Chapter Summaries

Lin Feng gave tickets to Xu Genbao so Shanghai East Asia’s young players could watch the Italian Super Cup in Shanghai, where Inter Milan and AS Roma faced off. The chapter ended with AS Roma threatening early and Xu Genbao urging his players to work toward playing at the highest level.

• Lin Feng gathered spare Super Cup tickets and invited Xu Genbao to bring students from the Chongming Island Football School; Xu Genbao told him Shanghai East Asia had won its seventh league match, beating Suzhou 5:2.
• Inter Milan’s bus arrived at Shanghai 80,000 People Stadium to a huge crowd of Chinese fans, many of whom had traveled far to support Lin Feng and the team.
• During warm-ups, Torres praised Lin Feng’s popularity, and Lin Feng told him he could one day earn the same adoration as a Spain hero.
• Han Qiaosheng and Zhang Lu discussed the teams before kickoff, with Han predicting Inter Milan would win despite praising AS Roma’s attack.
• In the third minute, Adriano laid the ball off for Mancini Jr., whose shot was blocked by Cesar, giving AS Roma the first major chance.
• Xu Genbao watched his young players study the match and encouraged them to train hard, attract European scouts, and pursue opportunities abroad.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Genbao encourages young Chinese players to study abroad for better football development.
• Inter Milan vs AS Roma in the Super Cup; AS Roma scores first through a counterattack.
• Inter Milan's attack is swift and smooth, with notable performances from Lin Feng, Torres, Vieira, Figo, and Crespo.
• Inter Milan's attack is disallowed due to Torres' offside position.
• AS Roma scores two goals in quick succession, taking a 2:0 lead in the 19th minute.

Character Developments

• Xu Genbao: Shows his dedication to Chinese football and willingness to let his players study abroad for growth.
• Lin Feng: Demonstrates his skills and leadership on the pitch, driving Inter Milan's attacks.
• Torres: Proves his potential as a top-class striker with his speed, instinct, and finishing technique.
• Mancini: Shows his tactical prowess by implementing layered, multidimensional attacks.
• Adebayor: Plays well for AS Roma, scoring a goal and causing trouble for Inter Milan.

Significant Themes

• The importance of international exposure and learning for Chinese football development.
• The contrast between European and Asian football leagues in terms of funding, talent, and competition.
• The impact of money in football and the unsustainable model of "Money Football."
• The struggle between Inter Milan and AS Roma, with AS Roma taking an early lead.

Character Interactions

• Xu Genbao and the young Chinese players: Xu Genbao encourages them to study abroad, showing his dedication to their growth.
• Inter Milan's players: They work together seamlessly, driving attacks and supporting each other on the pitch.
• Lin Feng and Torres: They combine well, with Lin Feng creating chances and Torres finishing them.
• Mancini and his team: Mancini implements new tactics, and his team executes them well, but they struggle after AS Roma's quick goals.
• AS Roma's players: They celebrate their goals together, gaining confidence and aiming for revenge against Inter Milan.
• Lin Feng and Adebayor: As friends turned opponents, they silently acknowledge each other's performances, with Lin Feng determined to focus and win.

Key Plot Points and Events

• AS Roma takes a 2-0 lead against Inter Milan in the first half.
• AS Roma's coach, Spalletti, instructs his team to continue attacking, despite their lead.
• In the 21st minute, AS Roma nearly scores a third goal, but Inter Milan's attacking midfielder, Lin Feng, makes a spectacular chase-back clearance to prevent it.
• In the 26th minute, AS Roma scores a goal that is disallowed due to offside.
• In the 34th minute, AS Roma scores a third goal, putting Inter Milan three goals behind.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Proves his worth as a player with a remarkable chase-back clearance, earning respect from AS Roma's captain, Totti.
• Roberto Mancini (Inter Milan's coach): Faces criticism from fans and Moratti for his tactical decisions. Moratti considers replacing him with José Mourinho.
• Adriano (AS Roma's striker): Scores twice against his former club, Inter Milan, fueling his desire for revenge.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Both AS Roma and Adriano seek revenge against Inter Milan.
• Desperation: Inter Milan faces a desperate situation, three goals behind against their rivals.
• Tactical Decisions: The impact of Spalletti's and Mancini's tactical choices on the match's outcome.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Totti: Lin Feng's chase-back clearance earns him Totti's respect.
• Mancini and Moratti: Mancini's tactical decisions lead to Moratti's disapproval and consideration of replacing him.
• Adriano and Inter Milan: Adriano's goals against his former club fuel Inter Milan's desperation and Moratti's regret.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Inter Milan trails AS Roma 3:0 at halftime.
+ Inter Milan scores three goals in the last ten minutes of the first half, reducing the deficit to 3:3.
+ Torres scores the equalizer in the 61st minute, making it 3:3.

Character Developments

+ Lin Feng demonstrates his passing, shooting, and dribbling abilities, helping Inter Milan mount a comeback.
+ Crespo scores his first goal for Inter Milan and shows confidence in his finishing ability.
+ Torres scores his first goal for Inter Milan, boosting his morale and commitment to the team.

Significant Themes

+ Resilience and never giving up, demonstrated by Inter Milan's comeback.
+ The importance of tactical awareness and adaptability, shown by Inter Milan's set-piece goal and quick restart after a foul.
+ The excitement and unpredictability of high-level football matches.

Character Interactions

+ Lin Feng and Crespo develop a passing understanding, with Crespo promising to capitalize on any opportunities Lin Feng creates.
+ Lin Feng and Figo work together to create set-piece goals, with Figo taking the free kick and Lin Feng acting as a decoy.
+ Torres celebrates his goal with a knee slide, expressing his excitement and relief at finally scoring for Inter Milan.

Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores four consecutive goals in the second half to come back from a 3-0 deficit and win 5-3 against AS Roma.
• Lin Feng plays as a winger for the first time, contributing significantly to the comeback.
• AS Roma's captain, Totti, and striker, Adebayor, get injured during the match.
• Inter Milan wins the Super Cup, their first trophy of the new season.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng proves his versatility by playing as a winger and contributing to the team's victory.
• Adebayor maintains his form and performs well despite his conflict with Mancini.
• AS Roma players struggle with the weight of their lead and the opponent's comeback.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and fighting spirit in the face of adversity.
• The importance of teamwork and adaptability.
• The impact of injuries on a team's performance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Figo combine well on the right flank, creating scoring opportunities.
• Crespo and Torres form a good partnership, with Crespo setting up both of Torres's goals.
• Adebayor and Mancini's conflict is hinted at, with Adebayor determined to prove himself.
• The Inter Milan players celebrate their victory together, highlighting their team spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Juventus, relegated and stripped of titles, participates in the Tim Cup for the first time, seeking to prove their worth.
• Inter Milan faces AC Milan and Juventus in the Tim Cup, with a tight schedule favoring AC Milan.
• Inter Milan's substitutes beat AC Milan 1-2 in the first match, while AC Milan beats Juventus 3-1 in the final match, winning the Tim Cup.
• Inter Milan beats Juventus 2-1 in the second match, finishing runners-up.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows exceptional skills and leadership, leading Inter Milan to victories and proving his worth as a star player.
• Seedorf: Dominates the midfield, demonstrating his importance to AC Milan and why he has remained there for nearly a decade.
• Kaka: Struggles in the first match against Inter Milan's reserves, feeling frustrated at not facing Lin Feng.
• Buffon: Frustrated at his inability to stop Inter Milan's fluid passing and scoring, highlighting Juventus's decline.

Significant Themes

• Reversal of Fortunes: The decline of Juventus and their replacement by Inter Milan as the dominant Serie A team.
• Adaptation to Change: Juventus struggles to accept their new role, while Inter Milan embraces their new status.
• Teamwork and Strategy: Inter Milan's successful use of teamwork and strategy, particularly in their match against Juventus.

Character Interactions

• Inter Milan vs AC Milan: The city rivals face off, with Inter Milan's substitutes beating AC Milan's starters, highlighting the depth of Inter Milan's squad.
• Inter Milan vs Juventus: The two teams' rivalry is evident, with Inter Milan coming from behind to beat Juventus, emphasizing their new status as the dominant team.
• Lin Feng vs Kaka: Although they don't face each other directly in this chapter, Kaka's frustration at not playing against Lin Feng highlights their growing rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Tim Cup ends, and attention shifts to the upcoming Serie A season.
• Inter Milan, AS Roma, and AC Milan will represent Serie A in the Champions League.
• Inter Milan invites Chinese players for trials, including Wang Dalei, Zhang Wenzhao, Deng Zhuoxiang, Wang Yongpo, and others.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng is now a respected figure at Inter Milan, inspiring the Chinese trialists.
• Zhang Linpeng, a successful example of a Chinese player making it in Europe, joins the trials.

Significant Themes

• The decline of Serie A and the rise of other European leagues.
• The potential of Chinese football and the need for international exposure and training.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng greets and encourages the Chinese trialists, boosting their morale.
• Zhang Linpeng shares his experience and inspires the trialists.
• Inter Milan stars, such as Figo, Zanetti, and Crespo, interact with the trialists due to Lin Feng's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's trialists, including Wang Dalei, Deng Zhuoxiang, Zhang Wenzhao, and Wang Yongpo, undergo rigorous assessments and matches.
• Wang Dalei impresses with his goalkeeping skills, but needs to improve his fundamentals.
• Other trialists struggle to meet Inter Milan's standards, with Deng Zhuoxiang and Zhang Wenzhao advised to improve their physical confrontation skills.
• Wang Yongpo's talent is recognized, but his attitude and lack of defensive contributions are criticized.
• Inter Milan wins their opening Serie A match against Fiorentina 3-0, with Lin Feng scoring a long-range goal.
• AS Roma also wins 3-0, with their coach expressing ambition to challenge for the title.

Character Developments

• Wang Dalei gains confidence and hopes to become the first Chinese goalkeeper to play abroad.
• Deng Zhuoxiang and Zhang Wenzhao remain optimistic about their future prospects.
• Wang Yongpo's potential is acknowledged, but his attitude and playing style are criticized.
• Lin Feng shows leadership and generosity by teaching Deng Zhuoxiang his free-kick technique.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of Chinese players to meet European football standards, particularly in physical confrontation and attitude.
• The evolution of Inter Milan's playing style under Mancini, shifting from flamboyant to pragmatic football.
• The growing concern and pessimism among Italian Football fans and media regarding Inter Milan's dominance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng interacts positively with the trialists, treating them to a meal and offering advice and support.
• Deng Zhuoxiang seeks Lin Feng's help to learn his free-kick technique.
• Mancini's authority within Inter Milan grows, leading to a more concentrated power structure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's new tactics, introduced by Mancini, are analyzed by Luigi Garlando, a sports columnist.
• Inter Milan is drawn into a challenging Champions League group with Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon.
• Werder Bremen, featuring Chen Tao, faces a tough group with Barcelona and Chelsea.
• Inter Milan's match against Sporting Lisbon is intense, ending 0-0. Vieira's red card puts Inter Milan at risk of losing.

Character Developments

• Mancini transforms from a nervous coach to a calm, renowned one.
• Vieira's age and stamina become apparent as he gets sent off.
• Chen Tao struggles against strong opposition in the Champions League.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of high expectations and the consequences of underperforming.
• The challenges and unpredictability of the Champions League.
• The importance of tactical adaptability and team balance.

Character Interactions

• Mancini's growing confidence and calmness are noticed by the media and fans.
• Vieira's experience and leadership are tested, leading to a costly mistake.
• Chen Tao's teammates encourage him, but he struggles against top-tier opposition.

Inter Milan came from behind to draw 1:1 with Sporting Lisbon despite playing with ten men, but injuries and Vieira’s red card left them facing Bayern Munich in a weakened state. After Inter also surrendered a late lead against Sampdoria and fell to fifth in Serie A, criticism mounted over Mancini, the team, and Lin Feng.

• Sporting Lisbon scored in the 64th minute while Figo was preparing to replace Crespo, putting Inter Milan behind 1:0.
• Lin Feng urged Figo to keep fighting, and Inter Milan pressed forward after Figo entered the match.
• Stanković found Lin Feng in the 69th minute, and Lin Feng’s pass let Torres equalize with a close-range finish.
• Sporting Lisbon pressed hard in the remaining minutes, but neither side scored again and the match ended 1:1.
• Inter Milan returned to league play and conceded a stoppage-time equalizer against Sampdoria, dropping from first to fifth as criticism of the team and Lin Feng grew.
• Moratti demanded that Mancini win the next match against Bayern Munich, while Kaka argued that Inter Milan’s tactical changes had restricted Lin Feng.

Ahead of the Inter Milan–AS Roma showdown, Spalletti planned to exploit Lin Feng’s reduced effectiveness by luring Inter Milan forward and counterattacking, while Mancini suspected a trap and chose a cautious lineup. AS Roma retreated after kickoff, leaving Mancini convinced that something was wrong.

• Spalletti analyzed Inter Milan’s tactics and decided to compress Lin Feng’s space by drawing Inter Milan forward, then attack on the counter with Mancini Jr. and Adebayor.
• Mancini worried about AS Roma’s counterattacking threat and the consequences of another defeat, so he planned to pursue a cautious 1–0 win.
• AC Milan beat Ascoli 1–0 through Kaka’s solo run, earned their third straight win, and climbed to one league point.
• Mancini changed Inter Milan to a 4-4-2, restored Figo to the starting lineup, and kept three holding midfielders for greater control.
• Spalletti watched Inter Milan take control, then pulled AS Roma back into a defensive formation after only token resistance.
• Mancini saw AS Roma retreat despite their strong attacking form and suspected that Spalletti was setting a trap.

Inter Milan took control against AS Roma as Lin Feng assisted Torres for two goals and led a dangerous late first-half counterattack. With Roma trailing 2–0 and Lin Feng charging into the penalty area, the chapter ended before his attack was completed.

• Spalletti pushed Roma forward, but Lin Feng beat his marker and slipped a pass to Torres, who scored the opener.
• Roma increased their attacking pressure, but Cesar saved Totti’s shot, and Mancini Jr. left injured, weakening Roma’s attack.
• Lin Feng launched a long pass to Torres, who held off defenders and scored his second goal.
• Inter Milan dominated the match, and Doni saved attempts from Lin Feng, Figo, and Crespo as Roma struggled to respond.
• After Samuel blocked Montella’s corner follow-up, Lin Feng and Figo combined on a counterattack, and Lin Feng dribbled past Roma’s defenders into the penalty area.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores three goals in the first half, putting AS Roma in a desperate situation.
• AS Roma's coach Spalletti makes drastic changes in the second half, including a controversial substitution of Adriano for Vucinic.
• AS Roma scores a goal in the 62nd minute, reducing the deficit to 1-3.
• Inter Milan struggles to cope with AS Roma's strikerless formation and efficient use of space.
• AS Roma creates several scoring chances but fails to capitalize, while Inter Milan's attacks become less frequent.

Character Developments

• Spalletti: Desperate and willing to gamble, he brings back the strikerless formation and makes bold substitutions.
• Mancini: Struggles to find a solution against AS Roma's tactics, makes defensive substitutions to stabilize his team.
• Totti: Scores AS Roma's goal and demonstrates leadership by urging his teammates to quickly restart the match.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and Gamble: Both coaches are desperate to win, leading to risky decisions and tactical changes.
• Adaptability: Teams struggle to adapt to each other's tactics, with Inter Milan initially dominating but later faltering.
• Momentum and Pressure: AS Roma gains momentum after scoring, putting Inter Milan on the back foot.

Character Interactions

• Spalletti vs Mancini: Both coaches engage in a tactical battle, with Spalletti's desperation fueling his decisions and Mancini struggling to find answers.
• Totti and AS Roma Players: Totti leads his team, urging them to quickly restart the match and maintain their attacking pressure.
• Lin Feng and Inter Milan Players: Lin Feng's calm and intelligent play helps Inter Milan maintain possession and launch counterattacks, while his teammates look to him for support.

Inter Milan thrashed AS Roma and then beat Chievo with a heavily rotated side, leaving the team atop Serie A as Mancini focused on the looming Champions League match against Bayern Munich. The chapter ended with both coaches trading pre-match taunts while Inter and Bayern faced significant absences ahead of their clash at the Meazza.

• Lin Feng passed to Vieira, who sent Torres through to score his third goal and make Inter Milan's win over AS Roma 4–1.
• Mancini warned Inter's players to refocus on Bayern Munich, then rested most of his starters against Chievo.
• Crespo scored twice in his 300th Serie A appearance and Cruz also scored twice as Inter beat Chievo 4–3.
• Inter finished the fourth round at the top of Serie A with 10 points, while AS Roma sat one point behind and AC Milan rose to fifth from bottom.
• Magath said Bayern had come to Milan to win, and Mancini answered by citing Italy's record against German teams and Bayern's past defeats in Italy.
• Inter prepared to host Bayern Munich with Materazzi injured and Vieira suspended, while Bayern were without Hargreaves and Dæschler.

Inter Milan and Bayern Munich traded dangerous attacks in a tense Champions League match, with Lin Feng repeatedly testing Kahn but failing to score. The chapter ended with the match still goalless and Bayern supporters admiring Lin Feng’s talent and wondering whether their club could sign him.

• Inter Milan fans celebrated Zanetti’s 500th official match with a massive tifo, while Mancini adjusted the lineup for Vieira’s suspension and Materazzi’s injury.
• Bayern Munich began aggressively, but Lin Feng cleared Makaay’s chance from a corner and the Inter defense weathered the opening pressure.
• Lin Feng sent Torres through on goal, but Kahn saved his shot after Lúcio disrupted the attack; Kahn then tipped Lin Feng’s set-piece shot over the bar.
• Lahm led Bayern’s attacks, while Torres had another effort saved by Kahn and Lin Feng struck the crossbar with a powerful free-kick routine.
• Bayern supporters praised Lin Feng’s performance and discussed signing the eighteen-year-old, while Inter Milan had already rejected Barcelona’s inquiry about him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's best chance in the first half was disallowed due to a questionable offside call.
• Bayern Munich began to attack, with Pizarro's header saved and Makaay's overhead kick sparking a counterattack.
• Lin Feng received a pass from Zanetti, evaded Schweinsteiger's challenge, and set up Figo for a penalty, which Lin Feng converted against Kahn.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrated his physical prowess, speed, and composure in midfield and penalty situations, earning respect from teammates and opponents.
• Kahn, despite his reputation, struggled to save Lin Feng's powerful and precise penalties.
• Crespo showed envy and confusion regarding his relationship with teammates and his place in the team.

Significant Themes

• Youth vs Experience: Lin Feng's fearlessness against Kahn highlights the clash between youthful confidence and veteran experience.
• Team Harmony: Inter Milan's players display a harmonious relationship, contrasting with Crespo's apparent isolation.
• Psychological Warfare: Kahn's mental struggle against Lin Feng shows the psychological aspect of goalkeeping.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Kahn: Their penalty duel showcases Lin Feng's fearlessness and Kahn's vulnerability.
• Inter Milan's players: They display camaraderie and respect for each other, notably in deciding who takes the penalty.
• Crespo and Lin Feng: Crespo's envy and confusion contrast with Lin Feng's confidence and acceptance from teammates.

Lin Feng scored a powerful free kick to give Inter Milan a 2–0 lead over Bayern Munich, and Inter continued to attack after halftime. Bayern weathered the pressure and countered, while Inter’s late crosses and shots failed to produce another goal.

• Lin Feng’s thunderous free kick beat Kahn in the upper-right corner, and he celebrated as Inter’s players and fans crowded around him.
• Magath saw the goal on the locker-room television, scrapped his planned tactics, and addressed Bayern’s silent players at halftime while Mancini kept Inter’s approach largely unchanged.
• After the second half began, Kahn parried Lin Feng’s free kick, and Stanković then sent a long-range shot wide.
• Bayern counterattacked through Lahm and Pizarro, but the referee allowed play to continue without awarding a penalty against Samuel.
• Torres won Inter a free kick, Figo lofted it into the box, and Stanković’s volley was blocked before Zanetti sent the ball back into the crowded penalty area.

Inter Milan endured Bayern's relentless attack after Stanković and Grosso were sent off, but Cesar made a series of crucial saves to preserve their lead. Inter held on to win at home and claim three hard-fought points.

• Makaay scored on Bayern's rapid counterattack to cut Inter Milan's lead to 2–1.
• Bayern pressed hard, but Cesar and Inter Milan's defense kept their attacks out.
• Stanković received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute, leaving Inter Milan with ten players.
• Cesar denied Pizarro from close range and made further saves as Mancini brought on Solari and Dacourt to shore up the midfield.
• Inter Milan defended under sustained pressure, while Lin Feng and Torres disrupted Bayern's attacks to run down the clock.
• Grosso elbowed Sagnol in stoppage time and was sent off, but Bayern could not equalize and Inter Milan won.

Inter Milan’s Champions League victory was followed by a league draw, while China’s national team disappointed fans with poor Asian Cup Qualifier results. With the team facing Palestine and Iraq next, Zhu Guanghu recalled the overseas-based players, including Lin Feng, to strengthen the squad.

• Inter Milan topped Group B after beating Bayern Munich, while Spartak Moscow’s draw with Sporting Lisbon complicated the group and suspensions and injuries weakened Inter Milan.
• Werder Bremen drew with Barcelona, and the other Champions League results left Serie A fans worried about Roma and AC Milan as well as Inter Milan.
• Inter Milan drew with Cagliari in Serie A, allowing Roma and Palermo to move ahead of them in the standings.
• China beat Thailand 4-0 with a young squad, then managed only a 1-0 win over Singapore at home and a 0-0 draw away.
• After China’s poor results, Zhu Guanghu recalled the overseas-based players, including Lin Feng, ahead of the matches against Palestine and Iraq.

Lin Feng joined the national team’s training camp after returning to China and saw firsthand the squad’s poor preparation and strained atmosphere. Coach Zhu Guanghu faced pressure from the Football Association to win upcoming matches against Palestine and Iraq, and hoped the returning players could help the team recover.

• Lin Feng learned that the national team had struggled against Singapore because its players lacked confidence and mental resilience.
• Hundreds of fans crowded Lin Feng at Capital International Airport, and Zhu Guanghu sent help to bring him to the team hotel.
• Lin Feng slept through the team’s late-night training schedule, then trained alone at Xianghe Base the next morning.
• Young players greeted Lin Feng and other returning players, while privately contrasting them with veteran teammates who relied on seniority.
• Vice President Nan pressured Zhu Guanghu to pledge results against Palestine and Iraq, but Zhu Guanghu blamed Football Association interference for worsening the team’s performances.
• Zhu Guanghu gathered the players to arrange the day’s training and hoped the returning players would help the national team improve.