Chapter 8: Battle against Genoa
On August 26, the Italian Serie A season officially kicked off, with AC Milan playing away against newly promoted Genoa.
In the 1994/95 season, Genoa was relegated to Serie B and failed to gain promotion for the next 10 years.
In the 2004/05 season, Genoa won the Serie B title but was later found guilty of match-fixing and cheating. Not only did they fail to get promoted, they were also relegated to Serie C1.
Genoa finally returned to Serie A after a 12-year absence from the top flight in the 2007/08 season.
Twelve years ago, during the season when Genoa was relegated, a Genoese youth was stabbed to death by an AC Milan extremist outside Genoa's home stadium.
The deep-seated hatred, brewing for 12 years, has intensified with Genoa's promotion and return to the top. Genoa's extreme fan groups have vowed to make Milan pay for their blood debt, and they have gathered a large number of fans to prepare for retaliatory action.
In an effort to prevent further violence, the Italian Public Security Committee has temporarily banned AC Milan fans from traveling to Genoa to watch the match.
The atmosphere at the stadium was extremely enthusiastic, with Genoa fans singing loudly to celebrate Genoa's return to Serie A.
In this match, Fino wore the number 14 jersey for the first time, marking his first start in a long time.
Ancelotti fielded the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation that had dominated European competitions last season, with Fino as the lone striker, forming an attacking triangle with Kaká and Seedorf.
Ancelotti has his own considerations.
Milan has five forwards on the surface this season, but Ronaldo is injured, Pato will not be able to play until winter, and Inzaghi's age will inevitably reduce his playing time. In reality, only Gilardino and Fino are in their prime and immediately available.
At 25, Gilardino was theoretically more reliable than Fino in terms of both age and experience. However, in the 2006/07 season, with Shevchenko leaving the team and Oliveira proving unreliable, he failed to deliver a convincing performance and was unable to shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack.
This isn't entirely a matter of individual ability—in fact, Gilardino's individual ability is outstanding; the main reason is that Gilardino and Milan's tactical system are not a good fit.
When playing with two strikers, Gilardino and Inzaghi have similar styles. Not only can they not complement each other, but they also often overlap in their runs, making it difficult to achieve the desired effect.
In the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, Gilardino was also not comfortable in the single-striker position because his style did not match Kaká's.
Gilardino is the type of striker who needs a lot of support from others, while Milan's absolute attacking core Kaká focuses more on individual attacking and needs strikers to help him create space for forward runs.
What Milan really needs is a versatile center forward like Shevchenko, or at least a center forward who can act as a pivot, while Gilardino is not suitable as a pivot for playmaking and support.
Milan president Berlusconi's bank account has been encrypted with 200 passwords. Unable to buy a dominant center forward, Ancelotti can only look for talent within the team. Perhaps the best player is already in the squad?
So Ancelotti set his sights on Fino.
Fino has a keen sense of smell, is agile in changing direction, and is fast. He is very good at using his explosive power to get rid of the defense. Judging from his style, he is a speed-type and agile center.
However, after observing him for half a season, Ancelotti discovered that, perhaps because he had trained as a goalkeeper since childhood, Fino, though not tall, was quite strong and did not suffer when receiving the ball with his back to goal and going head-to-head with defenders.
His playmaking ability is excellent; he can orchestrate second attacks and combine with the midfield attacking group. He is also very intelligent when making off-the-ball runs, using his positioning to draw the attention of defenders and create space for his teammates.
Ancelotti was a little disappointed. If Fino were 5-10cm taller... well, if he were any taller, he'd probably be standing in front of the goal as a goalkeeper.
In any case, with these abilities, Fino should theoretically be able to play as a target man.
So, in the Serie A first round match against Genoa, Ancelotti couldn't wait to test his ideas.
The match began amid cheers from Genoa fans celebrating their return to Serie A.
At the start of the game, both sides showed a strong desire to attack.
Just two minutes into the game, Jankulovski noticed that Genoa's goalkeeper Rubinho was talking to defender Santos and not paying attention, so he took a long-range shot, which gave Rubinho a fright, but unfortunately the ball grazed the post and went wide.
Genoa quickly retaliated; in the 5th minute, midfielder Miranetto took a shot from outside the box, but it also failed to result in a goal.
In the 7th minute, Kaká attacked with the ball, and Fino ran into space to receive the pass. However, Kaká chose to take a long shot from 25 meters away from the goal, but it missed the target.
In the 13th minute, a similar scenario unfolded. Kaká ignored Fino, who had dropped back to receive the pass, and opted to take a long-range shot himself, which was saved by Genoa's goalkeeper Rubinho.
Fino seemed lost in thought.
Last season, Gilardino's teammates at Parma, Morfio and his agent Bonetto, both spoke out in his defense, saying that Kaká was selfish, only liked to attack on his own, and refused to pass the ball to Gilardino.
Kaka felt extremely wronged, believing that the timing of the pass was poor and that he should have taken the shot himself.
Fino believed that Kaká was not a selfish person, and that he had no personal grudges against Gilardino, so where did the problem lie?
Some people say that Kaka's vision is poor, which is why he often can't see Gilardino running into open space.
But Fino doesn't think so. Kaka's overall strength is very balanced. Even if his vision is not as outstanding as Rui Costa's, it is not much inferior. When he plays with Inzaghi, he often passes the ball to Inzaghi.
Fino felt that the problem might lie precisely in Kaka's ability to carry the team too much.
Kaka has a strong ability to dribble forward and can tear apart the opponent's defense in an instant, connecting the midfield and the front line. This is why he was able to keep Rui Costa on the bench.
However, it is also because of his outstanding individual combat ability, which is so outstanding that he single-handedly led the team to a Champions League trophy last season. Therefore, unless he finds that passing the ball to someone else has a significant advantage, he trusts himself more.
This requires the striker partner to have better positioning, better teamwork, and a higher level of mutual trust.
Because of their conflicting playing styles, Kaká and Gilardino rarely played well together, which led to Kaká's low level of trust in Gilardino.
So in many situations, even if Gilardino runs into open space, if Kaká thinks that passing to Gilardino won't yield good results, he would still prefer to do the work in the attacking third himself.
Fino sighed; his situation was exactly the same as Gilardino's. He had too few opportunities to play, and although he had a good relationship with Kaká privately, Kaká didn't have much trust in him on the field.
Ancelotti's decision to start him at the beginning of the season is a very clear signal that he must seize the opportunity and show that he is a better fit for Milan's tactical system than Gilardino in order to secure a starting position before Pato arrives.
A good understanding and trust are built up over a long period of time; there's no need to rush it. The most important thing right now is to develop a synergy with Kaka, rather than being as invisible as air.
Fino suddenly thought of his first Serie A match. When he, Pirlo, Kaladze, and Kaká completed a brilliant combination, Pirlo told him, "Don't be a mute. Learn to wave and shout."
Fino had an idea.
In the 20th minute, Oddo was brought down by Juric while breaking through on the right wing, giving Milan an indirect free kick. Pirlo took the free kick and crossed the ball, which Ambrosini headed into the net, giving Milan a 1-0 lead.
In the 40th minute, Nesta intercepted Konko's breakthrough, and Milan launched another counter-attack.
Through continuous passing between Gattuso, Pirlo, and Seedorf, the ball gradually advanced into Genoa's half. Then, Seedorf crossed the ball into the penalty area from the right flank, where Kaká received the ball but was intercepted by Bega.
Kaka used a quick shift in his weight from his shoulder to his hip to trick Bega into shifting his weight before making a reverse breakthrough, only to be double-teamed by Santos and another defender.
Just as Kaka was about to take a shot, he heard a "Rich" – it was Fino.
Fino was positioned to Kaká's left, roughly parallel to him, not offside, but also without a good shooting opportunity.
Kaka hesitated.
At this moment, Fino shouted "Rich" again and quickly drew a V in front of him with his hand.
Kaka understood immediately. He quickly passed the ball to Fino and retreated out of the penalty area.
After receiving the ball, Fino took a few steps forward, made a shooting motion, and after attracting two defenders to block him, he passed the ball to Kaká on the right back. At this point, Kaká had an unobstructed path in front of him.
Kaka received the ball and shot directly at the goal. Goalkeeper Rubinho made a desperate save, but before he could get up from the ground, he was horrified to find the ball flying over him again and into the net.
It was Fino's follow-up shot.
Fino breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the ball go in.
Kaka's powerful shot from the center was heavy and difficult to catch. Fino judged that even if Rubinho could get to the ball, he would have a hard time holding onto it and would most likely choose to push the ball away.
At this moment, Kaká was still in the middle, while Oddo was already in position on the right, grappling with Bergara. Fino quickly broke free of Genoa's defenders and moved to the left front, waiting for a chance to follow up with a shot.
Rubinho, as expected, failed to hold onto the ball and instead lunged to his right, allowing Fino to score on the rebound.
Before Fino could figure out how to celebrate, Kaka tackled him hard to the ground.
Then her body felt heavier and heavier, and Fino felt as if all the big men in the world were pressing down on her.
At this point, Fino had completely forgotten what celebration was; all he wanted was to escape this mountain of men as quickly as possible.
In the following matches, Fino was very active. He knew that he absolutely could not be reserved at this time, but had to strike while the iron was hot and gradually increase Kaka's and the others' trust.
So he frequently shouted and directed, and together with Kaká, Seedorf, and even Pirlo, they created wave after wave of brilliant combinations, constantly launching attacks on Genoa's goal.
The Genoa players were forced to cower around the goal, seemingly wanting to block the goal completely, showing no intention of counterattacking.
Although they haven't scored yet, their brilliant teamwork has sparked heated discussions on fan forums.
Look at our Milan! We have the technique, the teamwork, the star players, and the legacy...
[Wasn't this kid supposed to be introverted? He seems very confident, constantly giving instructions.]
What surprised me even more was that Kaka and the others actually listened to him. Was he that doting?
[But he commanded very well! He wasn't just gesturing wildly; his offensive strategy was very clear, and those plays were absolutely brilliant!]
[Based on this one game alone, I feel like selling it for 6 million wouldn't be a problem, right?]
[Is this even human language? The new season has just started and you're already thinking about selling future stars? Wouldn't it be better to wait for Pato to come and form a formidable attacking duo with him?]
[If you're going to team up, don't team up with Pato. Wouldn't it be better to team up with Inzaghi as the strike duo?]
[Look closely! Who tackled Fino when he scored? It was Kaká!]
[You guys are so obsessed with shipping, can't you just focus on the game? They're about to score, Genoa can't hold on much longer.]
...
Genoa is indeed losing ground.
In the 63rd minute, it was once again Pirlo, Kaká, Seedorf, and Fino who combined to pass the ball into the penalty area.
Seedorf had the ball at that moment, and Bega aggressively pressed forward, while Rubinho cautiously prepared to make a save in front of the goal.
Seedorf faked a shot and then passed the ball to Rubinho, who lunged forward, but the ball was then passed across to Fino on the other side.
Rubinho had lost his balance, and Fino was now facing an open goal.
Before Fino could even shoot the ball, he was shoved hard by Santos.
Santos has really had enough of Fino.
This kid is so annoying! He's like someone with ADHD, running around in the restricted area and constantly directing other kids' movements. It's driving me crazy.
Santos stood to the side, hands on hips, looking furious and ready to receive his card, displaying extreme toughness.
Then he was surrounded by several burly men.
Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf...
Santos's anger vanished instantly. He was a little flustered at this moment. Before he could even clench his fists and try to argue, Nesta rushed over from the backfield, grabbed his jersey, and slammed him down next to Fino.
At that moment, Kaka was helping Fino up. He didn't even notice when Santos fell to the ground. In the process of getting up, he accidentally bumped his elbow into Santos's ribs, making it look like Santos had accidentally bumped into Kaka's elbow when he fell.
Santos let out a howl and rolled on the ground.
At this point, the Genoa players also surrounded them and started shoving Nesta and his teammates.
Fino had great confidence in Nesta and his team's fighting ability. With nothing else to do, he squatted down to watch Santos' performance, even resting his chin on his hands.
Santos rolled over and couldn't move anymore.
At first, he did feel a lot of pain, but later it became somewhat of an act.
Now the child he pushed down is watching him like he's watching a circus act, so he has no right to continue rolling around.
He sat up, looking a little guilty but putting on a self-righteous air.
"It really hurts!"
Fino only saw Nesta push Santos down, and didn't see Kaká's elbow strike at all. He didn't believe a word Santos said.
So he continued to watch, resting his chin on his hand, smiling and nodding frequently, signaling Santos to continue his performance.
Santos felt a heart attack.
The conflict on the field was also a major viewership topic, and the camera switched to it early on.
"There's been some friction between the players. Santos pushed Cabrini, who was about to shoot, and Nesta then pushed Santos down as well. It's a bit chaotic now, with players from both sides pushing and shoving each other."
"Wait a minute, the camera focuses on the two main characters at the beginning of the incident. What are they doing? Wow~ Even though he was the one who was violated, Cabrini is very calm. He even squats down to check if Santos, the instigator, is injured."
[Is Cabrini just a pushover? He missed such a good shooting opportunity and got pushed down, yet he wasn't angry at all. That kind of personality won't get you in a top club.]
[A pushover personality? I don't think so. Santos seems furious.]
[Hahaha, is this commentator genuinely blind or just pretending? Cabrini's expression doesn't look like he cares.]
[Cabrini: Please continue your performance (smiling emoji).]
Was Kaka's elbow strike unintentional or deliberate?
[It was definitely unintentional. Look at Kaka's face, so innocent and harmless. How could it be intentional?]
[Can you guys stop being so blindly obsessed with looks? He had that same face when he choked Giggs in the Champions League last season.]
...
At this point, the referee finally parted the crowd and came to the scene of the incident. This was Genoa's first match as newly promoted teams, and they were already behind at home. In order to ensure the match could proceed peacefully, he blew the home whistle.
Since Fino was not injured and Santos was also knocked to the ground, he did not show a red card. Instead, he gave Santos and Gattuso a yellow card each, awarded Milan a penalty, and pushed away all the chicken hands that tried to change his decision, preventing the players from wasting any more time.
Gattuso: ? ? ?
Milan's first-choice penalty taker is Kaká.
Kaka hesitated a bit after receiving the ball. This penalty was awarded to Fino, and Milan was already leading 2-0. Giving up a penalty wouldn't be out of the question.
Kaka gave Fino a questioning look, and Fino waved his hand.
He has already achieved what he wanted in this match. He has shown everyone how well he fits with Milan's tactics, as well as with Kaká and Seedorf. Goal statistics are not that important yet, especially since he already has one goal.
Kaka scored with a single shot, giving Milan a 3-0 lead and securing the victory.
Genoa's coach quickly substituted Santos, who had first been broken through the defense, then fouled, then made a fool of himself, and finally received a yellow card.
Ancelotti was also worried that Genoa would become desperate if they continued to attack, so he signaled to his players to switch from offense to defense.
He substituted Jankulovski, Gattuso, and Ambrosini in succession, and together with the already demoralized Genoa, slowly wore down the remaining time of the game.
Milan held on to their 3-0 lead until the final whistle, securing their first victory of the new season.
After the match, Milan's team bus quickly drove away from Genoa, trying to avoid provoking the already furious Genoa fans.
The players' playful shouts only gradually grew louder after the team bus entered Milan's territory.
Ancelotti beckoned to Fino and called him over, wanting to ask him why Kaká and the others were willing to pass him the ball.
However, this kind of questioning is actually inappropriate and could easily provoke Gilardino. Some things cannot be said openly.
He first praised Fino's goal and positioning, then commended his good teamwork with the others, and finally asked jokingly, "Why are Ritchie and Clarence so cooperative with you? Did they treat you to a meal in advance?"
Fino didn't know how to answer.
Because this is an operant conditioning reflex!
By using Fino as a pivot, Milan created better attacking opportunities. Passing the ball to Fino was a skillful maneuver, while the better attacking opportunities were a reinforcement of that skillful maneuver.
Mice press the lever more often to get food; Kaka and his teammates pass the ball to Fino more often to create better offensive opportunities.
But this couldn't be said aloud; Fino didn't want Ancelotti to think he was treating his teammates like animals in a Skinner box.
So he started making polite remarks.
"Because we Milan are a united team, we cooperate like brothers, trust each other, and fight with all our might for victory!"
Ancelotti rubbed his temples and waved for Fino to go back; he didn't want to hear a single word of that nonsense.
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