Chapter 693 - 11: Italy Out of Character! Ma’el’s Mysterious Smile! Once Is Enough, Twice Is Too Much!

"Alright, dear viewers! The intense showdown between the France team and Italy has kicked off, with Italy taking the first half kick-off.

"Balotelli takes the center circle ball, he’s the hero who brought Italy into the quarter-finals.

"Pirlo’s long pass targets De Rossi! De Rossi gets a header on it, but it goes out of bounds... a goal kick for the France team!"

At the Gdansk Arena, Lori receives a ball from the ball boy, places it on the six-yard box line, and prepares for a short goal kick.

Just before kicking, he suddenly hesitates, with a hint of doubt appearing on his face, and his foot, about to pass, lands back on the ground.

He notices the Italy’s midfield and forward line haven’t retreated but set up a high-pressure formation, pressing on their half.

This is unexpected, everyone knows Italy’s strengths lie in their tight defensive chains and counterattacks.

So why are they deviating today, aiming to play a pressing style of football?

"Bang!"

Lori thinks for a moment, guessing it might be a feint, and cautiously passes the ball to Koscielny on the side.

"Press, press, press!"

"Go!"

Just as Italy was preparing to retreat, under Balotelli’s lead, they quickly charge forward, with two players even swiftly entering their penalty area.

It’s indeed high-pressure pressing!

"Bang!!" Koscielny doesn’t take risks in the penalty area, launching a long ball to the forward position where Giroud is standing.

Giroud fails to win the header, and Bonucci deflects it back to the Goalkeeper, returning possession to the Italy’s team.

Koscielny turns to exchange a look with Lori, then slightly shakes his head, signaling not to continue with play from the back, the opposition is not as they expected at all.

On the sidelines, Deschamps leans back, raises his head, placing his right hand under his chin, feeling a bit caught off guard.

He doesn’t give any new tactical instructions, it’s just the beginning of the game, and one can’t be chaotic at their own lines.

Moreover, he believes that France team players are top-level, with certain adaptability.

However, what’s Italy’s game plan...?

Deschamps glances back at Prandelli in the distance, this seemingly unexceptional coach, is he hiding something ’dirty’?

"Clap, clap, clap.....!"

At the forward position, Ma’el sees Giroud’s first header defeat and seems a bit frustrated, waving his hand to get his attention.

When Giroud turns around, Ma’el smiles encouragingly: "Giroud, put more on them! Today we rely on you, you must keep it up!"

Giroud smiles shyly, waves at Ma’el before turning away, saying: "I’ve been anticipating my first Euro Cup goal for a long time, hoping to make it happen with your pass today."

Ma’el gestures a casual response, then turns and runs toward their half, to prevent Italy’s direct long-ball attack.

"Bang!" As expected, Buffon directly launches a long pass from the goal line, targeting Balotelli.

Ma’el sprints back with a chase, and during this process, collides with his marker, Abate. They exchange a glance and say nothing.

Balotelli successfully overpowers Koscielny to win the header, directing the ball to Marchisio on the other side, who brings it down the flank while Klich is caught off guard.

"Bang!"

As he executes the cross, four Italy players have already entered the box for key plays, with one on the outside for support, causing the France team’s defense a bit of confusion, making the goal area tense and chaotic.

"Slap!" Luckily, Lori is focused, diving out at the near post and catching the ball in his arms.

"Italy is playing very proactively today. Initially, seeing their 4-1-3-2 formation, I thought it was a variant of 4-3-1-2, where De Rossi and Marchisio would play more withdrawn positions.

"But both didn’t, they remained in left and right midfield positions, putting great pressure on the France team.

"I think from this opening phase, we can see their intention, which is to take advantage of confusion! Strike when you’re vulnerable!

"Make use of the France team’s turbulent phase, using unexpected methods to pressure you! Make it tough for you, cause you to fall into chaos, ultimately achieving victory with surprises!

"Prandelli’s tactical setup is successful, some positions of the France team are already showing cracks!"

"....."

In the stands, in the VIP area, Wenger appears with some French top officials and dignitaries. He’s old friends with them and often receives invitations to watch games together at major tournaments.

Apart from that, some Arsenal players also sit in front of them, watching the journey of their three teammates in the Euro Cup.

The atmosphere here is a bit tense, as they’ve noticed Italy’s opening setup is making the France team uncomfortable, leaving them at a disadvantage.

Many are already sweating in their palms, if Italy takes advantage of the chaos to sneak in a goal or two, it would be troublesome.

Scoring in the Euro Cup itself is tough, and with Italy’s prowess in defending and counterattacking... if they score first, even if you adjust later, it might be too late, dragging you into a quagmire of powerlessness.

"Wenger."

Current President Hollande, seated at the center, sensing the tension, smiles and points to a young man to shift the topic, "This is my newly promoted Deputy Secretary-General, overseeing the economy, quite a remarkable person, right?"

Wenger looks towards the direction he’s pointing, where a young man seriously watching the game sits. He nods and lightly smiles, saying: "I know him, the Nestlé acquisition case leader, very talented and famed."