Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Turn-based Match
Chapter 128: Turn-based Match
Udinese celebrated enthusiastically while Napoli players surrounded the referee, Orsato, in protest. Jorginho, who was dispossessed, was visibly angry and protested to the referee, "That was a foul! He bumped into me!" Referee Orsato, with a stern expression, pointed to his eyes, indicating that he had seen the incident clearly and deemed it a fair challenge. He gestured for the Napoli players to disperse.
Napoli had a valid reason to be upset. Had the foul been called, the goal would have been disallowed, and the score would have remained 1-1. Instead, Udinese taking the lead added significant psychological pressure to the entire Napoli team. Unfortunately for them, referee Orsato stood by his decision and even issued Jorginho a yellow card for his protests.
Although this quieted Jorginho, he felt unjustly treated and angered, believing that Kanté had committed a foul which led to a goal-scoring counterattack. Jorginho felt victimized not only by the non-call but also by the yellow card, interpreting the referee's actions as biased against him.
Napoli's coach, Benitez, also protested vehemently on the sidelines and received a verbal warning from the referee.
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The slow-motion replay of the goal began with Kanté's tackle on Jorginho. Commentators analyzed the tackle from multiple angles. Geraldo Benini commented, "I believe it was a foul. Kanté charged into Jorginho, so the goal should have been disallowed." His co-commentator, the 36-year-old glamorous Benedetta Masola, disagreed, "No, I think it was a fair challenge. The initial contact between them was a typical physical contest. Kanté got to the ball first without any clear foul, and though there was some tugging, it was mutual."
The commentators stuck to their views, unable to convince each other. Nevertheless, referee Orsato maintained the decision: the goal stood, and Udinese led 2-1.
"This goal, the pass from Allan and the assist by Mahrez were brilliant, but I must praise Kanté," Masola stated. "Scoring the first goal and then making a key midfield tackle to initiate the successful counterattack, this Udinese midfielder shone throughout the first half."
"Engolo Kanté, the French midfielder who wasn't very well-known before, has been the most outstanding and dazzling player of the first half," even Benini, who suspected a foul in Kanté's challenge, couldn't hide his admiration.
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Guidolin remained calm as his team regained the lead, everything proceeding as planned. Facing a strong team like Napoli, Guidolin never expected Udinese's defense to keep a clean sheet as they managed in the Europa League semi-final against Juventus. But, as long as Udinese scored more than their opponents, they would emerge victorious, mirroring their encounters in the league.
Deciding to pull back into a more defensive formation after taking the lead was also a strategic choice to conserve energy, considering the physical toll of the recent match against Juventus. However, he soon found it hard to stay seated.
Perhaps fueled by the referee's decision, which Napoli perceived as biased, they surged in aggression when the match resumed. In the 37th minute, Napoli equalized again through Insigne. Hamšík penetrated the right flank, delivering a low cross that Insigne, following up at the back post, fired into the net.
Insigne's acrobatic celebration was spectacular as the score leveled at 2-2, sending the Napoli fans into a deafening frenzy. "Insigne! Insigne! Napoli scores again, having come back twice now! The resilient Napoli is destined to triumph!" exclaimed the local Napoli TV commentator.
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Watching Napoli's jubilant celebrations, Guidolin's expression darkened. He had adequately planned for the threats of Hamšík and Higuaín but had underestimated Insigne, who had erupted spectacularly, scoring twice to equalize for Napoli.
The match continued, and Guidolin noted down tactics for the second half. Just then, a huge cheer erupted from the crowd. Looking up, he saw Di Natale running ecstatically; the Udinese captain was overjoyed, practically hopping in excitement.
"Did something happen? Did we score again?" Guidolin asked, bewildered. He turned to see the scoreboard now reading: Udinese 3, Napoli 2.
Indeed, Udinese had scored again! His assistant explained the goal's development, which again exploited a weakness around Jorginho. Under pressure from Kanté, Jorginho made a hasty, weak pass that was intercepted by Cancelo, sparking a swift counterattack.
Cancelo and Mahrez executed a series of passes on the right, drawing Napoli's defense before switching the play. Bruno brilliantly controlled the ball, turning and delivering a perfect cross to Di Natale, who outjumped Napoli's former Real Madrid defender Albiol to head home.
3-2, Udinese led for the third time in the first half.
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Supporting Napoli, Benini exclaimed in disbelief, "Incredible, just as Napoli equalized, Udinese extended their lead again." Masola praised the Udinese captain, "Di Natale, yes, the Udinese captain scores again. This is his second goal in the Coppa Italia this season but his 33rd overall. He's in scorching form against Albiol, who at 27, appeared old and slow compared to the 37-year-old Di Natale's powerful header."
An excited Di Natale celebrated wildly, running to the stands to wave and then sharing a heartfelt hug with Bruno on the sideline, thankful for his twelfth assist of the season, which accounted for nearly a third of all his goals.
Despite feeling the physical toll of his age, Di Natale had planned to retire after last season but was persuaded to stay by the club's sincerity. Expecting a decline, he was instead surprised to find his performance had not only sustained but improved, scoring 33 goals before the season's end and aiming for his third Capocannoniere in two years.
With potential trophies within reach, including an unimaginable Europa League title, Di Natale dedicated his goal to Bruno, "Thank you, Bruno!"
"Great job, Antonio!" Bruno cheered, patting Di Natale on the back, sharing the joy with teammates who were equally thrilled.
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Guidolin watched the celebrations, pleased and reassured by the excellent team spirit. Indeed, championships are the best catalysts for any team, beautifying everything around.
His assistant, admiringly, remarked on his foresight about Jorginho being Napoli's weak link, which had been exploited three times for goals.
As Udinese celebrated, silence fell on the Napoli side. A furious Benitez felt overwhelmed by the repeated setbacks, his frustration mounting with each goal conceded. "Stay calm! We need to stay calm," he told himself, breathing deeply to maintain composure while strategizing rapidly for a comeback. (End of Chapter)
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