Zoff: Transfer? Guaranteed Starter (Monthly Tickets and Favorites Requested)

Seeing Dejan Lu standing on the sidelines, Zoff's heart sank.

The legendary goalkeeper even felt it was a good thing he was born early. Otherwise, with such a formidable figure in Italian football, his own career might have been severely impacted.

These foreign players were no ordinary people.

Maradona and Matthäus, plus the Three Musketeers, were already a handful.

Now Sampdoria had another one like them.

He even doubted if their one-goal lead could be maintained.

If they lost two points at the Stadio delle Alpi, the fans wouldn't be so forgiving.

Standing by the sideline, Dejan Lu suddenly remembered he hadn't drawn a card today.

[Ding! Because your good brother Marco Lanna is the type of person who gives his all in love, you have drawn a player who is completely insincere in relationships. You have obtained a single-match experience card for John Terry from the 2014-2015 Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City.]

Dejan Lu: "..."

It seems I've finally met my match after walking the dark path for so long.

Was Terry strong?

He was incredibly strong!

He was arguably one of the greatest defenders in football history, especially in terms of physical duels and aerial ability, both of which were top-tier.

But having Terry come in when they were trailing was a bit of a letdown.

Fortunately, the Football King still had his passing ability.

It wasn't entirely hopeless.

Before even high-fiving his teammate to sub in, Dejan Lu had already figured out the game plan for today.

After high-fiving Srećko Katanec, Dejan Lu jogged onto the field.

Vialli finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank goodness you're here."

He wasn't one to complain, but the lack of chemistry between him and Salzano was a fact; they rarely played together.

If there was enough midfield support, it wouldn't have mattered much, but Juventus's midfield suppression today was too intense. Both of them were stuck in the attacking third, unable to get the ball.

Dejan Lu immediately gave him a thumbs-up.

So, it's a battle of midfield grit? Bring it on!

Dejan Lu walked over and exchanged a few words with Dossena, and they swapped positions.

Pari looked at Dejan Lu with some surprise and asked, "Are you going to play as an attacking midfielder?"

"If you want to push forward, you can. I'll defend too."

Dejan Lu said.

"Really?" Pari asked.

"Yeah, just a little bit!"

Dejan Lu said with a smile.

Pari shook his head, feeling it was unreliable.

After the restart from the back, Carboni immediately passed the ball to Dejan Lu. Dejan Lu didn't rush the pass; instead, he held the ball and observed.

Schillaci charged at Dejan Lu like a mad dog.

This short forward, who had transferred from Serie B to Juventus, played with incredible passion. However, passion didn't negate physical limitations. Dejan Lu used his body to shield the ball with his back to Schillaci, who couldn't reach it no matter how he stretched his leg.

Zoff couldn't help but cover his face and shout from the sideline, "Why the hell aren't you guys going up to help!"

Were they just standing around like spectators?

Alexander Zavurov quickly rushed forward.

This winger, known as the "Soviet Maradona," also lacked tackling ability. However, Dejan Lu cautiously passed the ball sideways to Pari.

Pari immediately passed it forward, and Giancarlo Marocchi surged out again.

The pass was a bit too long. By the time Lombardo controlled the ball, Marocchi was already behind him, preventing him from making any move.

Lombardo attempted a sudden turn, but it was easily anticipated. Giancarlo Marocchi stretched out his leg and hooked the ball away.

"Juventus counter-attack!"

As Rossi's voice faded, Dejan Lu, who had crossed the halfway line, kicked the ball to his teammate.

"Alright, the counter-attack didn't materialize this time."

The ball returned to Juventus's feet. Napoli didn't immediately pass the ball after receiving it, and Dejan Lu had already caught up.

As he ran, Dejan Lu tripped on his leg, but the moment he fell, he instantly supported himself with one hand and used his core strength to kick the ball back to his teammate.

"Beautiful!!!"

Boskov couldn't help but applaud.

Zoff, also standing on the sideline, nodded in agreement.

These days, star players, especially offensive ones, don't defend much.

But look at this young man, already recognized by Beckenbauer and Pelé, and he's playing his heart out.

If the Juventus players had this spirit, they'd be firmly in first place in the standings right now.

After Dejan Lu entered the game, both sides returned to a state of equilibrium.

Pari was surprised to find that Dejan Lu wasn't joking with him. Damn, this young teammate was incredibly tough on defense; he even saw shades of Baresi in him.

Marocchi, who had played like a Predator in the first half, was now completely ineffective.

Whether he or Dejan Lu had the ball, they could easily connect with the front line.

Most importantly, Dejan Lu's counter-pressing was incredibly fast and fierce, with almost every slide tackle being successful.

A few minutes later, Juventus launched another counter-attack, with a long ball from the back finding Alexander Zavurov directly.

Sampdoria's midfield was empty, as all their players had gone up to participate in the corner kick attack, leaving very few men in the back.

Pellegrini's hesitation to press on the wing gave Alexander Zavurov an opportunity. Zavurov flicked the ball with his right foot, lofting it directly into the penalty area.

"Danger! We might concede again!"

Rossi said.

In the stands for the away fans, many Sampdoria supporters closed their eyes.

There were no defenders in the middle of the penalty box!

But just then, a blue figure appeared on the director's camera feed. Dejan Lu had gotten ahead and headed the ball out for a corner kick right in front of the goal.

Zoff watched the game, his eyes filled with undisguised affection.

He even felt that Dejan Lu could become the next Beckenbauer. Based on his performance in the few games so far, it wasn't an exaggeration to think so.

He was simply outstanding in every aspect, with no weaknesses.

Regardless of the final score, he was already planning to personally invite Dejan Lu to play for Juventus.

The corner kick was taken. Dejan Lu and Verchowod both jumped, preventing Juventus from getting any chances at the near post and heading the ball out of the box. Pari immediately sent a long ball forward upon receiving it.

Vialli charged forward with all his might upon seeing this.

He received it!

Juventus's penalty box was empty.

Vialli was a bit excited but maintained his usual rhythm.

De Agostini closed in immediately but didn't make a tackle. After they grappled their way to the byline, Vialli turned and shot, earning a corner kick.

Boskov couldn't help but sigh.

Vialli's goal-scoring efficiency wasn't low, but he really hadn't performed as well as Dejan Lu in crucial moments.

If it had been Dejan Lu, De Agostini's legs would probably have been broken.

Failing to create a one-on-one chance that led to a clear shot left the old coach quite disappointed.

He rallied himself and shouted, "Corner kicks are also important opportunities, don't be careless, you must seize them!"

There wasn't much time left in the match. To win the championship, even if they didn't win today, they at least couldn't lose.

Pari looked towards Dejan Lu.

With Mancini off the field, Sampdoria lacked a designated taker for set pieces.

"Let Attilio take it,"

Dejan Lu said, waving his hand. Lombardo's physical strength wasn't great, but his passing was good.

"Me?"

Lombardo was a bit surprised.

After all, it was rare for a newcomer to get the chance to take set pieces, even just corner kicks.

"Then you go ahead."

Pari waved his hand.

If Dejan Lu hadn't said anything, he would have taken it himself.

But since Dejan Lu had spoken.

Lombardo walked towards the corner flag.

He was even a little excited.

This was his first time taking a corner kick since transferring to Sampdoria.

Where should he send it?

He remembered they were trailing, so this chance was important.

Lombardo looked at the penalty area. The battle for the ball in the middle was very intense.

Even Dejan Lu, who had asked him to take the corner, was in the middle, but Lombardo noticed that Dejan Lu's hand seemed to be pointing towards the near post.

Was he mistaken?

The afternoon sun was a little dazzling.

After carefully confirming, Lombardo still chose to believe Dejan Lu.

He exhaled a breath of stale air and began his run-up, kicking the ball away with one foot.

Only then did Lombardo notice that Dejan Lu, who had been standing in the center, had, at some point, left that dangerous area and was now positioned to the left of the penalty box.

No one was defending him!

He took his run-up, and after just two short steps, he powerfully launched himself into the air with his left foot.

It was at this moment that Marocchi noticed Dejan Lu.

But it was too late!

The ball was right there, and Dejan Lu, mid-air, powerfully headed the side of the ball.

Bang—

Almost instantly, the ball slammed into the back of the net.

They'd tied it up!!!