"Kaká's tireless running created that counterattack opportunity for AC Milan."
"And Šuker's decision-making was crucial. Instead of rushing to turn around, he baited Chiellini into lunging, completely opening up the counterattack lane for Milan! Pirlo's through-ball was perfectly timed for Kaká's one-on-one chance!"
"This is classic Milan counterattacking — swift and deadly!"
Aldo Serena spoke with emotion.
With this goal, Milan had taken the lead again.
Now all they had to do was withstand Juventus's attacks for the remainder of the match.
Both teams made substitutions.
Milan used their remaining two to reinforce defense.
Juventus doubled down on offense.
After all, they couldn't afford to lose their first match after returning to Serie A's top flight.
And so the bombardment resumed.
Milan had a few counterattacks, but couldn't extend the lead.
Meanwhile, Juventus kept pressing, with Del Piero frequently winning fouls through his dribbling.
Minute 89 — Del Piero single-handedly challenged Milan's back line.
Nesta, while defending, made contact right on the edge of the penalty area. Del Piero smartly fell into the box, and Juventus won a penalty.
Del Piero stepped up and coolly placed the ball into the bottom-right corner — equalizing the score.
That goal essentially closed out the match.
In stoppage time, Juventus pushed even harder.
Even Šuker dropped back to help on defense.
Eventually, Milan held the line.
Final score: Juventus 3 - 3 AC Milan.Both teams walked away with one point.
"Full time! Juventus, in their return to Serie A, showed strong attacking intent. With Trezeguet and Del Piero leading the charge, they clawed back a draw."
"Milan's performance was full of contrasts — brilliant up front, but shaky at the back!"
"Ancelotti may need to rebuild the defense — assuming they have the funds to do so!"
Ancelotti let out a sigh.
Truthfully, a draw was already a decent outcome.
Before the match, he had privately prepared for a possible defeat.
Had Juventus converted one of those two first-half shots that hit the post, Milan might've collapsed entirely.
This match exposed many issues for AC Milan.
First: Lack of cohesion in attack.
Despite wanting to evolve the team's playstyle, they were still in the adaptation phase.
Two of Milan's three goals came from Šuker's solo brilliance. The third came from Kaká's relentless pressing.
None of them were products of collective play.
Not what Ancelotti wanted to see.
Second: Defensive fragility.
Ancelotti had promoted Šimunić this season — to improve aerial duels and develop a new starter.
But Šimunić's weaknesses were exposed — Juventus clearly targeted him.
His slow turning speed became a fatal flaw.
To be fair, a nearly 2-meter-tall defender can't be agile too. But last season, Šimunić mostly played as a substitute, protected by Gattuso. This year, Gattuso himself is declining.
With a lone defensive midfielder no longer effective, Šimunić was exposed.
That's a serious issue. Follow current novels on novel·fıre·net
"Let's not dwell on this match for now. We'll debrief when we get back to the training ground," Ancelotti instructed.
That night, Milan returned to Milanello by team bus.
As soon as they arrived, Ancelotti began the match review.
He highlighted key problems and suggested improvements.
His conclusion: Šimunić would remain a starter — but they needed to reinforce midfield protection.
No one knew what Ancelotti's exact plans were, but the bench players were eager. A tactical hole meant chances to break into the lineup.
Later that evening, Kaká drove home with Šuker.
"After that match, I've started to get a feel for balancing attack and defense."
"I've agreed to start asking the captain for tips on positioning and defending tomorrow."
Kaká was clearly working hard on his transformation.
Šuker nodded: "Keep at it."
"During the game, I suddenly had a thought — a way to improve our attacking transitions."
"Oh?" Šuker raised a brow. "What was it?"
"I forgot…" Kaká sighed.
"You forgot?" Šuker poked him in the forehead. "Why not forget your head while you're at it?"
"There were so many ideas flying around," Kaká protested. "I had this flash of inspiration, it felt important — but after the match ended, it vanished."
"So… can you remember it?" Šuker asked.
"I'll try," Kaká replied. "Maybe after another match or two, I'll feel it again."
Šuker rolled his eyes.
This guy was totally unreliable.
"The Euro qualifiers are coming soon. Aren't you heading back?" Kaká asked.
Croatia had matches on September 8 and September 12.
"Not going back," said Šuker.
"Not going?" Kaká was surprised. "Why?"
"We're playing Estonia and Andorra — the two lowest-ranked teams. Except for a few core players, Luka and I don't need to go."
Kaká nodded in understanding.
National team games are important, but they also wear down players.
In low-stakes matches, key players are often given rest — especially when qualification is going well.
This time, Croatia had enough depth to win even with a full reserve squad.
"If you're not going, you've got a whole week off," Kaká smiled.
"Week off? More like a week of work," Šuker sighed.
"Work? Didn't you already finish your endorsement shoots?"
"Not that kind of work," Šuker replied. "I'm training the mutt."
"Mutt?" Kaká blinked, then laughed. "You mean Pato?"
Šuker turned his head. "So you also think he's a mutt?"
"I didn't say that!" Kaká coughed.
"Hypocrite," Šuker muttered.
Kaká was used to Šuker's sarcasm by now.
"Still, you treat him really well," Kaká said. "Do you like him?"
"Who'd like a mutt?" Šuker scoffed.
Šuker turned and gave Kaká a deep look.
He sighed, placed a hand on Kaká's shoulder:
"Just give me more assists in the future. Everything I'm doing is for you."
At a local park, Šuker finished jogging and sat on a bench.
Suddenly — barking, and a frantic cry for help.
Pato sprinted toward him, panic in his voice.
Behind him, Luna (the dog) barked madly, chasing.
Pato dove behind him.
Luna stopped, still baring her teeth at Pato.
"Luna! Quiet!" Šuker tapped her on the head. ( Imma tone this shit down a bit)
Luna whimpered and went silent.
Then he turned to Pato:
"I just patted her head… she looked cute!" Pato said, aggrieved.
He'd been walking Luna for days, thought they'd bonded — but one pat on the head and she chased him through the park.
If he hadn't been fast, he'd be a goner.
"Just the head?" Šuker asked.
Pato hesitated. "Also… her butt."
"She's a girl, you know. You can't just grope a girl's butt."
Then he patted Luna's behind.
The silly dog barked happily, wagging her tail, circling in joy — even sticking her rear out for more pats.
Pato silently cursed.