Chapter 195: It has to be Wang Feng !
On September 14th, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, in the second round of Serie A, Inter Milan faced newly promoted Siena away.
Due to a midweek match, they would face Ajax in the first round of the Champions League group stage three days later. Therefore, Mancini rotated a large number of key players for this game, giving opportunities to players like Koko, Caron, and Martins.
It could be seen that Siena still had some aspirations for the league standings. Facing the defending champions, they created the first chance of the game. Kieza's header in the penalty area was met by Vento's shot, which was blocked by Toldo.
Several rotated Inter players had yet to find their form at the start of the match. They looked a bit passive, and it wasn't until the 15th minute that they had a very threatening chance. Ramucci's cross from the left was met by Caron in front of the goal, but it was collected by the Siena goalkeeper.
Gradually, Inter Milan gained control of the game. Zanetti and Ramucci were still at a decent level in Serie A, helping the team firmly grasp the initiative, controlling the pace of the game. Siena fell into a defensive counterattack mode.
Siena's coach, Benincasa, knew very well that his team couldn't compete with Inter Milan. Their sharp attacks at the beginning were just an attempt to take advantage while Inter was not paying attention. If Inter regained their focus, they wouldn't be able to launch such a vigorous attack again, or they would suffer greatly.
Although Inter controlled the game, they couldn't produce threatening attacks. The active performance of the midfield was often wasted by the forwards. With the score still 0-0, Inter Milan fans in the stands were sweating. If they were held to a draw by the newly promoted team, it would be a big upset.
The first half ended in a draw, and the away fans became restless. When Wang Feng walked from the bench to the player tunnel, many people were chanting his name, hoping he would come on.
Wang Feng was also anxious on the sidelines. Inter Milan wasted excellent chances repeatedly, but he wouldn't defy the head coach. If the team's star player and the new coach clashed, it would greatly affect the harmony in the dressing room. So, facing Mancini's tactical arrangements, he tried not to express different opinions.
In the second half, Mancini still showed no intention of subbing on Wang Feng. He believed Siena was a weak team, and it was reasonable to treat them with a backup lineup. Besides, Inter had the upper hand on the field, and they would eventually convert it into goals.
Although Wang Feng had a good physique with almost no serious injuries, Mancini was still very cautious. It was better to let him rest whenever possible with multiple competitions going on.
As time passed, Inter Milan still couldn't break through Siena's defense. Fans kept exclaiming and sighing. Seeing the missed opportunities, the players were frustrated and scratching their heads, feeling bitter and disappointed.
Finally, Mancini couldn't help it. In the 70th minute, Wang Feng left the bench to warm up. As soon as he stood up, the home fans of Siena immediately booed loudly. They knew what kind of threat Wang Feng posed.
Inter Milan fans, on the other hand, stood up, cheering and applauding Wang Feng. Though their numbers were few, their voices reached Wang Feng's ears despite the boos, so he happily waved to them.
"The thunderous boos are the greatest praise for Wang Feng!" Sky Italy TV commentator Felix said, "In just two seasons, he has completely changed the landscape of Serie A, leading Inter Milan to the path of revival."
"With only 20 minutes left in the game, can he once again break the deadlock for the Nerazzurri?"
Mancini subbed Caron off for Wang Feng. He hugged the Sierra Leonean forward gently on the sidelines, encouraging him, then quickly ran onto the field to take his position.
Siena coach Benincasa nervously directed his players' defense on the field, making sure they marked Wang Feng tightly. After being tied for so long, he didn't want to let go of the points they had gained.
Everyone knew that as long as Wang Feng got a chance, he could seize it and turn it into a goal. If he had been on the field in the first half, Inter Milan would have been leading by several goals.
Wang Feng's first touch after coming on created a great opportunity. Zanetti's through pass from midfield, Wang Feng used his speed to get ahead, successfully getting the ball on the wing.
He then used a Cruyff turn to shake off the defender Kufray in front of him and prepared to charge into the penalty area. Helpless, Kufray had to foul him from behind.
The referee finally blew his whistle, awarding Inter Milan a free-kick in the opponent's half. From the past two matches, Wang Feng keenly noticed that the main referee's penalties against them were somewhat harsh.
Whenever an Inter Milan player made a slight movement, the referee would harshly penalize them, while their opponents would only be whistled for very obvious fouls. Was it because they didn't want Inter Milan to dominate alone, so there was some bias? Wang Feng shook his head. In football matches, it's still strength that speaks.
The recent free-kick was on the right side of the penalty area, about twenty-five meters from the goal. Originally, because the angle was too steep, it wasn't within Wang Feng's shooting range, but he still wanted to try.
Whistle, run-up, shot!
The ball soared high, dropping rapidly after crossing the wall, falling into the top left corner of the goal!
"Wang Feng's free-kick, a direct shot!! Goal!! Goooooooooooooal!!"
"As the game nears its end, Wang Feng finally breaks the deadlock for Inter Milan. This free-kick was very beautiful, shot from a narrow angle on the side, and it was even a banana kick!"
The Inter Milan fans in the stands instantly erupted. They had been holding back their emotions all night, and now they were fully released. Everyone left their seats and rushed to the front row, loudly calling out Wang Feng's name.
Benincasa shook his head in frustration, the hard-earned points slipping away again. The road to survival this season was destined to be difficult.
Inter Milan defeated Siena 1-0 and secured two consecutive victories!
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