The Prince of Inter Milan starts with Brother Xiaosa

Chapter 309: Sad soldiers will win

In the midst of turmoil, the Azzurri arrived at the venue for their first match of this European Cup.

The largest city and most important seaport on the northern coast of Poland, Gdansk is the capital of Pomerania Voivodeship.

The good news is that the Italian international who was selected for the squad has not been summoned due to the "soccer gambling case".

But in any case, domestic chaos will inevitably affect the team's morale.

Whether they can adjust their condition before the start of the European Cup depends on them.

On June 2012, 6, colorful flags from various countries were flying, and a feast that attracted the attention of hundreds of millions of fans around the world was about to begin.

At the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, the majestic opening ceremony symphony sounded. The two sides of the opening match, the host Poland team and their opponent Greece team, entered the venue together.

Polish forward Lewandowski, who plays for the Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund, scored the first goal of this tournament for the host nation!

But in the second half, the Greek team's substitute forward Sarpingidis scored a goal to help the team equalize the score.

In the end, Poland and Greece tied one to one.

The 14th European Football Championship kicked off amid long calls, and the European war started!

Italy is in the same group as Spain, Croatia and Ireland.

And Leo and his opponents in the first round of the group stage are the biggest threat in their group and even in this cup, the Spanish Bulldogs!

As the champion of the last European Cup, Spain has been undefeated in 23 consecutive games in this event.

The last time the "Matador" lost in the European Cup finals was back in 2004 when they lost - to the host Portugal in the th European Cup group stage.

But although Spain is in hot form, they really don't have much psychological advantage when facing Italy.

Since 1920, Italy has never lost to Spain within ninety minutes of an official match.

In the World Cup and European Cup finals, Italy is the opponent that Spain has encountered the most.

However, Spain's record in regular time was only three draws and four losses. Among them, three times they met in the European Cup, the Bulldogs failed to break the Italian team's goal.

In the last European Cup, they also tied 0-0 within 90 minutes and finally eliminated Italy through a penalty shootout.

In the World Cup two years ago, Italy defeated Spain 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

This time they meet again in the group stage of the European Cup. It’s really hard to say who will win.

On June 6th, the first round match of Group C of the European Cup started at the Gdansk Arena!

Defending champion Spain faces Italy, which won the World Cup just two years ago!

This focus battle also stole the limelight from all other games in this round.

Although it was only a group match, it attracted more than 40,000 spectators who bought tickets to watch the game.

This powerful dialogue between the Azzurri and the Matadors officially begins under the spotlight!

Puyol and Villa's injuries have more or less had a negative impact on the Spanish team.

However, the overall strength of the Matadors is strong enough, and there are too many outstanding players at Del Bosque's disposal.

With the three forwards of Torres, Negredo and Llorente in hand, Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque boldly formed a forward-less formation!

Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva are at the front of the formation.

Xavi, Busquets and Xabi Alonso are the second tier of the offensive line.

Left back Alba, right back Arbeloa, Pique and Ramos partnered as center back and goalkeeper Casillas.

Generally speaking, it is still a combination of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Leo is basically familiar with these players on the Spanish court.

In Italy, Barzagli was out with a calf muscle strain. Prandelli originally planned to switch to a three-back formation, but in the end he chose to use the more mature 4-3-1-2 formation.

Cassano and Balotelli join forces up front, Leo serves as the attacking midfielder, and Pirlo, De Rossi and Thiago Motta are behind him.

The position of left back was somewhat unexpectedly not chosen by Balzaretti, but by Inter Milan youngster David Thornton.

Right back Maggio, Chiellini and Bonucci partnered with center back and goalkeeper Buffon.

Thiago Motta also became the third "Brazilian" in history to represent Italy in a major competition.

Seven of the starting eleven are players from Inter Milan. If Prandelli wants to gain something in the European Cup, he will no longer be influenced by the outside world.

Due to the successive impacts on Italian football, the outside world is generally more optimistic that their opponent today, Spain, can win.

But Leo knows that there is an old saying in China that says, "A soldier who mourns will win!"

In particular, what kind of performance can Bonucci, who is in the whirlpool of public opinion, perform under the pressure of the "soccer gambling case"?

After the game started, Spain took the lead to take control of the ball.

Through the continuous passing and receiving cooperation of six midfielders with excellent skills in the center and front, the Bulldogs avoided Italy's pressing and firmly controlled the ball at their feet.

Harvey distributed the ball in the middle, and David Silva formed a one-on-one relationship with Thornton on the right.

The two Davids were entangled. Silva failed to get past David Thornton and forced a pass under the interference of the Italian full-back!

Chiellini pushed the ball out of the penalty area, and De Rossi rushed to clear the ball before Fabregas!

Leo launched a counterattack and hit the frontcourt with a long pass. After receiving the ball, Cassano changed direction and got rid of Arbeloa and passed to the center.

Balotelli's powerful long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area was bravely saved by Casillas!

The offense and defense switched again, and Italy could only threaten the opponent's goal through quick counterattacks.

But Spain was different. They were very patient and fell down in the backcourt.

The Matadors controlled the ball and pushed forward slowly without any haste, and immediately passed it back without panic when encountering obstacles.

This attack lasted for more than a minute and finally passed halftime.

Is this because Spain does not want to fight an efficient counterattack?

In fact, not really. The main reason is that Italy's defense is well arranged, layer after layer from front to back.

Bosque's arrangement was also prudent.

Iniesta dribbled the ball from the left and then moved in a wide range. Silva took the ball from the back point and crossed the ball laterally to avoid David Thornton's marker and fired a low shot with his left foot!

Buffon put the ball firmly in his arms.

Pirlo made a long pass from the backcourt, Balotelli headed the ball to his teammate, and Cassano made continuous breakthroughs with the ball!

Alas, Italy's counterattack was originally very fast, but the rhythm slowed down when the ball reached Cassano's feet.

Of course, no one can deny that Cassano is indeed very skilled and plays a big role in the offense.

Cassano, who had nothing to carry, finally passed the ball into the penalty area near the baseline.

But at this time, Spain's defensive players were already back in place.

It was difficult for Balotelli to turn around and complete the shot under Ramos' close guard, so he knocked back to the penalty area.

Thiago Motta followed up with a long-range shot that was once again saved by Spanish goalkeeper Casillas and hit the bottom line with one palm!

Before Leo was about to take the corner kick, he went to David Thornton and whispered a few words.

The Italian team's corner kick went to the back point, and Chiellini's shot in the penalty area missed the far post.

The ball returned to the Spanish team again, and after ten minutes of the game, their ball possession rate was as high as 62%.

On the outside of Italy's penalty area, the Matadors used delicate footwork, and every shot was played out.

However, as Italy is a strong team known for its defense, its defense is naturally not so easy to penetrate.

Even if this group of people now is inferior to the Italy team once owned by Lippi that relied on chain defense and was known as the "strongest shield",

But the foundation is still there. Buffon is a little older, his reaction has declined but he has more experience.

The position of central defender, whether it is Chiellini or Bonucci, is definitely not as good as the peak Cannavaro. However, Italy's defensive system does not overly pursue the outstanding personal abilities of players.

It is of course better to have top-notch players, but as long as the strength is up to standard and the coach's tactical instructions can be well executed, good results can still be achieved.

Xavi made a diagonal pass, Iniesta cut inside and sent a direct pass to the edge of the penalty area. Fabregas cleverly kicked back with his heel, and Silva fired a powerful low shot from the top of the penalty area!

Buffon was very focused and flew sideways to suppress the Spanish team's shot!

A minute later, Xavi crossed into the penalty area, and Chiellini blocked Cesc Fabregas' shot!

Italy was at a disadvantage as expected, and Italian fans didn't seem to be very anxious.

In the 21st minute, Leo, who returned to his own half, stole the ball from Busquets in the backcourt and quickly advanced the ball to the opponent's half.

Then he distributed the ball to the left, and David Thornton broke through at high speed into the gap on the left side of the penalty area!

Before Arbeloa could catch up, Thornton hit a low ball into the penalty area!

Cassano broke into the left side of the penalty area and followed up with a powerful low shot that was saved by Casillas who reacted quickly and flew out of the baseline!

Leo took another corner kick. Balotelli feinted a shot from the first point but failed to hit Casillas. Bonucci's header from the second point bounced to the ground but Casillas fell to the ground and blocked it!

Italy failed to seize two good opportunities, and Leo sighed helplessly.

Spain immediately retaliated. Iniesta and Silva cooperated near the penalty area. Xavi's powerful volley from the left side of the penalty area was blocked by Chiellini with his body!

When the time came to the 30th minute of the game, Iniesta passed two people and then sent a pass from the left side of the penalty area!

However, both Silva and Xavi failed to score points in front of the goal, and Chiellini headed the ball out of the bottom line.

Xavi took a corner kick on the right, and Bonucci jumped high and pushed the ball out of the penalty area!

Iniesta followed up with a long shot from the outside but was confiscated by Buffon.

The disadvantage of not having a center is now reflected.

Except for the two central defenders, almost none of the remaining Spanish players have the ability to compete for headers.

The six players in the midfield and frontcourt are basically all "dwarfs" about 1.7 meters tall, with Alonso being a little taller.

But his strength is also passing rather than heading.

Therefore, it is best to think of other methods for Spain's set pieces.

When Italy had a chance to counterattack, Leo received a pass from his teammate in the frontcourt and headed straight into the penalty area!

Balotelli didn't shoot himself but passed it to Cassano who was in a better position!

Cassano faced the opponent's goalkeeper alone and was tackled by Casillas in the penalty area before he could even take a kick!

The referee Kashay from Hungary did not say anything, which made "bad boy" Cassano very dissatisfied.

He protested to the referee and was given a verbal warning by Kaushoy.

Spain was unable to attack for a long time, and this period of time gave Italy more opportunities.

Pirlo sent a precise diagonal pass. Cassano took the ball from the left and cut into the penalty area. A volley was blocked by Casillas!

Shortly after Leo's direct pass, Balotelli fell to the ground after a physical confrontation with Pique on the left side of the penalty area while fighting for the ball.

The referee still turned a blind eye and made no penalty.

Bashen vented his dissatisfaction by pounding the ground with his hands, and then he and his strike partner Cassano received a verbal warning from Kashay. Cassano made a breakthrough pass from the left, and De Rossi volleyed directly from the top of the penalty area!

But the angle was too right and Casillas got it easily.

The change in the situation was not what the Spanish team wanted to see. The players on the field took the initiative to strengthen the offensive without the need for the head coach to shout.

Arbeloa sent a low pass from the right, and Xavi received the ball and passed the ball to the back post. Fascination was called for a foul when he pushed down the defensive player while fighting for the top.

In the 43rd minute, Silva made a direct pass to the right side of the penalty area. Fabregas's left-footed volley was blocked by Bonucci's flying leg!

A minute later, Spain's tactical corner kick hit outside the penalty area. Xavi passed the ball straight into the penalty area. Iniesta picked the ball from the left and volleyed it over the goal!

The first half entered stoppage time. Cassanora went to the right and broke through two Spanish defensive players!

Then Cassano sent a pass near the right baseline, and Motta dived in front of the goal with a header!

Casillas blocked the ball bravely!

At the end of the first half, the two teams played for a long time but failed to score a goal and ended 0-0.

In the first half, Spain's ball possession rate was much higher than Italy's. However, their number of shots, especially those that hit the goal frame, was less than half of Italy's.

"Everyone did a good job, it's time for us to exert our strength in the second half!"

Torres stayed on the court to warm up during the halftime break, and if nothing else goes wrong, he will come on as a substitute in the second half.

At the beginning of the second half of the game, the two sides changed sides and fought again.

Fabregas hit the goal with a heavy kick from the sideline of the penalty area and hit the top edge of the crossbar and popped out!

At the beginning of the second half of the game, the Spanish team came with a "knock on the mountain and shock the tiger", which shocked Buffon into a cold sweat.

A minute later, Harvey's long shot from outside the arc of the penalty area missed the left goal post.

Although Spain has a fierce offensive, it seems that it can only try to threaten the Italian team's goal with long shots from outside the penalty area.

This obviously doesn't work very well. If they want to score, they still have to find a way to get close to the opponent's goal and pass the ball into the penalty area.

In the 49th minute, Leo dribbled the ball from the middle!

After getting rid of three defensive players in a row, Leo sent a scalpel-like through ball in the frontcourt!

Balotelli successfully countered offside and entered the penalty area to face Casillas!

"If you have the opportunity, you must hit the door decisively and never hesitate."

Leo's instructions to him during halftime flashed through Bashen's mind.

Cassie did not attack because Ramos, who was chasing after him with all his strength, had already arrived, not far behind Balotelli.

At the critical moment, Bashen did not hesitate to use his right foot to volley hard!

Ramos was about to catch up, but ended up being half a step too late!

Casillas flew to save with a look of horror on his face, but he couldn't make it in time!

"Shh!"

The ball went in!

One to zero!

Italy took the lead in breaking the deadlock on the field!

After scoring the goal, Balotelli ran to the sideline with a smile, folding his arms in front of his chest in his unique celebration.

All the Italian fans in the audience also gave warm cheers and applause to Bashen.

"Guys, we're only one goal ahead, and the game isn't over yet. It's not time to relax yet!"

Although the captain of the Italian team was Buffon, Leo forgot that this was not a club and still stood up to remind his teammates on the field.

In the 51st minute, Silva switched positions to the left and dribbled the ball through.

After receiving a direct pass from David Silva, Iniesta broke through to the left side of the penalty area!

Interfered by Maggio's tackle, Iniesta forced a volley from a small angle, but Buffon's fingertips missed the far post!

Buffon, who successfully made a miraculous save, quickly stood up and roared, which not only boosted the morale of his teammates but also put psychological pressure on his opponents.

Bosque couldn't sit still. They were here to compete for the championship. Why did they lose the first game again?

Leo scored the ball, David Thornton broke through from the left and passed diagonally. Cassano's powerful volley from the corner of the left penalty area was slightly higher than the crossbar!

Busquets got the ball in the backcourt, and Leo tried his old trick to step forward and steal the ball.

This time Professor Bu was smarter. He dunked with his right foot and was about to avoid Leo's pressing and pass it to his teammate.

However, Leo predicted his prediction and directly stretched his legs to block Busquets' pass!

Another successful steal!

There is no way, Leo must do his best if he wants to lead the team to defeat Spain.

Successful interceptions on defense prevented the opponent's attack time and time again. On the offensive end, threatening passes were sent time and time again. Unfortunately, teammates failed to seize the opportunity to score.

It can be said that he became a father and a mother again.

After successfully stealing the ball, Leo once again dribbled the ball through the middle and escaped from the double-team of Xavi and Alonso!

Then he sent a wonderful through ball!

Balotelli shot again from the spot where he scored the previous goal!

Two to zero!

The exact same goal!

Almost the same position, almost the same angle, Bashen scored another goal!

Unable to react, Casillas slumped helplessly in front of the door.

Prandelli smiled and asked Di Natale to go to the sidelines to warm up and prepare to play.

In the 65th minute, Balotelli, who scored twice for the team, was replaced by Di Natale.

Balotelli was still a little unhappy when he came off the field, but Prandelli went to the sidelines to welcome him off the field, said a few words in his ear, and quickly calmed Balotelli down.

Of course, including the 30 minutes left in stoppage time, Italy is only two goals ahead of its opponent, and there are still variables in the game!

Xavi made a direct pass, Iniesta knocked across from the front of the penalty area, David Silva decisively sent a diagonal ball, and Cesc Fabregas inserted an unmarked low shot into the penalty area and scored!

Two to one!

Spain wins back!

The game was in suspense again, and the Azzurri naturally didn't want the three points they got to turn into one point.

While solidifying their defense to prevent the Matadors from finding opportunities to equalize the score, they were also constantly looking for opportunities to counterattack.

In the 74th minute, Spain finally made an adjustment. Bosque replaced the goal hero Cesc Fabregas with Torres.

Not long after, Italy made another substitution, Giovinco came off the bench to replace Cassano, and Spain also replaced David Silva with Navas.

Just a minute later, Navas's breakthrough pass hit the back of the defense, and Torres got an excellent single-shot opportunity!

But Italy's goalkeeper Buffon decisively abandoned the goal and cleared the ball in time!

Bonucci kicked Iniesta outside the penalty area and was given a yellow card by the referee.

But the Spanish teammates were still very dissatisfied. Alba vented his dissatisfaction to Kaushoy and received a yellow card.

Xavi's free kick hit the wall directly.

Afterwards, Arbeloa pushed Giovinco and received a yellow card, and then Torres was also warned by the referee for excessive foul play.

As the game time passed, the mood of the players on the two teams also changed.

Their increasingly impatient mood made them move a little louder than before.

The Italian team, which was leading the score, did not want any players to be injured, so they reverted to their formation and retreated to their own penalty area.

The Bull Legion let go of their hands and formed a siege on Italy's penalty area!

There is less and less time left for Spain. Unwilling to lose, they can only attack with all their strength!

Leo and Pirlo winked. As club teammates, they have already formed a sufficient tacit understanding after one season.

De Rossi flew to steal the ball from Xavi Alonso's feet. Pirlo saw the direction of Leo's running and directly hit the Spanish defense with a long overhead pass!

When Leo reached the opponent's half and drove straight in with the ball, the Spanish defenders were miles away from him.

Leo got a rare opportunity to run long distance in this game and broke through to the front of the penalty area.

Casillas did not hesitate this time and had already struck in front of the penalty area.

However, Leo was already prepared. He turned the ball lightly and passed the Spanish goalkeeper who stepped forward to grab the ball. Then he took two steps and made slight adjustments to push the ball into the empty net!

Three to one!

Italy secures victory!

The bullfighters made a last-ditch effort.

Torres and Xavi kicked the wall together near the penalty area.

Torres received Xavi's direct pass and dribbled the ball horizontally in front of the small penalty area to avoid Chiellini and lobbed the ball past the attacking Buffon but also higher than the crossbar.

The game entered stoppage time, Xavi responded in the penalty area, and Alonso's powerful volley from outside the penalty area missed the right post!

At the end of the game, Italy defeated Spain 3-1!

After this game, the Azzurri have become the favorites to win this European Cup!

"I don't think there is any threat from Germany or England, but Spain, which we just defeated.

Aren't they always slow to start? One game can't explain the problem.

Portugal? Nothing but Ronaldo. "

Raiola didn't agree with Leo's judgment at all.

"Don't underestimate the enemy too much. When you win the European Cup, it will be a Grand Slam.

Winning all the major championships I can win will be of great benefit to me in helping you increase your worth. "

(End of this chapter)