Chapter 272: The cup wins, the league ends
At the press conference after the match, no reporters cared about the final, instead, they all asked about the just-revealed "Phonegate scandal." AS Roma coach Spalletti, the club's fifth coach in the past two years, cautiously refrained from commenting, only willing to answer questions related to the final itself.
Inter Milan's head coach Mancini also kept it brief, expressing hope that the Italian Football Federation would thoroughly investigate the matter and give Inter Milan justice.
Other players, including Wang Feng, refused to discuss the matter. Now the entire European football community was alarmed, and Italy had already established an investigation committee, believed to provide answers soon.
The Serie A league continued. On May 7th, in the 37th round, Inter Milan welcomed Siena at home. The Blue-Black Legion fans displayed a banner with the slogan "Return Our Championship" in the stands.
When the "Phonegate" report emerged, many infuriated Inter Milan fans began protests. Thanks to the Blue-Black Legion's strong performance in recent years, their fanbase had multiplied, causing a significant uproar.
Amidst the resounding cheers, Siena quickly succumbed. Led by Wang Feng, the substitute lineup scored three goals in the first half alone, with Wang Feng scoring one himself and assisting Cruz and Gonzalez for one each.
Entering garbage time, the coach substituted him out in the second half, and the score remained unchanged.
3-0! Inter Milan defeated Siena!
In another focus match, Juventus surprisingly lost 0-2 to Livorno, ending their undefeated streak of 36 rounds. This defeat was clearly related to the players' shattered morale upon hearing the news. After finally defending their league title, how could they suddenly be told it was rigged? Most players were actually unaware of the club's covert actions; only a few were uneasy.
This defeat once again pushed the Bianconeri onto the media's hot seat. Their previous undefeated record made people more suspicious, and their early exit from the Champions League further fueled doubts.
Head coach Capello was absent from the press conference, leaving only his assistant trembling in front of the aggressive media. All players left the stadium dejectedly, refusing interviews.
Early the next morning, the President and Vice President of the Italian Football Federation announced their resignations. A joint investigation team composed of the four major prosecutors' offices in Naples, Rome, Turin, and Parma was formed to intervene in the investigation, escalating the situation.
Serie A had become a mess. Everyone could see that the scope of this scandal wouldn't be small and would have a fatal impact on the entire league.
Wang Feng was very grateful for his decision to leave last year. Otherwise, in this chaotic environment, it would have been difficult to find a suitable transfer target hastily.
Apart from Wang Feng, other Inter Milan players were also restless, especially young players like Ribery. Although the turmoil didn't directly affect Inter Milan, the team was still an obvious victim, and the league's overall environment would inevitably affect all clubs.
At this point, Inter Milan President Moratti was the most anxious. Regardless, two trophies were right in front of them, especially the fifth Champions League trophy, which was crucial. They had to stop any wavering hearts.
So the club's top management urgently convened a mobilization meeting. Moratti said at the meeting, "Everyone, we Inter Milan are complete victims. Neither the club nor your personal future will be affected."
"Now with two finals ahead, I hope you can focus all your energy on the matches. If we win the Champions League, I will immediately distribute a bonus of 30 million euros to the entire team!"
Moratti was indeed going all-in. Plus, Wang Feng's departure this summer would bring in 100 million euros, so he wasn't that reluctant.
The crowd was stunned at the offer of 30 million euros! It should be noted that when Inter Milan won the Sextuple back then, they only distributed a total of 45 million euros. At the time, it already set a record for bonuses in Serie A clubs, and now, they were setting a new record.
Wang Feng was also amazed. It seemed that in Moratti's heart, Inter Milan's glory and status surpassed everything else. He truly loved this club.
With the temptation of high bonuses, everyone at Inter Milan indeed cheered up and focused their energy on the two upcoming finals.
As the "Phonegate" incident continued to ferment, on May 11th, Juventus announced the collective resignation of its board of directors. On the 12th, the investigation went into full swing, referee De Santis was disqualified, and rumors circulated about several teams, including AC Milan and Fiorentina, being involved in match-fixing. Some players were also suspected of betting. That same night, the second leg of the Italian Cup final was held at the Stadio Meazza.
"You think this Phonegate investigation team is deliberately disrupting our mentality?" Ribery complained. "On the 4th, we just played the first leg of the cup final, and the scandal broke out that day. Now on the 12th, for the second leg, they announce that multiple teams are involved in match-fixing."
"This has nothing to do with us," said Zanetti. "Let's focus on the present game. Keeping the cup at the Meazza is our top priority."
Once the game started, Inter Milan didn't give Roma any chances. Wang Feng opened the scoring with a long shot, followed by assisting Adriano's header.
With a total score of 4-1 over two legs, Inter Milan defeated Roma, winning their 6th Cup trophy in club history and the 3rd since Wang Feng joined.
The award for Inter Milan was presented by the acting head of the Italian Football Federation, Rossi. He hurriedly handed the trophy to Zanetti and then left the scene. Obviously, even the Football Federation was in turmoil internally, with many things needing attention.
The final round of the league was scheduled for May 14th, with Inter Milan facing Cagliari away. The team still brought a rotation and youth team, led by the assistant coach, while head coach Mancini and key players went directly to Paris, where the Champions League final would be held four days later.
In the end, Inter Milan won 1-0 away, completing 38 rounds with 27 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses, and 87 points, ranking third in the league. AC Milan was second with 28 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses, and 88 points.
Juventus successfully defended their title, with a record of 27 wins, 10 draws, 1 loss, and 91 points. However, after the game, the Serie A league did not award the champions' trophy, raising suspicions among the media.
Fiorentina, ranked fourth, only achieved 22 wins, 8 draws, 8 losses, and 74 points, significantly lagging behind the leading group.
The teams in the relegation zone were Messina, Lecce, and Treviso. The Serie A official did not announce the relegated teams either, and while the league had ended, the storm was still brewing.
Juventus general manager Moggi announced his withdrawal from football, the chairman of the Referee Committee Ranieri was dismissed, Juventus's stock price plummeted, and the Director of Investigation Office of the Italian Football Federation Papa and his assistant resigned.
Acting head Rossi appointed Milan prosecutor Borelli as the new Director of the Investigation Office of the Italian Football Federation. When facing reporters' interviews, he stated that they would find out the truth as soon as possible and announce it to the public.
Every day, the situation was changing.
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