Mancini, based on intuition, believed that Di Francesco would not field the main lineup for this game.
But what surprised Mancini was that Di Francesco not only deployed all the main players but also scored first!
The Inter players were caught off guard by the goal.
Weren’t they supposed to come and easily grab three points away?
Why did the opponent suddenly explode?
And looking at them charging forward with full intensity, it seemed like a pre-designed tactic.
If that’s the case, then it’s a bit terrifying.
Sassuolo prepared thoroughly, the first 10 minutes of withdrawal were completely to lull themselves.
Luckily, among the Inter lineup, there are two players who remained calm.
Those players are Tang Long and captain Ranocchia.
In the previous defense, only these two not only held their positions but also formed a certain block against the opponent’s attack.
During the break between plays, Ranocchia called Tang Long over.
"The situation is a bit unexpected, what are your thoughts?"
"First stabilize, steady through the first half then talk. The opponents aren’t as weak as we imagined, try to keep the ball at our feet. Even if they attack, they just powerfully surge forward."
After scoring this kickoff goal, Sassuolo’s players have shown their true colors. No longer are they hiding, for the huge bonus of 5 million euros, everyone is giving their utmost effort on the field.
Honestly speaking, Sassuolo does have a gap with Inter, but far from being 7 goals big.
These two 7:0 games have indeed left an indelible mark in Sassuolo players’ hearts.
Together with the lure of the bonus, the players are playing like wolves, eager to tear all Inter players apart.
On the football field, morale and fighting spirit can, to some extent, bridge the technical and ability gap between both sides.
Sassuolo players are sprinting across the field like hounds, one player is covering the defensive space of two.
Although Ranocchia strives to stabilize his defense line, and Tang Long is trying his utmost in the rear midfield to coordinate the connection between the backfield and midfield, and through a broad vision and timely breakthroughs, has made several good passes — the fluctuations in other players’ mental states cause the attack to fail.
Icardi, unable to get the ball upfront, appears very anxious.
He frequently commands young Kovacic to fall back to receive the ball and then pass it to him.
How could Kovacic have seen such circumstances?
He also seems bewildered, his positioning in disarray, running like a headless fly unable to find the right place.
The score remained 1:0 as both sides reached the halftime break.
In the locker room, Mancini encouraged each player, comforting them, saying:
"No worries, although Sassuolo is pressing hard, I simply don’t believe they can maintain such high pressing for the entire match?"
"Playing , given their players’ abilities, they will definitely face a stamina breakdown after 60 minutes. That will be our moment to harvest the game."
Following Mancini’s explanations, the Inter players temporarily calmed down.
However, Tang Long sensed something was amiss!
Given this stance, Sassuolo surely aims to win, at least to earn points.
Since they ran so much in the first half, could they possibly be unaware of the impending fatigue in the second half?
It’s an evident football knowledge, no need for a coach to guide, players understand how to reasonably distribute their stamina within 90 minutes.
Do Sassuolo’s players actually believe they can maintain this intensity till the end of the game, are they really so confident?
Berni handed Tang Long a white towel, subtly pulling him aside.
"Something isn’t right today, there’s definitely something fishy here!"
"Did you see Bellardini’s demeanor after scoring? It’s like he’s having a seizure. Be careful, who knows what surprises might occur in the second half."
Entering the second half, Tang Long continues his patient distribution in the active backward position, under his coordination, Inter’s attacks gradually gain momentum, the advancement across the three lines exhibits distinct layers and progression.
The wingbacks Santon and Dambrosio alternately push forward, particularly on Santon’s side, frequently reaching the opponent’s penalty area, successfully connecting with Kovacic.
Yet today, Sassuolo’s players seemed like they took magic pills~
Kovacic, no matter how he wriggles, how strongly he challenges, simply cannot get past Sassuolo’s players.
He repeatedly attempts to link up with Icardi, only to be thwarted by the opponent’s center-back, impossible to touch the ball, forcefully sliding it out of bounds.
At the 67th minute of the second half, Tang Long seizes the moment, delivering a highly penetrating through pass to Kovacic!
Kovacic immediately starts chasing the ball.
However, in this speed confrontation, Kovacic, originally having positional advantage, is firmly shielded off by Paulo Cannavaro, who guides the ball out of bounds.
"No way, what’s going on?"
Kovacic is filled with questions.
During the team’s technical analysis video meeting two days before the game, the head coach Chiwo clearly pointed out Cannavaro’s dual weaknesses of turning slow and running slow in front of everyone.
But in that speed confrontation, despite having the positional advantage, being younger, and faster.
How did Cannavaro catch up to me?
Kovacic is utterly perplexed.