章 288: Chapter 288: Great Start
It was just over a minute into the match, but no one could understand why both Napoli and Roma seemed to place so much importance on this free kick near the Roma penalty area.
Except for the goalkeepers, all twenty players from both teams were packed inside or just outside Roma's penalty box.
The Roma defenders formed a solid line of seven players right in front of the small penalty area, with only a two-man wall positioned to guard against a direct free kick. Another player stood at the top of the penalty area, ready to step in and intercept any tactical play that Napoli might attempt.
Napoli, on the other hand, was equally prepared.
Di Maria and Sanchez both stood at the spot of the free kick on the right side of the penalty area, creating ambiguity as to who would take the shot.
Meanwhile, Napoli's tallest players Pellé, David Luiz, Bonucci, Thiago Motta, and Vidal were all clustered in front of the small penalty area, positioning themselves to exploit Roma's defensive weaknesses. Bonucci was set to attack the near post, Pelé aimed for the center, and David Luiz focused on the far post. Thiago Motta and Vidal hovered closer to the penalty spot, creating a layered formation that added to the pressure on Roma's defense.
Outside the penalty area, Nainggolan, Dossena, and Lichtsteiner stood guard at the top of the arc. They were ready to either charge into the penalty area or fall back defensively if Roma attempted a quick clearance.
The tension among the fans was palpable, and the usual roar of the Roma supporters softened as everyone watched the scene unfold with bated breath.
Gao Shen stood firm on the sidelines, watching intently.
He didn't know exactly which routine his players would execute — Napoli's set-piece tactics were varied, and the players had practiced multiple scenarios to keep their options open. But Gao Shen was confident in one thing: Di Maria wouldn't be taking the kick directly, as this position wasn't ideal for him.
In Roma's technical area, Spalletti was visibly tense. Set-piece defense was a weak point for Roma, and giving away a free kick to Napoli so early in the game felt like handing them an invitation to score.
Spalletti was furious with Tonetto's sloppy foul but had no other left-back options he could rely on. All he could do now was hope.
The referee, having ensured that both teams were set, took a few steps back to avoid interfering, standing just outside the penalty area arc.
With a sharp, clear whistle, the play began.
Napoli's players moved first.
Both Thiago Motta and Vidal charged toward the near post, dragging several Roma defenders with them and creating the impression of a near-post assault. Di Maria, who had taken a few steps forward as if to shoot, then stepped over the ball, leaving it untouched.
Pellé remained still at his starting position, holding Mexès' attention. Then, almost in sync with Di Maria's feint, David Luiz made a quick move, cutting around Pelé and heading for the center of the penalty area.
Sanchez, without hesitation, took the actual kick, swinging his right foot and sending the ball flying over the two-man wall. It arced sharply, dropping fast toward the center of the small penalty area.
The ball was low and fast the perfect delivery for an attacking header.
With Roma's defenders pulled out of position, David Luiz found himself unmarked. Timing his run perfectly, he met the ball with a powerful header, barely needing to jump. The contact was clean, and the ball rocketed toward the left side of the goal.
Roma's goalkeeper, Curci, had been drawn slightly toward the near post by the fake runs of Motta and Vidal. By the time he realized the ball was headed for the far side, it was too late.
The net rippled as David Luiz's header sailed in.
"GOALLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"David Luiz! He's done it for Napoli!"
"Just under two minutes into the match, and Napoli have taken the lead! 1-0!"
"What an incredible start! Napoli came out with a brilliant set-piece routine, and David Luiz made no mistake with that header!"
"This is Roma's third set-piece goal conceded in their last four games clearly, their set-piece defense needs work!"
Gao Shen couldn't contain his excitement. As soon as David Luiz's header hit the net, he leapt into the air, fists clenched, cheering with every ounce of energy he had.
The Napoli coaching staff erupted in celebration, hugging each other on the sidelines. It was the perfect start they had hoped for, maybe even better.
Gao Shen turned to his assistants, his face beaming with exhilaration. "I have a strong feeling this isn't just about one goal!" he shouted.
The early goal gave Gao Shen a glimpse into Roma's fragile mental state. It was clear that they were rattled, their confidence shaken. The lingering effects of last season's humiliating 6-0 defeat, combined with their inability to secure wins at home against top teams this season, were taking a toll.
Carlo caught on quickly. Gao Shen wasn't content with a one-goal lead; he wanted more.
Gao Shen was a coach who knew when to press an advantage. He sensed an opportunity to not only win but to dominate.
Wasting no time, he ran to the edge of the technical area, signaling to his players to change their strategy.
Initially, his plan had been to get an early goal and then stabilize. But now, with Roma showing signs of vulnerability, he wanted to go for the jugular.
"Keep pressing! Keep attacking!" he yelled, gesturing for his players to maintain the pressure.
The Napoli players, still riding the high from the goal, received the message with enthusiasm. They had just finished celebrating, but with Gao Shen's encouragement, they were ready to go again, eager to capitalize on Roma's shaky start.
As the game resumed, Napoli's front line continued to press high, smothering Roma's defenders. Vidal and Nainggolan were relentless in midfield, chasing down every ball, pressing Roma's midfielders with a tenacity that left them no space to organize.
The backline, led by David Luiz, pushed up near the halfway line, allowing Napoli to maintain constant pressure in Roma's half.
Roma struggled to break free from Napoli's aggressive pressing. Every time they tried to move the ball forward, one of Napoli's midfielders or forwards was there, ready to disrupt the play.
In the eighth minute, David Luiz found himself tracking Totti deep into Roma's half. Totti, dropping back to receive the ball, found himself marked closely by David Luiz, who stuck to him like glue. Thiago Motta dropped in to cover, allowing David Luiz to take more risks in his marking.
At one point, Totti managed to evade Luiz and received a pass from Pizarro. But as he turned to pass it forward, Luiz intercepted, using his long legs to poke the ball away.
Without hesitation, Luiz looked up and launched a long diagonal pass across the field, aiming for Sanchez on the right wing.
Sanchez, unmarked and with open space ahead, controlled the ball effortlessly and began dribbling toward the penalty area. Tonetto scrambled to close him down, but Pelé had already positioned himself in the center, creating a perfect target for Sanchez's cross.
Sanchez attempted a cut inside, but Tonetto, desperate to prevent another Napoli attack, stuck out his leg, tripping Sanchez just outside the penalty box.
The referee's whistle was immediate, and this time, he pulled out a yellow card for Tonetto.
It was Roma's second foul in just a few minutes, and Napoli had earned another dangerous free kick on the right side of the field.
Spalletti, standing on the sidelines with his head in his hands, looked like a man on the verge of despair.
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Junkdog
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