Chapter 163: Cup

Chapter 163: Cup

On the afternoon of February 2nd, while Inter Milan faced Torino, Juventus also welcomed the challenge of Atalanta.

Just three minutes into the game, Juventus defender Thuram made a mistake, losing the ball to Atalanta winger Shodati, who then crossed from the byline. At the back post, Komanidini volleyed the ball into the net.

Leading by one goal, Atalanta retreated to defend as Juventus attacked relentlessly for the entire 90 minutes. Finally, in injury time, Trezeguet scored a goal to equalize the score.

This result left the sideline coach Lippi very frustrated. Since the start of the second half of the season, both Inter Milan and AC Milan had been performing excellently, each achieving four consecutive victories, making the competition at the top of the standings intense.

In contrast, Juventus, after being forced to a draw in this game, saw the gap with the leading teams widen further. It's not an exaggeration to say that Juventus' chances of winning the Serie A title this season are becoming increasingly remote.

Assistant coach Ralph reminded, "Mr. Lippi, should we have a meeting today to decide on the squad for the Italian Cup quarter-finals midweek?"

Lippi, as if awakening from a dream, hurriedly said, "Yes, we must do that." Since the hope of winning the league title was faint, they must strive in the Champions League and the Italian Cup. If the club ends the season empty-handed, he wouldn't be able to justify it to the fans and the club's management.

The technical coach reminded, "I've collected the footage of Inter Milan's recent matches. We need to study them carefully. Their lineup has changed a lot compared to the beginning of the season, including Zambrotta in defense and Ribery in the forward line."

"It looks like we'll need to stay up all night. I'll go prepare some coffee," said the assistant.

The first leg of the encounter was held at the Meazza Stadium. Right from the start, Juventus showed unparalleled dominance, their aggressive momentum intimidating Inter Milan.

It was a midfield retreat to receive the ball. Wang Feng glanced at the Juventus defense ahead. Although they were dense, they seemed somewhat lax because, up to that point, Inter Milan hadn't posed any particularly dangerous threats, and the players inevitably relaxed mentally.

Now is the time! Wang Feng suddenly dribbled the ball, passing through Tacchinardi and Davies like the wind, startling them. They hurriedly chased after him, but how could they catch up?

Tudor stepped forward to block, but Wang Feng suddenly shifted to his right, passing directly by his side, and charged straight into the penalty area. From midfield to the penalty area, Wang Feng only took about ten seconds.

Juventus' defender Thuram and goalkeeper Buffon rushed forward and backward to close him down, but at the critical moment, Wang Feng fell to the ground and shot to the far corner of the goal. The ball flew out from between the blockages and entered Juventus' net.

"Goal!! Beautiful!! Wang Feng scores!!"

"As the first half approaches the end, Wang Feng has successfully equalized for Inter Milan! This goal can be described as flowing like clouds and flowing water." In the sports channel's live studio, Zhang Jun passionately exclaimed in commentary.

This season, Inter Milan successfully entered the Italian Cup semifinals. In order to provide timely updates on Wang Feng's cup matches to domestic fans, an agreement was reached between the sports channel and the Italian Football Association to broadcast Inter Milan's next three matches, if they successfully reach the final.

"In the first half, Inter Milan's performance can only be described as dismal, but our national team player Wang Feng has shown a strong will not inferior to anyone, with his presence seen in both attack and defense."

"And this time, it was his active retreat and superb foot skills that created a nonexistent opportunity."

"Look at this goal, Tacchinardi and Davies didn't react at all, Tudor was easily bypassed, and the timing of the shot in front of the goal was just perfect, it's simply too perfect!"

After scoring, Wang Feng celebrated by pointing to the sky with both hands, then hugged his teammates who rushed over one by one, saying, "Guys, we haven't lost yet, it's just one goal left, let's fight!"

Hearing this, everyone nodded heavily, they were also inspired by Wang Feng's fighting spirit, dispelling their despondency.