At Juventus Stadium.
In the massive stadium capable of holding 40,000 people, 30,000 fans gathered here to watch the match.
Juventus Stadium was formerly Stadio delle Alpi, which could hold over 60,000 people.
But due to the decline of Serie A, the attendance rate has been less than 70% for years. Therefore, during the renovation to Juventus Stadium, they reduced the number of seats to enhance the home atmosphere.
Today, the fans, or perhaps "spectators" is more fitting, only need to pay half of the usual ticket price.
This decision was made by the Star of Italy program team.
They won’t profit from these matches; the ticket proceeds will be paid to the stadium owner and participating teams.
Of course, the players of the Star of Italy Team can also receive corresponding bonuses after the match, which is not a small amount for Lu Yang and Morici.
The match is about to begin, and players from both teams are warming up on the field.
"Can we win?" Bai Zhami asked somewhat skeptically, because the Millwall players opposite seemed bulkier than he imagined.
Those muscle-bound guys, with their weights, if they hit Bai Zhami, he felt he might break apart.
"Of course, we can." Lu Yang said earnestly, "Do you know, the English teams seem fierce, but in the past twenty years, in knockout and higher-level contests facing La Liga teams, their winning rate is less than fifteen percent! In finals, it’s below twelve percent!"
"Huh?" Bai Zhami was quite shocked.
Not only Bai Zhami, but all the players of the Star of Italy were gathered around, doubting if they heard wrong.
The Premier League now seems to be ranked first among the Five Major Leagues, so how could it suffer so badly against La Liga teams?
It can’t be true, right?
Even Lam furrowed his brows, not quite believing it.
This was too outrageous.
Seeing everyone gathered around, Lu Yang animatedly said, "Pay attention to the conditions, knockout and higher-level contests, you guys think carefully."
So everyone began to reminisce.
Lam, originally belonging to Liverpool, was more familiar with Premier League teams’ records.
Soon, everyone found that Lu Yang seemed to be telling the truth.
"Why?" Lam was the first to ask.
Lu Yang said, "This fully illustrates that possession-based, technical teams often have an advantage over English-style teams in these one-off cup competitions."
"Although the latter often seems dominant on the field, they actually find it hard to score. Because possession-based teams seldom make fatal mistakes, they’re more stable. While English teams’ open style, though inspiring, often involves more mistakes that opponents can seize."
"So, when we play later, it’s understandable if we’re temporarily under pressure, but everyone, don’t panic."
"If our wingers find attacking difficult, don’t rush forward; come back, and we’ll defend together. The second half is when the match is truly decided."
Lu Yang’s words were clearly recorded by the camera, as he dispelled his teammates’ nervousness and started tactical arrangements like a true captain.
Given their team looked younger and weaker.
After all, the opponents were a Championship team, with a level higher than Serie B.
...
Beep!
With a whistle, the match officially began.
The Star of Italy kicked off, with Morici controlling the midfield as the 3-5-2 formation gradually unfolded.
Sevajos took the ball, advancing quickly.
This was the Star of Italy Team’s first offensive play.
Bang!
While Sevajos was contemplating whether to try dribbling past or pass the ball to Versachi in the middle, he was knocked down by a wall.
Beep!
The main referee blew the whistle, signaling a defensive foul by a Millwall player.
Sevajos was dumbfounded.
Is this defense?
Is this football?
Isn’t this just targeting the person?
However, in the referee’s view, from a rules perspective, it was only barely a regular foul, not severe enough to warrant a card.
As for Sevajos’s pain, it could only be said that his physique was too weak.
Refusing to yield, Sevajos attempted two more times, once being knocked down with no foul. In another, he was almost disassembled in a collision, again losing possession.
When Sevajos had the ball again, he hesitated.
Continue advancing?
He was a bit afraid.
Mainly because his whole body still hurt right now.
This was no joke.
He seriously doubted whether he could complete the full match continuing like this.
Is this English football?
So different from French football.
No wonder many players who excel in other leagues become flops in England.
Just this level of bumping can significantly impact a player’s condition.
Out of self-preservation, Sevajos passed the ball back to Lu Yang.
The defensive player, who repeatedly infringed on him, showed a satisfied smile.
That smile deeply hurt Sevajos, but he couldn’t do anything.
Lu Yang observed the scene, passed the ball to Morici, and Morici initiated the attack from the right side.
Canyes drove forward with the ball.
But soon, Canyes encountered what had happened to Sevajos.
Their play was very targeted.
Since the core of 3-5-2 lies in the devilish double wings.
Then the English rudely broke them off, seeing if this Star of Italy could still take off.