"Boss, actually there’s another remarkable figure in the youth team, his name is Di Marco, he plays on the wing, do you want me to promote him and give it a try? Now it’s the sprint stage, battling both the UEFA Europa League and the league; I think adding a young force won’t harm us."
So, upon Chiwo’s suggestion, local Italian fullback Di Marco reported to the first team from the youth team the very next day.
Like Bonazzoli, Di Marco is also a young player born in 1997, not yet 18, and he is also the main fullback of the Italy U-21 National Team.
Like many Italian fullbacks, Di Marco’s fundamentals are solid, receiving, dribbling, passing, crossing, rarely making mistakes.
Especially his one curved ball cross from the wing, both speed and precision are top-notch, it’s his trump card!
However, Di Marco is not perfect.
His biggest disadvantage is his physique.
He is 1.74 meters tall, below the Serie A players’ average of 181, only slightly taller than Japanese fullback Yuto Nagatomo.
Because he’s still young, his muscles haven’t fully developed yet, standing next to Yuto Nagatomo; he appears noticeably smaller.
Mancini has positioned Di Marco as Yuto Nagatomo’s backup.
Now the Inter Milan first team has three young players promoted from the youth team: Tang Long, Bonazzoli, and Di Marco.
These three former youth teammates have gathered in the first team, unquestionably making Tang Long the big brother among them.
The three of them are inseparable during training and have a great relationship.
Di Marco deeply admires Tang Long; in his eyes, Tang Long from the East is simply an incredible existence.
I remember when both Di Marco and Tang Long were in the youth team, Di Marco was the undisputed main left back.
And Tang Long? He was just a marginal figure who could be sent back at any time.
At that time, Di Marco somewhat looked down on Tang Long, thinking he was just a connection brought in by some Chinese sponsor; he believed Tang Long’s skills couldn’t find a foothold in the Inter Milan youth team.
However, in just half a year, Tang Long’s circumstances underwent a dramatic change!
He was not only promoted to the first team but also received a professional contract with the first team, firmly occupying the main attacking midfielder position, becoming the playmaker in Inter Milan’s offense.
Di Marco was envious beyond measure of Tang Long’s rapid rise.
Don’t be misled by Di Marco’s dominance in the Inter youth team and Italy U-21 National Team, looking so brilliant.
Upon reaching the Inter first team, he’s just a small fry anyone can step on~
Smart Di Marco knows he needs to find a strong ally!
Hence, on his first day reporting to the first team, Di Marco became Tang Long’s little follower, eager to please in every way.
"Shoes? No, no, no need for you to get them, I’ll pick them up from the team manager for you."
"Looking for a bath towel? Don’t bother, you can use this new one I’ve gotten."
"Tang, how do you spot gaps among the crowd? You’re clearly facing away. Can you tell me what you think in that instant of passing? I’m incredibly curious."
Even while eating in the cafeteria.
Di Marco would also proactively serve Tang Long food and insist on sitting right next to him.
As a result, a small trio formed within Inter Milan’s squad.
Looking at his little brother trying so hard to curry favor with him, Tang Long simply gave Di Marco a few pointers.
"Your strengths are dribbling, advancing, crossing, and footwork technique, but you need to avoid the weakness of your physique being too weak, and try to avoid 1-on-1 situations with forwards on defense."
"The intensity of the Serie A is far beyond what the youth team can compare to; you need to adapt quickly."
"Oh, and if you get the chance to play, when you’re advancing from the back, if you see me surrounded, don’t hesitate, keep advancing! As long as you push through, my pass will surely reach you."
In the cafeteria, Di Marco nodded like a chicken pecking at rice while eating his pasta.
"Alright, alright, I’ll do as you say; following your advice can’t go wrong. I must perform well and strive to get a first-team contract by the end of the season just like you."
"Still hungry? Want some more steak? Sit down, sit down, I’ll fetch it for you!"
Thursday ended after a day of training.
Tang Long returned to his dormitory.
He sat at his desk, about to enter the Green Grass Wisdom Engine’s AI Cloud Training Ground for more practice.
But suddenly, a buzzing sound came from overhead —
Looking up, he saw the "Divine Kick" folding fan gifted by Chess Saint Old Nie hanging on the wall, emanating golden light.
Tang Long smiled knowingly.
He remembered the football gifted to him by Maradona.
"Golden finger, let’s go!"
Tang Long leaned back against the chair in a tactical recline.
(After playing football past 9 PM and rushing home, I started writing a Chapter before having dinner; the author will eat some boiled fish takeout first, then another Chapter will be written at midnight.)