Capítulo 353: Chapter 353: Win the Championship Ahead of Time
Before the Milan derby, De Laurentiis launched a bold psychological attack against his rivals.
In a high-profile announcement, he declared that during the thirty-seventh round of Serie A, in Inter Milan's home match against AC Milan, Napoli would secure the Serie A championship ahead of schedule and create a historic miracle as a newly-promoted team.
To reinforce this message, he instructed general manager Marino to send an official request to the Italian Football Association, asking for the Serie A trophy to be delivered to the Stadio San Paolo that night.
"We can't wait! We want to hold the trophy in our arms and celebrate with the entire city!" De Laurentiis proclaimed.
This announcement sent shockwaves throughout Italy.
Napoli was only four points ahead in the standings. To many, this move seemed arrogant and premature.
Inter Milan's technical director, Marco Branca, publicly criticized De Laurentiis' remarks, calling them disrespectful to both Inter Milan and AC Milan.
"Napoli doesn't yet have the advantage to claim the title in advance. It's completely inappropriate to make such a request," Branca said.
And he wasn't wrong.
Napoli had been seven points ahead before Inter Milan's match against AC Milan, but if Inter won the derby, the gap would shrink to four points again. That would leave Napoli's hopes of clinching the title early resting on a slim margin.
In the thirty-seventh round, Napoli's opponent would be AC Milan. If Milan won that match, the gap could narrow even further.
"It's far too early to declare a winner," Branca insisted.
But De Laurentiis wasn't fazed.
Naples-based media reported that the club was making high-profile preparations for a championship parade, fueling speculation about celebrations across the city.
"This will be the first time in Italian football history that a newly-promoted team wins the top league!"
"This isn't just a miracle for Naples or Neapolitans, it's a miracle for all of Italy!"
Rumors swirled that Napoli was already booking vehicles for a celebratory parade through the city. Fan organizations responded enthusiastically, preparing to spread the joy of this unprecedented Serie A title to every corner of Naples.
Some city council members even revived a proposal to erect statues of Maradona and Gao Shen in the city center, a move that garnered widespread support from local citizens.
In Naples, Gao Shen wasn't just seen as a coach, he was a hero to the city.
---
Behind the scenes, all of this was part of Gao Shen's strategy.
The high-profile declarations by De Laurentiis and Marino were part of a psychological warfare campaign designed to pile pressure on Inter Milan ahead of the Milan derby.
Before Napoli's gritty match against Torino, Inter Milan had also been stirring the pot, fueling tensions between Torino and Napoli.
Torino's coach, De Biasi, publicly stated that his team would do everything possible to stop Napoli, as they were fighting for survival in Serie A. Privately, however, it was rumored that De Biasi, who had close ties to Inter Milan, had pledged to block Napoli's path to help Inter close the gap in the title race.
Gao Shen had anticipated a tough battle in Turin. He made tactical adjustments and prepared his team for a physical showdown. Torino fought fiercely, and the match turned into a bruising contest, with four red cards and several yellow cards handed out.
Napoli suffered one red card and two yellows, but despite the challenges, Gao Shen ensured that his strongest lineup would be ready for the match against AC Milan.
The road to the title was lined with obstacles, and Gao Shen knew it wasn't just about on-pitch battles. Off the pitch, clubs engaged in their own "diplomatic wars," often using transfers or other incentives to influence outcomes.
For Gao Shen, this was all part of the game.
And he was confident of one thing: AC Milan would never throw the Milan derby. Their pride and rivalry with Inter Milan wouldn't allow it.
Napoli's tactic was clear, create as much pressure and distraction for Inter Milan as possible.
What better way to unnerve them than to talk about winning the title ahead of schedule?
---
The two hundred and sixty-eighth Milan derby took place under immense scrutiny.
Italy's newly elected Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, attended the match in person, underscoring its importance.
Inter Milan was dealing with injuries Stankovic was out, while Cambiasso returned to the lineup. Mancini opted for a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Maniche playing as an attacking midfielder to disrupt Pirlo in AC Milan's 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation.
Upfront, Inter's attack was led by Cruz and Crespo, with Ibrahimovic absent.
It was clear Mancini intended to fight until the very end.
But as the match began, it became evident that Inter Milan's morale was low.
After a brief period of high intensity, Inter Milan began to retreat, allowing AC Milan to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
By the tenth minute, AC Milan had taken full control. Kaka orchestrated their attacks, linking up brilliantly with Filippo Inzaghi.
In the 20th minute, Kaka sent a through ball to Inzaghi, who broke through the defense but saw his shot saved by César in a one-on-one.
AC Milan continued to pile on the pressure.
Before the first half ended, Kaka's volley was deflected onto the post by Inzaghi's header. AC Milan came close, but the breakthrough didn't come until the second half.
In the 51st minute, Kaka dribbled past Materazzi on the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Inzaghi, who headed the ball into the net from three yards out.
Five minutes later, Vieira lost possession in midfield, allowing Kaka to storm into the penalty area and fire a shot past César.
AC Milan now led 2-0, and the match seemed all but over.
Desperate to salvage the game, Mancini brought on Balotelli and switched to a 4-3-3 formation. Cruz scored a stunning free-kick in the 76th minute to pull one back for Inter Milan.
But it wasn't enough.
AC Milan held on for a 2-1 victory, leaving the San Siro jubilant.
For Inter Milan, the loss was devastating. It wasn't just a derby defeat, it meant the Serie A title had slipped from their grasp.
---
In Naples, the mood was electric.
At Gao Shen's residence, the entire Napoli team and coaching staff erupted in celebration the moment the final whistle blew.
With AC Milan's victory, Napoli's lead extended to seven points with just two rounds remaining. The Serie A title was officially theirs.
Napoli had won the championship ahead of schedule!
Gao Shen couldn't contain his joy, clenching his fists and shouting in triumph. Surrounded by his players and assistants, he reveled in the historic achievement.
This was a Serie A title won as a newly-promoted team the first time in Italian football history!
Two rounds ahead!
Before the season began, who would have thought this was possible?
Even Gao Shen's coaching staff, including veterans like Carlo and Pintus, had initially seen the title as an ambitious goal to boost morale. But now it was a reality.
Gao Shen hugged each of his assistants, recognizing their vital contributions to this incredible journey.
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"Everyone!" Gao Shen called out after the initial celebrations died down.
The room quieted as the players turned to their coach, their faces beaming with joy.
"First of all, I want to congratulate you, the great Serie A champions!"
The room erupted once more in cheers and applause.
When the noise finally settled, Gao Shen continued.
"You've made history. You've become the first team in Italian football to win the Serie A title as a newly-promoted team!"
More cheers and celebrations followed, but Gao Shen raised his hands to calm the room.
"It's been an incredible season, and this is a moment you'll remember for the rest of your lives. But…"
His tone grew serious, and the players listened intently.
"The season isn't over yet. We still have one more goal: the Coppa Italia. I know you're not satisfied with just this Serie A title. I know you want more."
The players nodded, their eyes alight with determination.
"And next season, we're heading to the Champions League!" Gao Shen declared.
The room erupted again, this time with chants of "Champions League!"
"We've shown Italy what we can do. Now it's time to show Europe who we are!"
The players roared in agreement, ready to take on whatever challenge lay ahead.
***
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