Hasselbaink.
Chelsea's performance this season has not been very good. They are currently sixth in the league and only have a chance to compete for the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League. The main reason for this phenomenon is the club's serious financial deficit, with even player bonuses being reduced, leading to a relatively low team morale.
At the beginning of the season, they spent a lot of money on rebuilding the stands at Stamford Bridge Stadium, and then frequently made moves in the transfer market to build the current lineup. Coupled with expenses such as building luxury hotels, it can be said that they are spending more than they can afford.
However, the club's top management is currently actively seeking external investment. It is said that the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is interested in Chelsea, and the two sides are in negotiations. It is believed that if successful, it will bring sufficient funds to the team.
So they urgently need to perform well to show Abramovich the potential of Chelsea. They have the advantage in the market, and the Europa League against Inter Milan is their opportunity to showcase their performance!
"Beep~" The main referee Quentin Blungett blew the whistle to stop the game once again. In the 7th minute, Grzeskowicz's long pass from midfield reached the defense line, and Wang Feng quickly surged forward, passing Chelsea defenders Gallas and Terry.
But Terry immediately raised his hand to signal offside. The linesman hesitated for a moment before raising the flag. The main referee believed the linesman's decision, and Wang Feng could only accept it helplessly.
"Let's take a look at the slow-motion replay of the defense. It can be seen that this is a controversial decision. At the moment the ball was played, Wang Feng was still half a body behind the defense line."
"This is the second time this kind of decision has appeared in this match. Wang Feng's speed is too fast, coupled with Chelsea's defense line frequently signaling offside, it's also pressure on the linesman."
After the start of the match, both Inter Milan and Chelsea played very actively, conducting simple probing before organizing attacks.
Two minutes later, Chelsea central defenders Lampard and Petit passed the ball to each other and sent a cross into the box. Hasselbaink in the penalty area, under Matrazi's defense, barely managed to touch the ball but lacked power, which was confiscated by Inter Milan goalkeeper Toldo.
In the 31st minute, Chelsea had a free kick opportunity in the frontcourt. Lampard took the free kick, lofting the ball into the penalty area, where Zanetti and Goodjohnsen were contesting for the ball.
Goodjohnsen put his hand on Zanetti's waist, secretly trying to push him away, while Zanetti pressed his elbow against Goodjohnsen's chest, both making somewhat aggressive moves.
In the end, Zanetti gained a slight advantage, pushing Goodjohnsen away and winning the first touch, then cleared the ball out of bounds, while Goodjohnsen lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"Beep~" The referee's whistle sounded again as he walked into the penalty area, pointing to the penalty spot!
Chelsea was awarded a penalty! Zanetti and other players found it hard to accept, surrounding the referee team, explaining that they hadn't committed a foul just now.
But the German referee Blungett still insisted on his decision, warning the Inter Milan players to disperse quickly, or he would show them cards.
"Let's take a look at the slow-motion replay. Zanetti did indeed press his elbow against the opponent during the contest, but this should be a qualified confrontation. The referee's decision to award a penalty was obviously too strict."
"Inter Milan is facing a disadvantageous situation. They haven't broken the deadlock themselves yet, and now they are giving the opponent a chance to score an away goal?"
Wang Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead. He felt that today's main referee was indeed too harsh on Inter Milan. Several previous offside calls against them were blown, and now they were awarded a penalty. Was this still their home field?
But this is football, and unexpected situations can happen at any time.
Hasselbaink took this penalty, and he scored easily, giving Chelsea a valuable goal.
Trailing Inter Milan launched a fierce attack against Chelsea's defense.
In the 41st minute, Inter Milan goalkeeper Toldo kicked the ball long to the midfield.
Midfielder Conceicao headed the ball to Recoba, who then made a slanted long pass to the right side. Wang Feng quickly chased after the ball, receiving it near the penalty area. The transition from defense to offense took only a dozen seconds for Inter Milan!
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng, facing Chelsea defender Le Saux, first pretended to cut inside to the left, but actually poked the ball to the right, dribbling past Le Saux's defense. Near the goal line, he crossed.
The ball passed over Gallas at the near post and reached the edge of the small penalty area. Vieri, at this moment, leaped forward like a missile, just in time to head the incoming ball, redirecting it into the net.
"Gooooooooooooal!! The ball's in!! A leaping header from Vieri, so wonderful! Inter Milan's counterattack is so fast."
"From Toldo's long ball to Vieri's goal, it took less than forty seconds, piercing through Chelsea's entire defense line."
"Inter Milan launched a rapid counterattack. This is a typical non-Serie A style of offense, so unexpected."
After Vieri's goal, he excitedly sprinted to the sidelines, interacting with the fans. Since the beginning of this season, he felt that he had been playing more smoothly on the front line, all thanks to Wang Feng's organization in the attack, not only reducing his pressure but also keeping injuries almost away from him.
It should be noted that in the 00-01 season, due to injuries, Vieri only played 27 times for Inter Milan. So far this season, he has already exceeded the number of appearances from last season.
Coach Cooper on the sidelines showed great excitement in his eyes. He didn't expect that under Wang Feng's leadership, Inter Milan would organize another successful attack. Wang Feng's potential has not been fully tapped!
He is like a precious treasure. The deeper you dig, the more you can feel his comprehensive abilities.
With Vieri's goal, the first half between Inter Milan and Chelsea ended in a 1-1 draw.
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