novelkee Chapter 2014 - 526: Who Can Wield the Blade and Stand Firm
Chapter 2014 - 526: Who Can Wield the Blade and Stand Firm
In matches held in the afternoon, choosing the field first can almost completely avoid the glare of the sun, which greatly influences the course of the game.
So holding the match in the evening is not only because fans love it, but also to avoid the sunlight affecting the players.
"Hehe, Huang Kaiwen walked to the sidelines, Old Maldini doesn’t have as good stamina anymore, and now it seems like their positions have reversed."
"Yes, but Huang Kaiwen is just an assistant coach, although he plays well, he’s still lacking compared to an experienced coach."
"The match is about to start, let’s take a look at the starting line-ups of both sides, as AC Milan has given us quite a surprise today."
Juventus 4-3-3 single defensive midfielder:
Goalkeeper: Courtois,
Defenders: Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lixishtena,
Midfielders: Vidal, Ze Roberto, Marchisio,
Forwards: Simone Pepe, Vucinic, Krasić.
AC Milan 3-2-4-1 double defensive midfielder:
Goalkeeper: Buffon,
Defenders: Zambrotta, Nesta, Thiago Silva,
Midfielders: Hazard, Van Bommel, Kaka, Toni Kroos, Ramos, van Persie,
Forward: Ibrahimovic.
"AC Milan’s formation has undergone significant changes, and there are quite a lot of differences in the starting lineup. Today, we can also see the effect of the rarely used three-defender formation in football."
"Yes, young player Hazard is back in the first team, which is also a surprise. He scored a beautiful goal in the UEFA Super Cup and was relegated to the youth team shortly after returning to Italy. We don’t know how he’s doing now."
"A change in coach is like a new blade; Juventus is one point ahead of AC Milan, sitting at the top of the table. The match between the two has truly become a top-of-the-table clash, and the whole world is filled with anticipation for this game."
This Milan match has indeed attracted a lot of attention.
The ratings clearly reflect this.
All those famous European coaches are watching to see the effect of Milan’s coaching change, and naturally, the fans are curious as well — whether the invincible fleet can erupt under the hands of the old legend.
At exactly 3 p.m., Rizzoli blew the whistle for kick-off.
Ibrahimovic passed the ball sideways, van Persie received it on the right.
He found this position a bit awkward as he hasn’t played as a wing forward for a long time.
But with good footwork, van Persie controlled the ball with ease, always looking up to observe his teammates’ runs.
Juventus players were not quick to press.
Huang Kaiwen knows that Conte is a coach against the trend.
In the future, more teams will use high-pressing tactics.
But Conte prefers low-block defense to compress the opponent’s space in their half.
That’s exactly why Huang Kaiwen arranged for two inside wingers.
To let Hazard and van Persie participate in the attack within the box, working in close quarters to expose Juventus’ defensive flaws.
Seeing no chance, van Persie chose to pass back.
Ramos received the ball and also passed it back.
The defenders backed off to let Buffon receive the ball.
When Buffon got the ball, he was already outside the penalty area, with Milan’s three lines very close together.
"Vucinic couldn’t hold back, pressing Buffon. Simone Pepe marked Zambrotta, while Krasić and the advancing Marchisio dealt with Nesta and Zambrotta."
Seeing this situation, Buffon didn’t dare to short-pass and directly sent a long ball to midfield.
Interestingly, Ze Roberto and Ibrahimovic stood near the center circle, he didn’t go up to support the Juventus players.
Juventus’ midfield and forwards were highly disconnected.
Conte likes to find opportunities through long passes!
Although Ibrahimovic doesn’t like to mix it up in crowds, his physical presence is formidable, and without much effort, he outmuscled Ze Roberto and headed the ball back to a teammate.
Van Persie trapped the ball on his chest, quickly spun around a Marseille move past the retreating Pepe, while Vidal chased him from behind and tackled him.
The tackle clearly caught van Persie’s heel, causing him to stagger but quickly regain his footing, dribbling between Vidal and Ze Roberto’s sandwich defense, and passing to Ramos who came up to support.
Ramos noticed Ibrahimovic’s position and immediately launched a long ball to the front, although this time Barzagli headed it out for a corner.
"Robin has impressive skills, that kid."
Old Maldini said, walking to the sidelines.
"Yes, but he holds onto the ball too long, at this rate, even three goals would not be enough for the game."
Huang Kaiwen said with a wry smile.
Van Persie clearly wanted to show himself.
"The coach needs to remind them."
Old Maldini turned after speaking and shouted onto the field, "Robin, this isn’t a circus, pass the ball, try to pass, don’t do those flashy moves in our own half."
Huang Kaiwen crossed his arms, raising his left thumb.
This old man, with such a loud voice at his age, is really something.
This Milan corner kick formation was quite chaotic, failing to secure a point, instead giving Juventus a chance to launch a counterattack.
Krajisnik advanced quickly with the ball up front.
The Juventus three forwards hadn’t retreated too deeply, and now they surged forward.
Milan was left with only Zambrotta, Nesta, and Buffon in the half.
At the critical moment, Nesta pointed to hand the unmarked Pepe to Zambrotta, facing up to Krasić while being wary of him passing to Vucinic.
Nesta was positioned excellently, leaving Krajisnik struggling to find a passing route.