Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Icardi scores the winning goal against Celtic, earning him Man of the Match.
• Ronaldo returns to Milan to watch the Derby della Madonnina and reunite with old friends.
• Ronaldo reflects on his career in Serie A, particularly his time at Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Character Developments

• Icardi: Becomes more focused on his on-pitch chemistry with Tang Long, neglecting his relationship with Wanda.
• Ronaldo: Shows nostalgia for his past in Serie A, particularly his time at Inter Milan, and reflects on his successful business ventures post-retirement.

Significant Themes

• The importance of on-pitch chemistry and teamwork (Icardi and Tang Long).
• Nostalgia and reflection on past career highlights (Ronaldo).
• The evolution of football and its rules (Mancini and Ronaldo's discussion on sliding tackles).

Character Interactions

• Icardi and Wanda: Icardi's excitement about his football performance annoys Wanda, who is more interested in their personal life.
• Ronaldo and Mancini: The two former rivals reminisce about their playing days and the state of Serie A in the 1990s.
• Ronaldo and Chivu: Chivu, now an Inter Milan coach, greets Ronaldo and reminds him about the upcoming training session.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ronaldo visits Inter Milan's training session, aiming to scout young talent for his sports company's new player agency business.
• Inter Milan players are starstruck by Ronaldo's presence, leading to an intense training session.
• Ronaldo takes note of promising players like Bonazzoli, Guarin, Icardi, and Shaqiri.
• Tang Long impresses Ronaldo with a no-look, nutmeg pass during the training scrimmage.

Character Developments

• Ronaldo: Displaying his legendary status and business acumen, he's focused on expanding his sports company into player agency.
• Inter Milan Players: Showcasing their skills and fandom towards Ronaldo, they strive to impress him during the training session.
• Tang Long: Proves his worth with a remarkable pass, catching Ronaldo's attention.

Significant Themes

• The power of celebrity influence (Ronaldo's presence impacts the players' performance).
• Talent scouting and player evaluation (Ronaldo's purpose for visiting Inter Milan).
• The business aspect of football (Ronaldo's expansion into player agency).

Character Interactions

• Ronaldo interacts with Inter Milan players, causing them to behave like fans rather than professional athletes.
• Tang Long impresses Ronaldo with his skill, leading to Ronaldo asking about him.
• Mancini, Inter Milan's coach, interacts with Ronaldo, sharing insights about his players.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bonazzoli is moving out of the base dormitory and has found an apartment in Milan for him and his mother.
• He reflects on his career so far, including his promotion to the first team, near loan to Palermo, and recent goals scored with Tang's assistance.
• The chapter builds up to the Derby della Madonnina between Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Character Developments

• Bonazzoli: He shows maturity and responsibility in caring for his mother and ensuring her comfort. He also demonstrates self-reflection and determination to improve his skills.
• Tang Long: Although not directly present in the narrative, Bonazzoli's thoughts about Tang highlight his importance as a friend and teammate. Tang's shooting ability is improving, which challenges Bonazzoli to work harder.

Significant Themes

• Family and Responsibility: Bonazzoli's primary concern is his mother's well-being and comfort, showing his sense of responsibility.
• Talent vs. Hard Work: Bonazzoli compares his talent to Tang's and decides to work harder to improve, despite feeling discouraged.
• Derby Rivalry: The Derby della Madonnina represents the intense rivalry between Inter Milan and AC Milan, with both teams and fans displaying fierce competition and hostility.

Character Interactions

• Bonazzoli and Tang Long: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, Bonazzoli's thoughts about Tang reveal their close friendship and mutual respect. Bonazzoli is grateful for Tang's help in his career and admires his talent.
• Bonazzoli and Coach Chivu: Bonazzoli appreciates Coach Chivu's support and belief in his abilities, contrasting with Coach Mancini's cold demeanor.
• Bonazzoli and Clito: Bonazzoli's childhood friend Clito is mentioned, but they haven't interacted recently, with Bonazzoli feeling jealous of Clito's success with Fiorentina.

Key Plot Points and Events

• AC Milan and Inter Milan face off in the Derby della Madonnina.
• Both teams start with their customary formations: AC Milan with a 4-3-3, Inter Milan with a 4-2-3-1.
• AC Milan dominates the first 15 minutes, creating a dangerous chance that Inter's Handanovic saves.
• Inter Milan switches to a defensive 5-4-1 formation to weather AC Milan's early storm.
• After surviving the initial onslaught, Inter begins to build attacks, with Tang Long orchestrating play.

Character Developments

• Tang Long demonstrates his skills and composure under pressure, nutmegging two opponents.
• Vieri, an AC Milan legend, is critical of Inter's defensive tactics but impressed by Tang Long's play.
• Ronaldo, also in the stands, praises Tang Long's skills.

Significant Themes

• The intense rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan.
• The importance of tactical discipline and adaptability in football.
• The pressure of performing in high-stakes matches.

Character Interactions

• Vieri and Ronaldo discuss the match and Tang Long's performance in the stands.
• Tang Long interacts with his teammates, demonstrating leadership and skill on the pitch.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long, an 18-year-old Chinese player, makes a god-tier turn, breaking through AC Milan's double-team defense in a crucial moment of the Derby della Madonnina.
• Icardi misses a sitter, wasting Tang's brilliant assist.
• Inter Milan legends in the stands debate Tang's play, arguing about his technique, anticipation, and courage.

Character Developments

• Tang Long demonstrates exceptional skill, anticipation, and courage on the field.
• Icardi shows eagerness but struggles with the pressure, missing crucial opportunities.

Significant Themes

• Anticipation vs. Technique: The debate among Inter Milan legends centers around whether Tang's play was due to anticipation or technique.
• Courage vs. Caution: Different players and coaches approach the same situation differently, balancing courage and caution.

Character Interactions

• Ronaldo leads the discussion among Inter Milan legends, asking each of them what they would do in Tang's situation.
• Each legend shares their perspective, revealing their playing styles and thought processes.
• Ronaldo praises Tang's intelligence and ability to protect himself while getting the job done.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan struggles to score in the first half, with Icardi missing multiple chances.
• AC Milan substitutes Menez for Pazzini at halftime to strengthen their attack.
• Icardi pleads with Mancini to keep him on the pitch, promising to score within the next 20 minutes.

Character Developments

• Icardi shows determination and desperation to prove himself, willing to push his limits.
• Mancini grapples with tactical decisions, balancing Icardi's performance and his own pride.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and importance of the Derby della Madonnina.
• The struggle between individual skill and tactical fit, as seen in Icardi's lone striker role.

Character Interactions

• Icardi and Tang Long discuss tactics, with Tang Long advising Icardi to move wider.
• Mancini and Icardi have a tense exchange, with Mancini setting a 65-minute deadline for Icardi to score.
• Herrera prepares Palacio for a potential substitution, putting pressure on Icardi.

Key Plot Points

• Icardi is given a five-minute ultimatum to score or be substituted.
• Inter Milan plays against AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
• Icardi scores a goal after moving diagonally from the flank to the center, assisted by Tang Long's chipped pass.

Character Developments

• Icardi shows adaptability and tactical awareness by moving to the flank and scoring a crucial goal, proving his worth to Mancini and the team.
• Mancini reassesses Icardi's capabilities and decides not to substitute him.

Significant Themes

• Pressure and performance: Icardi faces immense pressure to perform and prove himself.
• Tactical adaptability: Icardi demonstrates his ability to adapt to Mancini's 4-2-3-1 tactic.

Character Interactions

• Icardi and Tang Long: They work together to create a scoring opportunity, with Tang Long's pass finding Icardi in a perfect position.
• Icardi and Mancini: Icardi's goal convinces Mancini to keep him on the pitch, showing the coach's trust in the striker's abilities.
• Icardi and Palacio: Icardi's goal means Palacio is not needed as a substitute, showing respect and camaraderie between the players.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan wins a penalty against AC Milan, but their goalkeeper is sent off, leading to a chaotic situation as they have no backup goalkeeper.
• AC Milan's Mexes, a center-back, is forced to play in goal, with guidance from Inter's Handanovic.
• Icardi misses a penalty, and Mexes is injured by Tang Long's follow-up shot, leading to Inter Milan's 2-0 victory.
• Ronaldo receives news that his agency's operating license in Italy has been approved.

Character Developments

• Mexes shows bravery but lacks goalkeeping skills, leading to an injury.
• Icardi shows confidence but misses a crucial penalty.
• Ronaldo, now a businessman, prioritizes his agency's license over celebrating the victory.

Significant Themes

• The intense rivalry between Inter Milan and AC Milan, with Inter's legends mocking their former rival, Inzaghi, now managing Milan.
• The importance of preparation and having a backup plan, highlighted by Inter Milan's lack of a backup goalkeeper.

Character Interactions

• Inter Milan legends (Ronaldo, Vieri, Cambiasso, Milito, Samuel) mock Inzaghi and celebrate their victory together.
• Icardi and Podolski argue over who should take the penalty, showcasing their competitive nature.
• Ronaldo discusses business with an Italian Football Federation official, demonstrating his new role as a businessman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ronaldo obtains his agent license and returns to Italy.
• He encounters an old beggar who calls him a "young man," reigniting his ambition.
• Ronaldo decides to sign young footballers as clients, targeting Icardi, Tang Long, and Bonazzoli.
• He speaks with Chivu, Inter Milan's technical analysis coach, about these players.

Character Developments

• Ronaldo: Realizes he's still young and capable, rededicates himself to his career off the pitch.
• Chivu: Shows loyalty to Ronaldo, understands his true purpose in Italy, and provides information about the target players.

Significant Themes

• Aging and reinvention: Ronaldo, now 38, rediscovers his youthful energy and ambition.
• Youth vs. experience: Ronaldo, once a top player, now seeks to mentor and guide younger players.
• Opportunity and possibility: Despite his age, Ronaldo sees endless opportunities in the future.

Character Interactions

• Ronaldo and the old beggar: Their brief interaction inspires Ronaldo to embrace his youthfulness and potential.
• Ronaldo and Chivu: They discuss potential clients, with Chivu offering insider information and advice.
• Ronaldo and Icardi, Tang Long, Bonazzoli: Ronaldo plans to sign these young players as clients, with varying levels of difficulty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long's impressive performance in the Derby della Madonnina earns him the Man of the Match award for the second time this season.
• He receives multiple signing bonus offers from agents due to increased exposure.
• Tang Long's attributes have improved significantly, but his progress has stagnated at certain points.
• He meets Ronaldo, who offers to sign him as the first player for his agency, 9nine Sports Company.

Character Developments

• Tang Long's skills and confidence have grown, allowing him to plan and execute plays more effectively.
• He is now more proactive in seeking opportunities to improve, such as learning from Ronaldo's critique of his positioning.

Significant Themes

• The importance of having an agent in the professional football world.
• The struggle to break through stagnated progress in abilities.
• The value of learning from experienced players and mentors.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long interacts with Ronaldo, who offers to sign him and provides constructive criticism to help him improve.
• Tang Long considers offers from Raiola, Maradona, and Ronaldo, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long decides to sign with Ronaldo, valuing long-term potential over immediate performance.
• Tang Long and Ronaldo reminisce about Ronaldo's past at the Inter Milan training base.
• A brawl breaks out during Inter Milan's training session between Icardi and Podolski, with Mancini getting involved.

Character Developments

• Tang Long demonstrates maturity in choosing his agent, prioritizing his future potential.
• Ronaldo shows a nostalgic and mentoring side, sharing stories from his past with Tang Long.
• Icardi displays impulsiveness and hot-headedness, leading to a fight with Podolski.
• Mancini struggles to manage his team's internal conflicts.

Significant Themes

• The importance of long-term potential and growth over immediate success.
• The impact of past experiences and nostalgia on present actions.
• The challenges of managing team dynamics and conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Ronaldo bond over shared experiences and goals.
• Icardi and Podolski's conflict escalates, leading to a physical altercation.
• Mancini attempts to manage the situation but ends up in a comical confrontation with Icardi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fight breaks out between Inter Milan's star strikers, Mauro Icardi and Lukas Podolski, during a closed-door training session.
• The incident is leaked to the media, causing a stir and sparking debates about who won the fight.
• Icardi's wife, Wanda, publicly criticizes Inter Milan's management, further escalating the situation.
• Mancini, the Inter Milan coach, drops Icardi from the squad for the match against Fiorentina as a result.
• Inter Milan plays away against Fiorentina, aiming to secure a victory and climb up the Serie A standings.

Character Developments

• Icardi and Podolski's rivalry intensifies, affecting team dynamics.
• Mancini struggles to maintain control over his team, losing his temper due to the situation.
• Wanda Icardi's public comments reveal her influence and involvement in her husband's career.

Significant Themes

• Internal strife and power dynamics within a football team.
• The impact of personal relationships and conflicts on team performance.
• The role of the media in sensationalizing and influencing sports events.

Character Interactions

• Icardi vs. Podolski: Rivalry and conflict.
• Icardi vs. Mancini: Disagreements and tension between player and coach.
• Wanda Icardi vs. Inter Milan management: Public criticism and intervention.
• Mancini vs. Herrera: Disagreements over team selection and strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fiorentina uses a 4-3-3 formation with Badelj, Diamanti, and Iličić forming an inverted triangle that rotates clockwise to disrupt Inter Milan's man-marking tactics.
• Inter Milan's defender Nagatomo Yuto is tricked by Iličić's fake shot and real pass, leading to Babacar's goal in the 14th minute.
• Inter Milan struggles to equalize despite dominating possession and creating chances due to Podolski's ineffective performance as the lone striker.
• Mancini adjusts Inter Milan's defense to zonal marking, but it's too late to prevent Fiorentina's goal.

Character Developments

• Tang Long, Inter Milan's AI system, demonstrates tactical awareness by identifying Fiorentina's strategy and suggesting a defensive change.
• Ranocchia, Inter Milan's captain, initially dismisses Tang Long's advice but later acknowledges his mistake and apologizes.
• Podolski, Inter Milan's lone striker, struggles with his weak non-dominant foot and lacks aggression, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability in football tactics and the danger of sticking to a single strategy.
• The impact of individual player weaknesses on team performance.
• The role of communication and leadership among teammates.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Ranocchia: Tang Long provides valuable tactical insights, while Ranocchia initially dismisses them but later accepts his mistake.
• Inter Milan players: The team struggles to communicate and adapt defensively, leading to a conceded goal.
• Icardi and Podolski: Icardi, watching from home, criticizes Podolski's performance as the lone striker.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wanda, Icardi's wife, is worried that he has discovered her secret affair.
• Icardi is upset about being left out of the matchday squad and rants about football instead of acknowledging Wanda's new dress.
• Mancini changes the formation in the second half, bringing on Bonazzoli to partner with Podolski upfront.
• Tang Long assists Bonazzoli in scoring a goal, with a cleverly curved pass that catches the opponent off guard.
• Inter Milan wins a penalty, which Podolski converts.

Character Developments

• Wanda: Shows her manipulative nature, trying to control Icardi and his career for personal gain.
• Icardi: Remains oblivious to Wanda's schemes, focusing solely on football.
• Podolski: Struggles as a lone striker but performs better when partnered with Bonazzoli.
• Bonazzoli: Proves himself as a promising young striker with his energy, determination, and willingness to make runs.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control: Wanda's attempts to influence Icardi's career decisions.
• Communication and understanding: The lack of it between Wanda and Icardi, and the importance of it between Tang Long and his teammates.
• Opportunity and chance: How Bonazzoli's relentless running creates an opening for him to score.

Character Interactions

• Wanda and Icardi: Wanda tries to guide Icardi's career, but he's more interested in discussing football.
• Tang Long and Bonazzoli: They develop a promising partnership, with Tang Long's passes and Bonazzoli's runs leading to a goal.
• Mancini and his players: Mancini adjusts the formation to accommodate Podolski and Bonazzoli, leading to a goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan vs. Fiorentina ended in a 1-1 draw.
• Tang Long's no-looking pass left a deep impression on fans.
• Zheng Zhi, the Asian Footballer of the Year, was interviewed about Tang Long's pass.
• Inter Milan legends Milito, Materazzi, and Cambiasso voiced support for Icardi over Podolski.
• Inter Milan defeated Cagliari 3-0, with Icardi scoring a hat-trick.
• Cagliari's coach Zeman cursed Mancini for lack of integrity.

Character Developments

• Tang Long's skills and deceptiveness are recognized and praised.
• Zheng Zhi acknowledges Tang Long's exceptional talent but expresses curiosity about his ability to pass without looking.
• Icardi's importance to Inter Milan is emphasized by former players.
• Podolski accepts his role and offers to give up penalty duties to Icardi.
• Mancini's integrity is questioned by Cagliari's coach.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill recognition (Tang Long, Icardi).
• Team dynamics and role acceptance (Podolski, Icardi, Mancini).
• Integrity and professional ethics (Mancini, Zeman).

Character Interactions

• Tang Long's pass impresses fans and Zheng Zhi.
• Inter Milan legends discuss the team's forward situation.
• Icardi, Podolski, and Tang Long acknowledge fans together after the match.
• Mancini and Zeman have a heated exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mancini plays mind games with Zeman, leading to Inter Milan's victory over Cagliari.
• Inter Milan beats Parma 3-0 away, moving up to 5th place in the Serie A standings.
• Fiorentina draws with AC Milan, helping Inter Milan climb the table.

Character Developments

• Mancini shows strategic brilliance and maturity in handling Icardi's situation.
• Icardi and Podolski reconcile, with Icardi scoring a penalty after Podolski's assist.
• Zeman is depicted as hot-headed and impulsive, contrasting with Mancini's cunning.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in football, as seen in Mancini's decisions.
• The dynamics of rivalries and grudges in football, exemplified by Mancini's past support for Zeman and their current feud.

Character Interactions

• Mancini outsmarts Zeman, leading to Cagliari's defeat and Inter Milan's victory.
• Icardi and Podolski's relationship improves, with Icardi scoring after Podolski's assist.
• Inter Milan legends interact in a group chat, discussing Tang Long's impact on the team and planning to attend the UEFA Europa League match in Wolfsburg.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan is fighting on three fronts: league, domestic cup, and UEFA Europa League, with the league being the priority to secure a UEFA Champions League spot.
• Thohir, the controlling shareholder, instructs Mancini to focus on the league and not waste energy on the Europa League.
• Mancini fields an all-reserve lineup against Wolfsburg in the Europa League round of 16, aiming to save energy for the league.
• Wolfsburg, with a strong desire to reach the quarter-finals, dominates the match with a full-strength squad.
• De Bruyne, Wolfsburg's midfield maestro, scores two stunning goals, one a 40-meter pass and the other a curling cross, showcasing his brilliance.
• Mancini brings on Tang Long and Icardi in the 80th minute, not for a comeback but to warm them up for the league match.

Character Developments

• Thohir: A businessman with a clear objective to increase Inter Milan's market value and sell the club for profit, unlike the emotionally attached Moratti.
• Mancini: A tactical manager who doesn't tell his players to give up but encourages them to perform their best, even if the outcome is predetermined.
• De Bruyne: A 21-year-old Belgian midfielder showing exceptional skill and technique, becoming a key player for Wolfsburg.
• Tang Long: A player who understands Mancini's intentions and tries to make the most of his playing time, aiming to impress and contribute to the team.

Significant Themes

• The business aspect of football, with Thohir's focus on increasing market value and selling the club.
• The importance of the UEFA Champions League for a club like Inter Milan, as it can generate over 50 million euros in additional annual revenue and revitalize the club's reputation.
• The contrast between Inter Milan's and Wolfsburg's priorities and desire to win in the Europa League.

Character Interactions

• Thohir and Ausilio: They hold a meeting to discuss the Europa League, with Thohir instructing Ausilio to relay his message to Mancini.
• Mancini and the Inter Milan substitutes: Mancini encourages them before the match but doesn't expect them to win.
• Tang Long and Berni: They discuss De Bruyne's impressive pass, with Tang Long admiring the Belgian midfielder's skill.
• Tang Long and Icardi: They enter the pitch together, with Icardi wanting to play properly despite Mancini's instructions to warm up for the league match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long realizes Nagatomo Yuto could be the breakthrough point against Rodriguez.
• Tang Long's unexpected long pass to Nagatomo Yuto results in a goal, ending the match with a 1-2 loss to Wolfsburg.
• Inter Milan legends criticize Mancini's strategy, blaming him for Serie A's decline in UEFA spots.

Character Developments

• Tang Long demonstrates his vision and passing skills, earning respect from De Bruyne.
• Mancini feels annoyed by the criticism from Inter Milan legends and the media.

Significant Themes

• The responsibility of a coach and a team in representing their league in European competitions.
• The influence of capital and strategic decisions on a team's performance and the league's reputation.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and De Bruyne exchange compliments after the match.
• Mancini feels betrayed by Inter Milan legends who criticize him after the match.
• Tang Long remains focused on his performance, regardless of off-pitch storms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's owner, Thohir, faces public outrage and political backlash after Mancini intentionally throws a UEFA Europa League match.
• Thohir and Moratti work together to appease left-wing politicians and save Inter Milan's reputation.
• Inter Milan plays a crucial UEFA Europa League second leg match against Wolfsburg at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with high attendance and fan support.

Character Developments

• Thohir: Struggles with Italy's business environment and xenophobia, uses his influence to protect Inter Milan's interests.
• Mancini: Receives a stern warning from management, decides to fight seriously in the second leg, and praises Tang Long's potential.
• Tang Long: Gains recognition from Thohir for his contribution to the club's asset appreciation, becomes a fan favorite alongside Icardi.

Significant Themes

• Xenophobia and political interference in Italian football.
• The pressure on managers and players to perform under scrutiny.
• The importance of fan support and unity.

Character Interactions

• Thohir and Moratti: Work together to navigate political challenges and protect Inter Milan's interests.
• Mancini and Thohir: Mancini receives a dressing-down from Thohir but also gains praise for his use of Tang Long.
• Tang Long and Icardi: Their partnership becomes a fan favorite, with the duo earning the nickname "Tangcardi."
• De Bruyne and Tang Long: Engage in a personal rivalry, with De Bruyne scoring a goal against Tang Long's team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A heated debate ensues among fans about the passing skills of Chinese player Tang Long versus Belgian player De Bruyne.
• Chinese player Zhang Xizhe, struggling to get playing time in the Bundesliga, watches Tang Long's impressive performance from the bench.
• Inter Milan leads 2-1 at halftime, with Tang Long's passes setting up both goals.
• In the second half, Tang Long intercepts De Bruyne's pass, leading to Inter Milan's third goal. They later score again, making it 4-1.
• Zhang Xizhe is substituted in, replacing De Bruyne, to mark Tang Long.

Character Developments

• Zhang Xizhe feels inferior and overwhelmed after seeing Tang Long's skills, struggling with the pressure of the UEFA Europa League.
• Tang Long's confidence and composure on the pitch grow as he outshines De Bruyne.

Significant Themes

• The debate about Tang Long's and De Bruyne's passing skills highlights the theme of skill assessment and perception.
• Zhang Xizhe's struggle to adapt to the Bundesliga represents the theme of pressure and self-doubt under high expectations.

Character Interactions

• The online debate between fans about Tang Long and De Bruyne's passing skills.
• Zhang Xizhe's internal struggle and comparison with Tang Long.
• Mancini's attempt to encourage and guide Zhang Xizhe during his substitution.