章 129: Chapter 129: Tactical Master Benitez
Chapter 129: Tactical Master Benitez
Guidolin thought that after falling behind for the third time in the first half, Napoli coach Benitez would become more impatient and might urge Napoli to counterattack in the last few minutes of the first half, seizing every moment to score. Guidolin hoped for this, as it meant Udinese could potentially exploit Napoli on the counterattack.
Moreover, this kind of response would indicate Benitez's impatience, which could affect the Napoli players, spreading the frantic mood and giving Udinese opportunities to exploit any lapses.
Seeing Benitez signaling his team to fall back and not rush their attacks surprised Guidolin slightly. It seemed the situation of trailing three times hadn't made Benitez more anxious; instead, it calmed the Spaniard down.
Napoli consolidated their defense, while Guidolin also adjusted his strategy, instructing Udinese not to press forward aggressively but to hold steady and avoid risks.
Ultimately, with both teams tacitly agreeing, no further goals were scored in the final minutes of the first half, and Udinese went into the break leading 3:2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
As the first half ended, commentators around the world began analyzing the game. Contrary to their initial predictions favoring Napoli, the commentators now expressed optimism for Udinese.
———
"The 3:2 lead for Udinese is a surprising halftime score, usually, finals don't have many goals, so a 3:2 scoreline is quite astonishing," one commentator noted.
"However, if you've followed the season's encounters between these two teams, this score isn't unexpected. Every time these teams meet, goals abound. At the Maradona Stadium, the teams scored seven goals together, with Udinese edging out Napoli 4:3 away. In the game at the Friuli Stadium, they combined for four goals, with Udinese winning 3:1 and completing a double over Napoli."
"Udinese always seems to have a way against Napoli. Just like in today's game, Udinese coach Guidolin's tactics have been very successful. No one expected him to deploy Kanté, usually a defensive player, to take shots; this was a bold move and a stroke of genius by Coach Guidolin."
"Kanté's brilliant goal changed the dynamic of the match. Although Udinese seemed passive after taking a 1:0 lead, they actually controlled the game with their defensive counterattacks," praised Benedetta Masola, the Italian RAI commentator.
———
Masola, born into a noble family in La Spezia, Italy, became Miss Italy at 14 and soon entered television. Realizing the need for cultural depth, she self-funded her education in social sciences at the University of Milan, graduating two years later. Her university experience broadened her horizons and sharpened her character, leading to successful appearances in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and Italy's famous talk show "Passaparola."
Combining film and television, Italians praised Masola for her fresh approach in the entertainment industry. An avid sports fan, she became a football commentator for Italia1, especially during the Champions League, adding a touch of glamour and expertise that resonated well with fans.
———
In today's Coppa Italia final, RAI also invited this charismatic Italian beauty to comment alongside the well-known football commentator, Geraldo Benini.
"It might seem accidental that Kanté went forward to shoot," Benini said.
Masola shook her head, "No, no, it's not accidental. You say it's very unexpected, which shows you also think it's rare for Kanté to do so. His usual role is defensive, which means it was the coach's instruction. If Coach Guidolin hadn't directed him to join the attack, Kanté, known for his tactical discipline, wouldn't have done so."
"Your point does make some sense," Benini conceded, not wanting to argue with the charismatic Masola, and shifted the topic, "Let's talk about Napoli..."
"Not just that, Geraldo, did you notice how Udinese specifically targeted Jorginho throughout the first half?"
Benini, initially wanting to interject, found himself unable to get a word in as his partner continued enthusiastically. He simply smiled, sipped water, and nodded along, indicating he was following her analysis.
———
"And Benitez made adjustments, trying to use Hamšík's skills to break through Udinese's defense, but Udinese was well-prepared," Masola continued.
Unaware of her partner's expression, she concluded, "In the tactical duel and sideline coaching, Benitez was consistently outmaneuvered by Guidolin. Although this doesn't prove he's better than the renowned Spanish coach, at least for this half, Guidolin clearly triumphed over Benitez."
After finishing her thoughts, Masola took a few sips of water, cleared her throat, and turned to Benini, "Geraldo, now we can talk about Napoli."
Benini, slightly weary, finally spoke, "Benitez and Napoli have no choice but to..."
———
Back in the locker room at the Stadio Olimpico, Guidolin addressed his players.
"You did well in the first half, continue like this. Keep Hamšík under control, and continue to press Jorginho aggressively. But don't settle for a 3:2 lead; if opportunities arise in the second half, enhance our counterattacking efficiency and aim to score more."
"Let's go, guys! Only forty-five minutes from the trophy! Win the Coppa Italia and etch your names alongside the club's history!"
Motivated by their coach's words, every Udinese player was filled with fighting spirit, feeling the championship within reach.
———
Before the second half began, Napoli made a substitution, replacing Jorginho with Mertens. Bruno noticed the change and glanced at the Napoli bench, surprised by Benitez's decisive action.
He had underestimated Benitez in the first half, but this substitution made him realize the Spanish veteran's capabilities, famously known for orchestrating the 'Miracle of Istanbul.' The substitution, a bold admission that the initial lineup wasn't working, required courage.
In replacing a defensive midfielder with a winger, Benitez wasn't making a reckless gamble; Napoli was only one goal behind. Instead of risking further defensive lapses against a strong Udinese attack, Benitez aimed to tighten his team's defense.
Bruno understood the significance of this adjustment. Removing Jorginho, Napoli's weak link through which Udinese had scored all their first-half goals, deprived Udinese of their main target. Moving Hamšík back allowed the Slovakian midfielder more space to exploit his passing skills, while Mertens brought speed to the front, enhancing Napoli's attack.
(End of Chapter
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