Kapitel 262: Chapter 262: We Are Finally Back!

In the packed stands of the Stadio San Paolo, the ecstatic Napoli fans cheered wildly, with many waving banners celebrating the team's return to Serie A. The whole stadium erupted in song and dance as they celebrated.

De Laurentiis sat in the chairman's box, a stubborn glint and sharpness in his otherwise aged eyes.

"Six years, two months, and nine days!" he said with emotion.

Marino, seated beside him, felt a surge of sentiment as well.

That was how long it had been since Napoli's relegation.

For the past six years, two months, and nine days, the entire city and its people had been waiting for this day.

Over those years, Napoli had also gone through bankruptcy and restructuring, with everyone enduring despair and then experiencing a rebirth.

Gao Shen's arrival had injected a new soul and vitality into the team, giving everyone hope once more.

Thus, at this moment, the Napoli fans filling the stands of the San Paolo were filled with joy, encouragement, and hope, as they believed this season was not just about avoiding relegation but aiming for the championship!

It might seem a tall order, but they knew that if they believed and shouted loudly enough, they could make it happen.

Just like the football legend Maradona back then, they too would become the heroes of this city.

"There will be some trouble tonight," Marino said solemnly.

When De Laurentiis turned to look at him, Marino quickly elaborated, "Cagliari's defense hasn't changed at all this summer. They had one of the best defenses in Serie A last season, and Giampaolo clearly intends to maintain that level. He's adopted a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, which will definitely pose problems for our attack."

De Laurentiis was no novice to football; he knew Serie A wasn't easy. But...

"I believe he will find a way," De Laurentiis replied with a faint smile.

Somehow, at some point, he had developed an unshakable faith in Gao Shen.

It was a confidence that was hard to describe.

Perhaps it began from their very first meeting when Gao Shen's words had instilled that belief in him.

"Tonight, more than 50,000 Napoli fans have come here for Gao Shen, for the team. This is the most important game for Napoli in over six years, no, even in the last decade."

After saying that, De Laurentiis couldn't help but let his gaze drift to the home team's dugout.

The players from both sides had not yet taken the field, and the area was still empty, but De Laurentiis could already picture Gao Shen standing there, commanding his team.

He had always been like that.

"He never disappoints, does he?" De Laurentiis murmured.

It was a question aimed at Marino, but also at himself.

---

"Do you all know what this game means to us tonight?"

In the home locker room, just before the players were about to head out, Gao Shen was delivering his final pep talk.

The players nodded in unison.

They understood.

Whether it was from the pre-match media coverage, the fans' cheers and encouragement, or the intense focus of the coaching staff and management, they could feel the weight of this match.

It was the most significant game for Napoli in recent years.

Perhaps, even the most symbolic battle.

After more than six years of absence, bankruptcy, restructuring, and rebirth, Napoli was finally back on the Serie A stage, once again presenting itself to fans around the world.

Only those who had experienced it firsthand, like captain Montervino, could truly understand just how difficult it had been, how much struggle and sweat it took to get Napoli to where they were today.

Two days ago, Gao Shen had even specifically asked Montervino to share with the team the entire process of Napoli's bankruptcy and rebuilding, to evoke a deeper resonance among the players and ignite their passion.

And indeed, the players' morale and focus were high.

"There are more than 50,000 Napoli fans waiting for us out there, and I am certain that, like me, none of you want to disappoint them because they have been waiting for six long years!"

Six years—what a long time!

Many of the players here were just kids six years ago.

Teenagers often don't know the taste of hardship and can't truly grasp how long six years can feel.

But they could sense the longing and anticipation from the fans outside, as well as the hopes from everyone at the club for this match.

"I won't say anything more. Tonight, we will win this game no matter what, and we must not lose!" Gao Shen said emphatically.

"Our opponents are strong; they are not pushovers. They will do everything they can to stop us and may even resort to ultra-defensive tactics, so be mentally prepared for a tough battle."

"Remember, you are about to play in a Serie A match!"

"You are about to take your first step towards the Serie A title!"

---

With a steady and aggressive approach, Gao Shen lined up a 4-2-3-1 formation.

In goal was Handanovic, with a back line of Vargas, Paolo Cannavaro, Bonucci, and Lichtsteiner. In the midfield double-pivot were Biglia and Rakitic, while the front trio consisted of Di Maria, Hamsik, and Sanchez, supporting the lone striker Cavani.

This was the most aggressive lineup Gao Shen could field.

Giampaolo's Cagliari set up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, also known as the Christmas tree.

In goal was Fortin, with a back four of Del Grosso, Bianco, Diego Lopez, and Ferri. The midfield trio consisted of Parola, Conti, and Biondini, while Fini and Foggia played just behind the sole striker, Matri, who was co-owned by Cagliari and AC Milan.

---

As soon as the whistle blew, Napoli immediately launched a wave of attacks against Cagliari.

This had already become a trademark tactic for Napoli.

However, Serie A teams were a different breed.

Last season, in Serie B, teams often struggled to cope with Napoli's high pressing and would easily crumble under pressure. But Cagliari showed composure, organizing their tight defense with remarkable discipline.

With four defenders, three midfielders, and two more players dropping deep, Cagliari set up three lines of defense, effectively sealing off the space inside and around their penalty area, making it hard for Napoli to create clear chances.

They had also learned not to dwell on the ball. Whenever they regained possession, they immediately launched it forward, as if the ball were burning their feet, forcing Napoli to chase it down and win it back again.

But after winning it back, they were faced with Cagliari's disciplined defense once more.

Just as Gao Shen anticipated, Cagliari was playing with a deep defensive line, refusing to leave any gaps for Napoli.

After more than ten minutes of relentless pressure, Napoli had no choice but to slow down the tempo, hoping to lure Cagliari out of their shell.

But Cagliari remained firmly entrenched, relying on Matri for their attacks, with Fini and Foggia supporting him.

This was, in fact, a typical trait of the 4-3-2-1 formation. It often left the team disconnected between the front and back, but the defense remained solid.

After all, when you have seven players packed inside and outside the penalty box, how could it not be solid?

---

Gao Shen had expected this situation for a while, so he wasn't panicking. He stood calmly on the sidelines, occasionally reminding his players to stay composed, be patient, and focus on passing and movement to disrupt the opponent's defense.

Gradually, Napoli took control of the game, but they struggled to produce any threatening shots.

It wasn't until the 24th minute that Cagliari registered the first shot of the match, a long-range effort.

However, their defense remained resilient.

As much as it frustrated him, Gao Shen had to admit that Giampaolo's defensive coaching was impressive.

Gao Shen quickly made adjustments, instructing Di Maria and Sanchez to create more threats on the wings.

Napoli soon generated some promising opportunities from the flanks, but when the ball reached the middle, it was often difficult to convert the chances into goals.

The defensive line was always crowded, with players blocking every angle. Cavani and Hamsik found themselves smothered.

Crossing and long passes were also proving ineffective against Cagliari's well-drilled defense.

Later, Gao Shen signaled for Rakitic to push forward and actively join the attack, especially utilizing his long-range shooting ability.

But Cagliari had prepared for this too.

Both Rakitic and Hamsik managed to get shots off from distance, but with three defensive midfielders and a solid back four, the shots often struck defenders, failing to trouble the goalkeeper.

As time ticked by, Napoli maintained their dominance but couldn't find a way past Cagliari's defense.

Even Gao Shen felt the true level of a Serie A defense for the first time.

Especially when a team adopts such a conservative tactical approach; they could seemingly hold out forever.

---

"Damn it, they're playing flawlessly!" Gao Shen muttered with a bitter smile.

Carlo and the others could only respond with wry smiles.

Napoli was playing well; the players were giving their all, and their control of the game was evident. Yet, they still couldn't translate that into goals.

"Actually, it's not flawless," Carlo added. "It's just that we can't capitalize on our numerical advantage."

The problem was the sheer number of defenders blocking the way.

"In this tight defensive setup, Parejo may struggle to make an impact," Carlo continued.

Gao Shen nodded. Against such a deep and disciplined defensive strategy, any team in the world would struggle.

Moreover, there was hardly any effective solution other than to keep pushing, maintaining pressure, and forcing the opponent into making mistakes.

The problem was, Cagliari were playing cleanly, rarely conceding dangerous free kicks to Napoli.

It was obvious they had prepared well.

Giampaolo had essentially withdrawn into his shell, challenging Gao Shen with a taunt.

"If you're good enough, break through!"

But for now, Gao Shen had to admit that he didn't have a clear answer.

"Keep attacking in the second half! I refuse to believe they can hold out for the entire 90 minutes without faltering!" Gao Shen declared, his determination hardening.