Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions-Chapter 54: Once the formation opens, it becomes Tang Long’s stage!

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Once the formation opens, it becomes Tang Long’s stage!

In this match, both teams clearly have different levels of importance!

Inter changed their lineup, shifting from 4312 to 4231.

However, the young Bonazzoli starts as the lone forward in advance, while the usual starting striker Icardi sits on the bench.

Tang Long takes the starting position as the attacking midfielder.

On his sides are Shaqiri and Podolski.

The two holding midfielders have also changed, with Mavic and Obi.

There are some rotations in the defensive line as well, with Ranocchia and young Juan in the center, new signing Santon on the left, and Dodo returning to the starting lineup after missing five rounds.

Third-choice goalkeeper Berni is in the starting lineup.

Even the head coach Mancini is absent, with assistant coach Herrera in charge for this match.

Where did Mancini go? He took leave from the management and returned to Manchester to handle personal affairs.

On the other hand, the home team Napoli has fielded their absolute strongest lineup!

Famous players like Higuain, Callejon, Hamsik, Koulibaly, and Albiol all make an appearance.

"Looking at the starting list, the attitudes towards the match from both sides are completely different!"

"That’s right, Napoli made some rotations in the weekend’s Serie A match, and their top scorer Higuain didn’t even play, clearly conserving energy for the showdown with Inter!"

"Napoli won the Coppa Italia last season and is determined to defend their title this season; they have ambition in this domestic cup competition."

"Additionally, this match has another eye-catching element!"

"Current Napoli coach Benitez was once Inter’s coach!"

"His tenure at Inter was very unpleasant, with many at Inter saying he squandered the legacy of Mourinho’s treble-winning period!"

"Facing Inter this time, Benitez is probably harboring a strong desire to prove himself by humiliating his former team, showing that firing him was a mistake!"

"Haha, it’s understandable, like wanting to prove you’re doing great after being dumped by an ex~"

The referee’s whistle blows, marking the official start of the 2014-2015 Coppa Italia quarter-final!

São Paulo Stadium’s 60,000 spectators shout in unison, creating a vast momentum, stirring the heart like a storm!

The pushed-up Napoli players have faces full of pride~

All of Italy knows that playing away at São Paulo Stadium, regardless of win or lose, you have to shed a layer of skin!

These southern fans roar with such intensity that their voices reach the top of their heads. freēnovelkiss.com

However, Berni is not intimidated at all; he enjoys the game, feeling particularly happy and excited!

He stands on the goal line, waving his arms, "Come on, get excited and hype it up, hahaha, let’s do it, guys!"

Tang Long notices a detail.

The 4231 tactic today is significantly different from the usual.

The usual 4312 mainly attacks through the center.

Wing attacks are left to the advancing full-backs, requiring patience, layer by layer pushing forward.

But in the 4231 tactic, the two wingers can directly spread wide!

Both Shaqiri on the left and Podolski on the right are experienced from the Bundesliga, possessing speed and physical impact, skilled in flank play.

This opens up more passing spaces for Tang Long.

However, shortly after kickoff, Napoli launched their opening three-pronged attack.

Inter’s away game formation is compressed very flat, mainly defensive. Shaqiri and Podolski are forced to tuck into the center to help defend, leaving no chances for Tang Long’s through balls.

In the 8th minute of the match, Napoli nearly scored!

Slovak midfielder Hamsik made slight adjustments at the arc of the penalty area and took a powerful shot!

This shot was at an extremely tricky angle, a ground strike heading towards the bottom left corner!

Goalkeeper Berni, standing only at 185cm, is considered short for Serie A keepers, with insufficient arm reach, and couldn’t reach the ground in time. Fortunately, with a ’Duang,’ the ball hit the inside of the post~

Berni startled, quickly got up, and before he could celebrate, saw Higuain with the ball glaring at him!

Goodness!

Receiving the rebound from the post, Higuain calmly shot inside the box——

The ball coolly hit the post again, this time going out for a corner.

Both shots were stopped by the post; Berni was ecstatic, turned, and affectionately kissed the metal pillar of São Paulo Stadium, making a kissing sound, Aww~

Higuain raised his hands in regret and said to Hamsik:

"This goalkeeper has a short reach, just keep taking long shots at him!"

Berni spat in Higuain’s direction and shouted, pointing at him:

"Ptooey! Come on, let’s see how your daddy shuts you out today!"

Despite the close call, Napoli’s fierce attack further fueled the enthusiasm of home fans!

The cheers from the audience converged into a massive wave of sound, echoing above the football field.

At this moment, the big screen at the stadium suddenly displayed a familiar figure—Maradona!

Maradona, with his iconic long hair and a big gold chain around his neck, his big dark eyes gleaming with light.

He was smiling and clapping!

São Paulo Stadium instantly erupted!

"Wow, it’s Maradona!"

"God has returned to Naples!"

"Maradona is also 55 this year, after finishing coaching in Dubai, he has been enjoying leisure time at home!"

"Today he suddenly appeared at São Paulo Stadium, revisiting the place, receiving warm applause. He is still so popular here; in the 80s and 90s Serie A, he was the god of Naples!"

"I wonder how many viewers watching this on television have seen Maradona play?"

After withstanding the opponent’s initial 15-minute onslaught.

Inter Milan also slowly began organizing their own offense.

New signings Shaqiri and Podolski finally got the chance to spread to the wide areas of the field.

Once the formation spreads, it’s Tang Long’s chance to showcase his passing brilliance!

In the 21st minute of the first half, young Nigerian Obi seized the right moment to step up and snatch the ball from Hamsik’s feet.

He dashed forward like a beast from the African jungle, head down charging!

"Don’t rush, look here!"

Tang Long quickly helped him calm down.

Obi passed the ball to Tang Long and then continued to charge forward!

This move took away their opponent’s midfielder Gargano, leaving Tang Long in an unmarked vacuum.

Watching the ball roll towards him, Tang Long pressed his hands down, signaling to slow it down.

Just as Napoli players thought this young Chinese midfielder would control the tempo—

Tang Long suddenly accelerated toward the ball, twisting his body 90 degrees and striking the ball’s valve position with the inside of his foot!

Whizz Whizz——

With strong spin and enough speed, the ball rocketed toward the left wing like a missile!

"Great ball!"

Swiss star Shaqiri arrived promptly, leaping high, stretching out his leg to control the ball!

Ball and player landed simultaneously. Within 0.5 seconds, Shaqiri swiftly followed up, leaving no time for the defender to react, striking a ground flat shot toward the penalty area!

Bang!

Bonazzoli bypassed the center-back Albiol, rushed to the near post, sliding in to shoot!

Amid dirt flying off from the sole of his shoes, the ball flew into the near corner of the net!