Chapter 122: What to know in Rotterdam
After the match, at the press conference, both coaches condemned the irrational behavior of the fans. Lippi stated, "Impulsive fans ruined this game."
The media's primary concern was Wang Feng's injury. Cooper said, "After examination, Wang Feng is not seriously injured, but he will miss the next league match against Brescia."
"This incident is the most absurd accident in European football this year. It should not have happened on the football field. The football association should take relevant measures to prevent such incidents from happening again," Cooper added.
The next day, Italy's mainstream media reported on the unexpected incident in the match, and the football association promptly introduced related punitive measures.
Mainly targeting AC Milan's fans, for the remaining three home games, they will be prohibited from entering the stadium to support the home team. As for regulations, relevant officials are still negotiating whether it is necessary to prohibit fans from carrying throwable objects during important matches.
On the weekend, in the 31st round of Serie A, Inter Milan hosted Brescia at home. Wang Feng, who had recovered from his injury, was still not included in the squad list but rested at home as per the team doctor's request.
He could only do aerobic exercises while watching Inter Milan's match on TV.
In this match, both Serie A veterans Ronaldo from Inter Milan and Roberto Baggio from Brescia displayed superb skills, each contributing two goals. As a result, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Inter Milan only gained one point.
The most eye-catching match of this round was Juventus vs. AC Milan. The two teams fought fiercely, and Juventus scored the only goal of the match in the 71st minute of the second half by Trezeguet.
After Juventus secured all three points, they leveled the total points on the league table with Inter Milan, with Inter Milan only maintaining an advantage in goal difference.
A week later, in the 32nd round of Serie A, Inter Milan faced Chievo away. This promoted team intended to fight to the end this season and was competing with AC Milan for a spot in the Champions League, with both teams very close in points.
For both sides, this match was a must-win.
Wang Feng returned in this match, with only a slight shoulder injury from the collision, which had completely healed in less than two days. However, Inter Milan's staff were very cautious about him, insisting on a thorough examination. They did not want Wang Feng to become someone like Ronnie, frequently injured.
In the 67th minute of the second half, Wang Feng scored the only goal of the match for Inter Milan, securing a 1-0 victory over Chievo.
Immediately after winning, everyone from Inter Milan rushed back to the dressing room. They asked the staff about the situation with Juventus and were informed that Juventus had also won 1-0 against Piacenza.
"Juventus is really tenacious," Mattarazi sighed. Ronaldo nodded, saying, "The battle for the Serie A title has always been fierce."
"Since I came to Serie A in 1997, Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio, and Roma have each won the title once, and each time, the winner was decided in the last round," added Ronaldo.
"I think it's our turn to win it this time. Everyone, let's pull ourselves together. We only have two rounds of league matches left!" said Mattarazi.
At this moment, Wang Feng added, "Yes, and we only have three rounds of Europa League matches left. Although I won it last year, I don't want to miss it this year either!"
Everyone laughed heartily. Mattarazi joked, "If we win the Europa League this year, you'll be the defending champion of the Europa League. No player has achieved this honor before."
"Here, here," led by Consicao, Wang Feng and the others arrived at a Dutch-themed restaurant on Maasstraat in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Inter Milan arrived in Rotterdam three days in advance to prepare for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Feyenoord. Consicao, being familiar with the Netherlands, wanted to show everyone around.
Originally, Coach Cooper was firmly against it, but assistant coach Lloyd Dono persuaded him on the side, "Mr. Cooper, the players have been under tension during this period. Relaxing a bit might be better for them. Plus, we can set some ground rules."
In the end, Cooper agreed to their outing request but stipulated that they must return to the hotel before 9 p.m. and could not drink alcohol. The next day, they would have a normal training session to familiarize themselves with the venue.
Sitting at the outdoor terrace of the restaurant, beside the canal leading to the North Sea, they enjoyed the scenery. Rotterdam had become the largest seaport in Europe due to the many harbors built along this river by the Netherlands.
While enjoying their meal, Consicao introduced the unique features of Rotterdam. "The Saint John's Cathedral and the European Mast are well-known places. If you're interested after dinner, you can go there."
Then, he smiled mysteriously and whispered, "As a port city, Rotterdam also has some other fun places to go. Whoever wants to go later, just follow me."
Vieri and Recoba looked understandingly, while Zanetti said helplessly, "Don't overdo it. If the coach blames us later, you guys will be in trouble."
Consicao waved his hand, saying, "It's okay. We'll definitely be back at the hotel before nine, and you can rest assured."
He then grabbed Wang Feng and said, "You should come with us and broaden your horizons. Holland is a good place."
Wang Feng quickly dodged his grasp and said, "Don't count me in. I don't want to 'broaden my horizons' like that." Vieri joked, "Wang is a clean-living person, unlike us nightlife experts. Don't force him."
After dinner, the group split into several groups. Consicao and the others quietly left first, while Wang Feng, Mattarazi, and Zanetti agreed to visit the sights of Rotterdam together.
Taking a boat tour of the Grand Canal was a very pleasant experience. Mattarazi said, "I should have brought Daniela here. She has always liked this kind of environment."
Zanetti laughed and said, "If you do that, Mr. Cooper will definitely go crazy."
"You can come here in the summer. Finland and Sweden are also good choices."
At dinner, they arrived at the famous Arcade Market, where they found cuisines from all over the world. Wang Feng was surprised to find a Sichuan restaurant there.
He enthusiastically invited Mattarazi and Zanetti to join him. Seeing the bright red peppers on the dishes, both of them hesitated to eat, but after taking a bite, they couldn't stop and exclaimed with satisfaction.
This also caused trouble for them. They both suffered from diarrhea after returning to the hotel that night and were in no spirit the next day during training, just like Consicao and the others.
Cooper was furious, thinking that Mattarazi and Zanetti had also gone overboard, so he trained them rigorously.
"I'll never try that hellish food again," Mattarazi said with a bitter face.
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