Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long, now earning 2 million euros after tax, moves into a new apartment near the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
• He invites Chivu, Bonazzoli, and Dimarco for a hot pot dinner to celebrate his move.
• Despite the rain and cold, they enjoy the meal and drinks, sharing laughter and camaraderie.

Character Developments

• Tang Long: Shows maturity and responsibility in organizing the gathering and taking care of his friends.
• Chivu: Demonstrates his care and mentorship towards the trio, sharing his coaching dreams and experiences.
• Bonazzoli: Reveals his concern for his mother's health and his desire to stay with Inter Milan.
• Dimarco: Displays his loyalty to Inter Milan and Italy, expressing his ambition for the team and the national side.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie among teammates.
• Ambition and dreams in one's career.
• The importance of mentors and role models.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long, Chivu, Bonazzoli, and Dimarco bond over the hot pot dinner, sharing personal dreams and aspirations.
• Chivu acts as a mentor and father figure to the trio, passing on his experiences and encouraging their ambitions.
• Bonazzoli and Dimarco playfully tease each other, showcasing their close friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan faces Empoli, a relegation-threatened team, in Serie A's 29th round.
• Inter Milan employs a defensive, counterattacking strategy, withholding key players until the 65th minute.
• Icardi scores the winning goal in the 78th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Inter Milan.
• Juventus, leading the league, prepares to face Inter Milan in the Derby d'Italia, with a Juventus scout watching Inter's match against Empoli.

Character Developments

• Mancini demonstrates tactical prowess in managing a rotated squad and exploiting Empoli's desperation.
• Icardi showcases his finishing skills, scoring the decisive goal despite limited playing time.
• Allegri, Juventus' manager, expresses his disdain for Inter Milan and his determination to secure a league double.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against relegation and its impact on players' motivation and salaries.
• The contrasting playing styles and philosophies of Mancini and Allegri.
• The intense rivalry between Inter Milan and Juventus, fueled by past humiliations and the upcoming Derby d'Italia.

Character Interactions

• Mancini's motivational speech on the high-speed train to Turin, rallying his players against Juventus.
• The tense relationship between Mancini and Allegri, with Mancini looking forward to "slapping" Allegri's arrogance.
• The Inter Milan players' united purpose to challenge Juventus and prove themselves despite their lower league ranking.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan faces Juventus in the Derby d'Italia at Juventus Stadium.
• The stadium is filled with passionate fans, with Juventus supporters throwing eggs at the Inter Milan bus, targeting Tang Long.
• Huang Jianxiang predicts a 3-1 win for Juventus.

Character Developments

• Tang Long remains focused and determined despite the hostile environment.
• Berni, Inter Milan's goalkeeper, shows quick reflexes and protects Tang Long from the eggs.
• Huang Jianxiang, the commentator, demonstrates his knowledge and objectivity in analyzing the match.

Significant Themes

• The intense rivalry between Juventus and Inter Milan.
• The 'human factor' and team unity as a potential threat to stronger opponents.
• The impact of the home-field advantage.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Berni show camaraderie as Berni protects Tang Long from the eggs.
• The players from both teams display a tense and hostile atmosphere in the player tunnel, reflecting the intense rivalry between the clubs.
• Huang Jianxiang and Liu Teng engage in a friendly banter while commentating on the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Juventus plays against Inter Milan in a crucial Serie A match.
• Pirlo, Juventus' deep-lying playmaker, outsmarts Inter Milan's striker Icardi multiple times, causing Icardi to lose his balance and stamina.
• Icardi's impatience and reckless lunging lead to him being humiliated and exhausted early in the match.
• Juventus scores first, putting pressure on Inter Milan.

Character Developments

• Pirlo demonstrates his footballing intelligence and skill, toying with Icardi.
• Icardi shows impatience and poor decision-making, leading to self-inflicted exhaustion and humiliation.
• Tang Long, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder, tries to advise Icardi but resorts to slapping him to snap him out of his frustration.

Significant Themes

• Patience vs. Impulsiveness: Icardi's impulsive actions lead to negative consequences, while Pirlo's patience and calculated moves result in success.
• Humiliation and Pride: Icardi's humiliation on the field affects his mental state and stamina.
• Team Dynamics: Tang Long's attempt to manage Icardi's emotions highlights the importance of team communication and leadership.

Character Interactions

• Pirlo vs. Icardi: Pirlo outplays Icardi, demonstrating the skill gap between them.
• Tang Long vs. Icardi: Tang Long tries to advise Icardi but eventually resorts to physical contact to snap him out of his frustration.
• Juventus Fans vs. Inter Milan Players: The Juventus fans laugh at Icardi's misfortune, while Inter Milan players watch in disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long slaps Icardi to snap him out of his frustration after being nutmegged by Pirlo.
• Juventus scores first in the 16th minute through Morata, assisted by Pirlo.
• Inter Milan equalizes in the 17th minute with a stunning header from Icardi, assisted by Tang Long, following a counterattack.

Character Developments

• Icardi: Struggles with his mentality and focus initially but improves after Tang Long's intervention.
• Tang Long: Demonstrates leadership and tactical awareness, helping to stabilize Icardi and the team's mentality.

Significant Themes

• The mental aspect of the game: Both teams' mental states significantly impact their performance.
• Tactical awareness: The teams' understanding and execution of their tactical plans influence the match's outcome.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Icardi: Tang Long's intervention helps Icardi regain focus and composure, leading to their combined goal.
• Juventus and Inter Milan: The teams' contrasting mental states and tactical execution lead to a tense and closely fought match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Icardi scores a spectacular diving header, replicating Van Persie's goal from the 2014 World Cup, assisted by Tang Long's exquisite pass.
• Juventus manager Allegri is impressed by Tang Long's assist and decides he wants to sign him for Juventus next season.
• Pogba and Pirlo argue briefly on the field, but quickly resolve their issue, demonstrating Juventus' unity.
• Commentator Huang Jianxiang praises Juventus' strength and unity, and believes Inter Milan's chance of winning relies on individual breakout performances, particularly from Tang Long.

Character Developments

• Tang Long: Proves his skill and decisiveness with a crucial assist, catches the eye of Juventus' manager.
• Icardi: Scores a remarkable goal but avoids celebrating to prevent another slap from Tang Long.
• Pogba: Scores the opening goal for Juventus but makes a mistake and argues with Pirlo.
• Pirlo: Maintains calm and composure, showing his experience and leadership.

Significant Themes

• Individual skill vs team unity: Inter Milan relies on individual performances (Tang Long, Icardi), while Juventus showcases their collective strength and harmony.
• Youth vs Experience: Tang Long's bold play contrasts with Juventus' mature and coordinated teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Icardi: Their understanding and connection on the field lead to a stunning goal.
• Pogba and Pirlo: Argue briefly but quickly resolve their issue, demonstrating Juventus' unity.
• Huang Jianxiang and Liu Teng: The commentators discuss the match, with Huang praising Juventus' strength and Liu hoping for an Inter Milan victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Juventus shifts tactics to contain Tang Long, with Marchisio marking him closely.
• Tang Long struggles to shake off Marchisio's man-marking, limiting his impact on the game.
• Juventus scores in the 41st minute, leading 2-1 at halftime.
• Inter Milan struggles offensively, managing only one shot in the first half.

Character Developments

• Tang Long faces unprecedented pressure from Marchisio's man-marking.
• Marchisio demonstrates his defensive prowess and determination.
• Pogba's confidence and trash-talking grow after Juventus's goal.
• Icardi's frustration and anger build due to Inter Milan's poor performance.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against man-marking and the importance of individual skill.
• The pressure and expectations of high-stakes matches.
• The impact of confidence and mental strength on performance.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Marchisio's intense on-field rivalry.
• Pogba's taunting of Icardi, escalating tensions between them.
• Tang Long's attempt to boost Nagatomo Yuto's confidence.
• Tang Long's brewing plan to change Inter Milan's tactics, hinting at a potential shift in strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's halftime tactical change: switched to a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Tang Long moved to the front line.
• Tang Long's goal in the 53rd minute, earned after a penalty kick, which he successfully converted.
• Inter Milan equalized against Juventus in the Derby d'Italia.

Character Developments

• Tang Long: Showed strategic thinking by moving to the front line to escape Marchisio's man-marking. Demonstrated confidence and skill in taking and scoring a crucial penalty.
• Mancini: Displayed boldness in making a significant tactical change at halftime. Trusted Tang Long's judgment and allowed him to take the penalty.

Significant Themes

• Strategic thinking and adaptability (Tang Long's move to the front line).
• Bold decision-making (Mancini's tactical change).
• Confidence and composure under pressure (Tang Long's penalty kick).

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Mancini: Tang Long's suggestion led to Mancini's tactical change, showing trust and understanding between the player and the coach.
• Tang Long and Icardi: They worked well together, with Icardi acting as a decoy and Tang Long scoring the goal.
• Tang Long and Buffon: Their penalty kick exchange highlighted each other's skills and experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zidane watches Inter Milan vs Juventus match, stunned by Tang Long's Panenka penalty kick, identical to Zidane's 2006 World Cup goal.
• Tang Long scores a goal and nearly scores two more, demonstrating exceptional composure and finishing skills.
• Inter Milan's defense weakens after a red card, leading to Juventus scoring the winning goal in the 81st minute.

Character Developments

• Zidane: Realizes Tang Long's potential and urges Real Madrid's president to sign him immediately.
• Tang Long: Proves his mental fortitude, composure, and finishing skills, becoming a threat both in midfield and attack.

Significant Themes

• Talent Recognition: Zidane identifies Tang Long's exceptional skills and urges his club to sign him.
• Mental Fortitude: Tang Long demonstrates resilience and calmness under pressure, taking a crucial penalty and encouraging his teammates after a setback.
• Teamwork and Adaptability: Inter Milan struggles after losing a player, highlighting the importance of team cohesion and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Zidane and Florentino: Zidane contacts the Real Madrid president to express his urgency in signing Tang Long.
• Tang Long and his teammates: Tang Long encourages his teammates after a goal is conceded, showing leadership and team spirit.
• Tang Long and Buffon: Tang Long outsmarts Buffon with a Panenka penalty, showcasing his skill and composure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan is trailing 2-3 against Juventus in the Derby d'Italia with only 10 minutes left, playing a man down after Ranocchia's red card.
• Juventus has a close call with a goal from Morata, but the ball hits the post and goes out.
• Inter Milan's fans and commentators are losing hope, with many switching to watch Liverpool's match instead.

Character Developments

• Tang Long, despite being only 18, has already made significant contributions with a goal and an assist, but expectations are high for a heroic performance.
• Manager Mancini decides to keep Tang Long and Icardi up front, opting for an aggressive approach despite being a man down.

Significant Themes

• Hope and desperation: Inter Milan fans and commentators cling to the slim hope of a comeback, while the reality of their situation seems dire.
• Youth and expectations: Tang Long's performance highlights the pressure on young players to perform beyond their experience level.

Character Interactions

• Commentators Liu Teng and Huang Jianxiang discuss the match, with Huang acknowledging Tang Long's performance but expressing doubt about a miraculous comeback.
• Juventus manager Allegri taunts Inter Milan's manager Mancini, vowing to score another goal to end the match.
• Inter Milan fans switch between watching their team's match and Liverpool's, expressing their anxiety and frustration with their team's situation.

In the final minute of the Derby d'Italia, Inter Milan is trailing Juventus 2-3. Key figures—Real Madrid's Zidane, Ronaldo, and Inter Milan legends Cambiasso and Milito—are watching the intense match. Inter Milan's goalkeeper, Handanovic, joins the attack for a last-minute corner kick. The penalty area is crowded with players from both teams. Hernanes crosses the ball, and Handanovic flicks it towards the back post. Chiellini misjudges his header, flicking the ball towards Tang Long, who, despite being exhausted, heads it into the net, scoring the equalizer in dramatic fashion. The match ends 3-3.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long scores a stoppage-time equalizer for Inter Milan against Juventus, saving them from defeat.
• Tang Long crashes into the goalpost while heading the ball, suffering a head injury.
• Inter Milan's team doctor, Combi, staples the wound on Tang Long's forehead.

Character Developments

• Tang Long demonstrates bravery and determination by scoring the crucial goal despite the risk.
• Juventus players, particularly Lichtsteiner and Chiellini, grapple with their mistakes and the resulting equalizer.
• Inter Milan players, especially Icardi, show concern for Tang Long's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Tang Long's goal).
• The consequences of complacency and underestimation of opponents (Juventus' missed opportunities).
• The importance of medical care and professionalism (Dr. Combi's immediate response to Tang Long's injury).

Character Interactions

• Tang Long's selfless act of scoring the goal garners respect and admiration from his teammates.
• Juventus players express frustration and disbelief at their missed chances and Tang Long's goal.
• Inter Milan players display unity and concern for Tang Long's well-being, demonstrating team spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long scores a stoppage-time equalizer against Juventus, securing a point for Inter Milan.
• Inter Milan captain, Ranocchia, takes responsibility for his red card and praises Tang Long's performance.
• Mancini emphasizes Tang Long's value and the importance of individual heroism in team sports.
• Media across Europe praises Tang Long's performance, with Chinese media giving it extensive coverage.

Character Developments

• Tang Long: Becomes an overnight sensation and national heartthrob; gains widespread recognition for his skills and determination.
• Ranocchia: Shows accountability and sportsmanship by taking responsibility for his mistake and praising Tang Long.
• Mancini: Demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by highlighting Tang Long's importance and the need for individual heroism.

Significant Themes

• Individual heroism and its role in team sports.
• Accountability and sportsmanship.
• The power of media in shaping public opinion and popularity.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Ranocchia: The captain praises Tang Long's performance and credits him with saving the team.
• Mancini and Ranocchia: The coach supports his captain and uses sarcasm to lighten the mood.
• Media and Tang Long: The media plays a significant role in propelling Tang Long to national stardom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Juventus draws 3-3 with Inter Milan, securing the Serie A title but dropping points unexpectedly.
• Allegri, Juventus' manager, publicly blames Chiellini for the draw and criticizes Inter's tactics.
• Inter Milan wins 3-0 against Cesena, breaking their losing streak and maintaining their top-four position.
• Inter Milan draws 1-1 with Roma in the next round, keeping the top-four race tight.

Character Developments

• Allegri: Shows frustration and arrogance in handling media, creating a feud with Mancini.
• Mancini: Maintains a professional demeanor despite Allegri's provocation, focusing on his team's performance.
• Tang Long: Earns a rest and supports his teammates from the bench, showing team spirit.
• Nagatomo Yuto: Redeems himself with an assist against Cesena, demonstrating resilience.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and feud: Between Allegri and Mancini, affecting both teams' dynamics and media attention.
• Mental strength and resilience: Inter Milan players' improved mentality after the Juventus draw, leading to better performances.
• Teamwork and unity: Tang Long's support from the bench and Nagatomo Yuto's redemption highlight the importance of team spirit.

Character Interactions

• Allegri vs. Mancini: The managers' public feud escalates, affecting their teams and the media's perception of them.
• Tang Long and Nagatomo Yuto: The Asian players bond, supporting each other both on and off the pitch.
• Inter Milan players: The team's improved mentality and unity lead to better performances, with key players like Nagatomo Yuto and Icardi stepping up.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Long wears a black face mask due to a previous injury, causing a stir among fans who find it too philosophical.
• Inter Milan plays against Roma at home, with the stadium sold out and fans enthusiastically cheering for Tang Long.
• Roma scores an early goal through Gervinho's impressive dribbling skills and Iturbe's finish.

Character Developments

• Tang Long shows determination to play despite the unpopular mask, prioritizing his physical health.
• Roma's coach, Rudi Garcia, benched their iconic player, Totti, to improve the team's performance.
• Gervinho demonstrates his exceptional dribbling skills and speed, posing a significant threat to Inter Milan.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and prioritizing one's health (Tang Long's mask).
• The impact of strategic changes on team performance (Roma benching Totti).
• The value of individual skill in football (Gervinho's dribbling).

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and the fans have a light-hearted interaction through their comments on his mask.
• Tang Long and his teammates, Medel and Juan Jesus, struggle to contain Gervinho's dribbling.
• Mancini remains composed and focused on identifying Roma's weaknesses despite conceding an early goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• AS Roma is playing a strikerless tactic (4-6-0) against Inter Milan.
• The chapter recalls the 2005 Serie A season when Roma, under Spalletti, used this formation with Totti as the "false nine."
• Inter Milan, led by Mancini, is familiar with this tactic and expects Roma's current version to be less effective without Totti.
• Inter Milan defends deeply, aiming to tire out Roma's forwards in the first half.
• Roma leads 1-0, and Inter Milan fans boo their team for defensive play.

Character Developments

• Mancini: Recognizes Roma's strikerless tactic and expects it to be less effective without Totti. He instructs Inter Milan to defend deeply and wait for opportunities in the second half.
• Totti: Although not playing, his influence on Roma's strikerless tactic is emphasized. His absence is seen as a weakness in Roma's current formation.
• Tang Long: Retreats to a defensive midfield position, much to the dismay of Inter Milan fans. He's observed to be strategizing and anticipating Roma's moves.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Totti on Roma's strikerless tactic and the team's performance without him.
• The strategic use of a strikerless formation and its potential weaknesses.
• The impact of fan expectations and reactions on a team's performance.

Character Interactions

• Mancini and Herrera: Mancini shares his thoughts on Roma's strikerless tactic with Herrera, who agrees with Mancini's assessment.
• Inter Milan Fans and Tang Long: Fans boo Inter Milan for their defensive play and urge Tang Long to push forward, but he retreats to a defensive position.
• Tang Long and Gervinho: Tang Long observes Gervinho's movements closely, anticipating Roma's attacks and Inter Milan's counterattacks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roma, despite missing Totti, is thriving in Serie A, challenging for a Champions League spot.
• Inter Milan, with Mancini at the helm, has a formidable defense, conceding only 29 goals in 31 matches.
• Roma seeks revenge for a 4-0 loss to Inter Milan earlier in the season.
• Totti's heated behavior on the bench leads to a red card, affecting Roma's morale.
• Roma's players tire out due to Inter Milan's tight defense and Roma's high-energy tactics.
• Tang Long's defensive midfield playmaking leads to a counterattack goal by Shaqiri, leveling the score at 1-1.

Character Developments

• Totti's impulsive behavior and status as Roma's team soul are highlighted.
• Tang Long's growth as a defensive midfielder and playmaker is showcased.
• Roma's players struggle with fatigue, revealing their physical limitations.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and redemption for past defeats.
• The importance of a team's leader and morale.
• The physical demands of high-intensity football tactics.

Character Interactions

• Totti and Berni's heated exchange leads to both receiving red cards.
• Tang Long's communication with his teammates, rallying them for a counterattack.
• The dynamic between Roma's players as they tire out and struggle to maintain their intensity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores an equalizer through Shaqiri's goal, assisted by Tang Long, in the 45th minute.
• Mancini, Inter's coach, feels immense relief as the crowd's boos turn into cheers.
• Totti, Roma's captain, smashes his water bottle in anger after Inter's goal.
• Roma's coach, Garcia, has no backup plan for the second half, relying on his players' stamina and pressing.

Character Developments

• Mancini gains relief and validation from the crowd's change in reaction.
• Totti's anger and frustration grow as Roma's lead is equalized and then lost.
• Nainggolan, Roma's midfielder, shows apathy and disinterest in the game, smoking during halftime.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and relief experienced by coaches (Mancini).
• The frustration of veteran players (Totti) facing team decline and personal retirement.
• The importance of adaptability and planning in football strategy (Garcia's lack of backup plan).

Character Interactions

• Mancini and the fans: Mancini feels the pressure from the fans' boos, and their cheers bring him relief.
• Totti and the Roma players: Totti's frustration affects the team's morale, and he feels disconnected from his younger teammates.
• Garcia and the Roma players: Garcia tries to motivate his players but lacks a clear plan for the second half.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's players tire out quickly due to Roma's high press and inability to break through Roma's defense.
• Tang Long, an 18-year-old, showcases exceptional ball control and dribbling skills, reminiscent of Busquets, Pirlo, and Maradona.
• Tang Long scores a stunning goal in the 87th minute, dribbling past three players and executing a sliding shot, nutmegging Roma's defender De Rossi.
• The goal ignites Inter Milan's team spirit, leading to a celebratory pile-on of Tang Long by his teammates.

Character Developments

• Tang Long evolves from a promising young player to a match-winning hero, displaying remarkable skill, confidence, and passion.
• Rudi Garcia's tactics prove ineffective as Roma's players tire out, and he fails to make timely substitutions.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination: Tang Long's relentless pursuit of scoring despite facing multiple defenders.
• Team spirit: Inter Milan's unity and celebration after Tang Long's goal.
• Youth and potential: Tang Long's exceptional skills at a young age.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long's interaction with Roma's defenders, particularly De Rossi and Manolas, highlights his skill and their futile attempts to stop him.
• Tang Long's teammates celebrate with him, demonstrating their camaraderie and support.
• Broadcast commentators Huang Jianxiang and Liu Teng express their excitement and admiration for Tang Long's performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's Tang Long scores a winning goal against Roma, impressing a Manchester City scout named John Swift.
• John Swift's scouting notes on Tang Long are accidentally left behind and later found by an Inter Milan fan.
• The notes are leaked, causing an uproar among Inter Milan fans who fear Tang Long might be poached by Manchester City.
• Inter Milan is in a tight race for the top three spots in Serie A, with a crucial match against Napoli upcoming.

Character Developments

• Tang Long: Proves himself as a key player for Inter Milan, demonstrating composure, skill, and confidence.
• John Swift: Revealed to be a Manchester City scout, showing dedication and thoroughness in his scouting reports.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and fear of poaching: Fans' concern about losing their star player to a wealthier club.
• Financial influence in football: Fans' resentment towards Manchester City's financial power.
• Passion and dedication: Tang Long's commitment to his team and John Swift's thorough scouting.

Character Interactions

• Tang Long and Inter Milan fans: Fans cheer for Tang Long, hoping he'll stay with the team.
• John Swift and Inter Milan fans: Fans react with anger and suspicion towards John Swift after learning he's a Manchester City scout.
• Inter Milan fans and Napoli: Fans anticipate the upcoming match against Napoli, crucial for their team's league standing.