April 27, Serie A Round 35.
Inter Milan vs AC Milan.
This was supposed to be the fiercest battle for the Serie A title, but the entire match was full of mistakes.
First, in a tussle between Maicon and Suker, Maicon failed to maintain his position, letting Suker take the ball and break into the penalty area to score.
Then, Ambrosini made a foolish foul inside the box, sliding on Ibrahimović, leading to a penalty kick for the opponent, which was successfully converted.
After that, Inter kept leaking high balls.
Suker relentlessly capitalized, scoring four goals — a haul!
AC Milan's defense was like wooden stakes, repeatedly broken through by Cambiasso, Ibrahimović, and Figo, who scored three goals.
In the last moments of injury time, Inter Milan took advantage of a corner; Ibrahimović headed the ball into the net to equalize.
The match ended 4-4, both sides settling for a draw.
Despite eight goals scored in 90 minutes,
no one thought this was an exciting game — instead, it felt like two weak teams pecking at each other.
Both sides' forwards were just scavenging for loose balls.
No team cooperation!
No brilliant combinations!
No coordinated efforts!
Only who made more mistakes and who performed more unstably.
Italian commentator Aldo Serena was shaking with anger, showing his venomous nature.
"What a 'pleasant' game. I even think both teams were throwing the match. I demand the disciplinary committee thoroughly investigate corruption in Italian football again!"
"My God! What a disgraceful game! I didn't know what the defenders were doing the entire match!"
"They were competing on who could make more basic mistakes!"
"Though AC Milan defeated Barcelona, this game seemed to have thoroughly destroyed that Milan dynasty. Their performance was simply disgraceful!"
"Yes! Barcelona lost, but they managed to take down two Italian giants!"
"Milan! It's over!"
Aldo Seirera shouted angrily.
His words might offend fans of both teams, but he felt so frustrated he had to say it.
This kind of game dirtied the viewers' eyes.
In defense-focused Italy, for two top Italian teams to put on such a poor attack and defense battle was unbearable.
That night, Aldo Seirera's harsh comments and the media coverage spread wildly.
The core problem boiled down to one sentence:
'Italian football is finished!'
"Finished a long time ago!"
Suker shook his head looking at the newspaper.
Since the Calciopoli scandal, AC Milan's brief period of strength barely maintained the illusion of Italian football's prosperity, but the internal crisis and the downward trend never changed.
Such a sudden cliff-like decline was normal.
After all, whether Milan or other clubs, their foundations were basically all spent.
Things could only get worse.
As for being crushed by Barcelona and two major Italian clubs disappearing, Suker didn't quite agree.
Even if not Barcelona, after a fierce confrontation, the decline was inevitable.
An unstoppable big trend.
"We played so awkwardly!"
Kaká also frowned.
In the previous match against Inter Milan, the entire defense was sleepwalking.
Nesta's reaction slowed, Gattuso couldn't run anymore, Simunic turned into a sieve again.
Moreover, after the match, Ancelotti unusually skipped the usual post-match review.
"What does the boss mean?"
Kaká asked.
Suker shrugged.
What else could it mean?
No hope to be seen — given up!
With Ancelotti's sharp vision, Suker didn't believe he couldn't see the current situation clearly.
Previously, Ancelotti could still use his skills and abilities to create subtle tactical plans for AC Milan.
But now, even Ancelotti was powerless.
A clever cook cannot cook without rice!
With no strong cards in hand, Ancelotti was helpless.
This was a vicious cycle.
Serie A's decline!
Berlusconi no longer invests!
AC Milan lacks fresh blood.
No matter how good Ancelotti was, he couldn't force this team to keep alive.
Moreover, Ancelotti was known as a captain of a large ship — small boats are easy to capsize.
Without enough resources and top players, Ancelotti couldn't show his talents.
Suker sighed.
After this season, he would have to come clean with the club.
No matter what happens next season, after it ends, Suker would definitely leave.
In the league, AC Milan and Inter drew, each taking one point, peace made.
But Roma faltered!
They were defeated at home by Fiorentina.
With Roma losing, Inter Milan took the lead in the standings.
AC Milan followed closely in second place.
Currently, Inter Milan leads AC Milan by 2 points.
AC Milan's situation was passive.
Only if Inter Milan lost could they top Serie A.
Next, it depended on whether Juventus could beat Inter Milan.
Besides that, Champions League matches were also approaching one after another.
Mourinho's Chelsea arrived in Milan on April 29.
They would face AC Milan away.
Mourinho was also under great pressure this year.
He had ideological conflicts with Chelsea's club, and his relationship with Russian tycoon Abramovich was very delicate.
Both disliked each other but had to tolerate the awkwardness for the Champions League.
This Champions League was a miracle.
If Chelsea won the championship, everything before might disappear and the two sides reconcile.
After all, who can fight a champion?
But if they failed again, things would get worse.
This Champions League semifinal was very important to Chelsea.
For this, even club chairman Abramovich personally came.
Berlusconi, as the host, personally entertained Abramovich.
April 30, San Siro Stadium.
Champions League semifinal, first leg about to begin.
In the top VIP box, Berlusconi and Abramovich sat together, chatting happily.
They had talked before.
Both were willing to invest in their clubs, and the deeper the investment, the stronger their relationship.
Berlusconi was a godfather figure for AC Milan.
Abramovich was even more important for Chelsea.
Though Chelsea was not yet a giant, this Chelsea would win the Champions League twice in the future.
That was the glory the Russian tycoon gave the club — from an unknown mid-table Premier League team to a European powerhouse. Abramovich's role was clear.
"It's a pity about Andrei. Although I asked for Nozer, that guy..." Abramovich shook his head slightly.
He felt very sorry that Shevchenko had become a substitute.
After all, this was a major signing he was involved in, and Shevchenko was almost like a compatriot.
"I sympathize with Andrei's situation, but this is professional football. Everyone must bear the consequences of their choices!" Berlusconi shook his head.
He treated every Milan player like a child — except Pato!
Seeing Shevchenko's current state made him very sad.
"Club management is a big problem too." Abramovich glanced at Berlusconi.
"Every investment is a gamble."
"Yes. Milan's current situation is largely my responsibility."
"No offense, but I heard Milan's finances are not good."
"That's known to everyone. For two consecutive seasons, we have invested little in the transfer market."
"You need to recover some capital."
"Yes. So many loaned-out players, we plan to sell in the transfer window!" Berlusconi smiled at Abramovich: "Are you interested?"
"Yes!" Abramovich answered decisively.
Berlusconi's eyes brightened: "Which player? Price is negotiable."
Abramovich: "Is Suker for sale?"
Berlusconi's smile stiffened. He slowly turned and pointed to the pitch.
"Let's watch the game!"
Abramovich looked at Berlusconi.
Though no answer was given, there was no rejection!
Berlusconi's attitude made Abramovich feel hopeful.
Since there was no direct refusal, Abramovich thought there was a chance.
Abramovich believed there were no unsellable players at AC Milan now.
Berlusconi needed money!
AC Milan needed money!
Suker was a huge potential return.
Even if not now, AC Milan would sell Suker in the future.
Besides, could they keep Suker?