Starting With Real Madrid

Mancini's gamble-like substitutions did not change the game.

By the 75th minute, Gao Shen made two substitutions in quick succession. He replaced Hamsik with Vidal, further strengthening Napoli's control over Inter Milan's midfield and defense.

Right after, Callejon was subbed in for Di Maria, who had performed brilliantly, delivering two assists for the team. However, the Argentine winger had clearly exhausted himself.

As the two players left the field, they were met with thunderous applause from the 60,000 Napoli fans in attendance.

It was obvious that everyone was thrilled with the team's performance tonight.

A 4-0 lead against Inter Milan? Napoli fans couldn't have been happier.

Before the match, who would have believed that Napoli could dismantle Inter Milan at home?

And yet, Mancini seemed determined to stick to his chosen path to the bitter end.

When the game reached the 80th minute, he substituted Cambiasso for Figo. After this adjustment, Inter Milan adopted a three-four-three formation.

Up front were Suazo, Ibrahimović, and Crespo.

In midfield, Stanković was on the left, Vieira and Maniche occupied the center, and Figo was positioned on the right.

The defensive line consisted of Maxwell, Chivu, and Maicon.

It's not unusual for Serie A teams to employ three defenders, like Sampdoria's coach Mazzarri, who regularly uses a solid three-five-two formation with high pressing tactics.

However, for Mancini to take such a gamble in such a crucial match is exceedingly rare, especially when his team is already trailing 0-4.

---

"He's desperate now!"

Trapattoni shook his head, visibly disappointed with Mancini's performance in this match.

By this point in the game, it was impossible for Inter Milan to stage a comeback. The only remaining suspense was: How many more goals would they concede? Or perhaps, Could Inter Milan even manage to score one goal?

As Serie A's dominant force, suffering such a humiliating defeat without scoring would be a massive embarrassment and a major blow to morale.

One need only look at Johan Cruyff, Barcelona's legendary "Godfather." How did his "Dream Team" crumble?

In the Champions League final, they suffered a 0-4 defeat to Capello's AC Milan. Shortly after, they were thrashed 0-5 by Valdano's Real Madrid in the league. From there, Barcelona's "Dream Team" was consigned to history.

In football, nothing happens without reason. The sport is a complex interplay of chance and inevitability, which makes it so unpredictable and fascinating.

Take tonight, for example. Mancini's disastrous defeat was partially due to bad luck, conceding two early goals under Napoli's relentless pressure was a shocking start that few could have foreseen.

But was this entirely unexpected?

Before the match, many professionals had already voiced doubts about Mancini and his Inter Milan, pointing out their poor form in recent weeks. On the other hand, Napoli had been growing stronger and were in peak condition.

So, Inter Milan losing wasn't surprising. What was surprising, however, was how badly they were losing.

---

"The pressure is too much!" Lippi sighed, shaking his head.

Years of poor performances in Europe, combined with an unchallenged dominance in Serie A, have drawn widespread criticism of Mancini from fans and media alike. Even his players weren't fully supportive of him.

It's one thing to struggle against foreign teams, but to falter in domestic matches as well? That's another level of embarrassment.

Take the annual Panchina d'Oro (Golden Bench Award) as an example. Mancini, despite winning the Serie A title, didn't even make the shortlist for Italy's best coach of the year. This alone reflects how poorly regarded he is by Serie A players, many of whom simply don't take him seriously.

This external lack of support is compounded by internal conflicts within the team.

Stars like Figo, Vieira, and Ibrahimović have repeatedly challenged Mancini's authority, even to the point of disrespecting him outright.

On any other team, such behavior would have cost these players dearly. But at Inter Milan, Mancini is powerless.

Why? Because these players were expensive signings brought in by Moratti to chase the Champions League title. With their astronomical salaries and transfer fees, who could Mancini even bench?

Even if Mancini went to team president Massimo Moratti for help, Moratti's kind-hearted nature would likely lead to him appeasing the players instead. This approach only inflates the players' egos further, while undermining the coach's authority.

Now, with mounting internal strife, a wave of injuries, and the added pressure of Inter Milan's centennial celebrations, it's no wonder Mancini is under such immense strain.

Lippi, having once been Inter Milan's coach, knows just how difficult that position is.

"Moratti is a nice guy, but that doesn't mean coaching his team is easy. In fact, it's often the opposite, it's even harder."

"After tonight, Inter Milan is likely to change coaches!" Lippi said with a bitter smile.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

After such a crushing defeat, it would be hard to justify not sacking Mancini. Someone has to take responsibility and placate the furious fans, right?

"Do you think Moratti might let him finish the season?" Ulivieri asked.

Lippi and Trapattoni exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

"There are still 12 rounds left in the league, and the standings are tied for now. But Inter Milan's situation isn't completely hopeless. Napoli still has to face Roma and Juventus next, both of which will be tough games," Trapattoni analyzed.

"If Inter Milan changes coaches quickly and the team rebounds, they still have a chance."

What Trapattoni didn't say was that if Inter Milan stuck with Mancini, the team's current morale and the rift between players and coach would make recovery almost impossible.

"Even if Moratti keeps him, Mancini might resign on his own," Lippi added pessimistically.

The others were stunned.

They looked back at the Napoli bench. Gao Shen's tall figure seemed to sprout devil wings.

How many coaches has this man gotten fired with his wins?

He's like a curse. No coach should want to cross paths with him.

---

By the 87th minute, Napoli's tempo had slowed slightly, though they still maintained a high pace.

Inter Milan simply couldn't match Napoli's whirlwind-style game and remained camped inside their penalty area.

When Napoli attempted to break through the defense, Chivu managed to clear the ball, sending it high but not far.

Rakitic reacted quickly, heading the ball to the right side of the penalty area.

Sanchez controlled it, dribbled into the box, and faced Maxwell one-on-one.

Using his low center of gravity and agile movements, Sanchez executed a series of feints, deceiving Maxwell into thinking he would cut inside and pass back. But at the last moment, Sanchez suddenly darted toward the byline, leaving Maxwell behind.

Although Maxwell recovered quickly and closed in on Sanchez near the byline, the Chilean winger managed to stab the ball between Maxwell's legs just before going out of bounds. The ball rolled into the penalty area.

Inter Milan defenders Chivu, Maicon, and Vieira rushed to block Cavani in the center. Vieira even stretched out his leg to intercept Sanchez's pass, causing the ball to change direction.

However, the deflected ball landed at the top of the penalty area, right where Rakitic was waiting.

Without hesitation, Rakitic struck the ball with his right foot.

It was a risky volley that could easily have gone skyward, but the ball stayed low and fast, rocketing toward the left side of the net.

César, Inter Milan's goalkeeper, reacted late, diving desperately but cursing internally: Mamma mia!

"Why does Napoli keep attacking my right side tonight? Why do these bastards always exploit my weaknesses?"

Rakitic's shot was too precise. Before César could even react, the ball had already slammed into the back of the net.

---

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"5-0!!!"

"My god, this is unbelievable!"

"In the 87th minute, with just a few minutes left, Rakitic scores a stunning long-range strike to seal the game!"

"Napoli has completely annihilated Inter Milan tonight. Five to zero! The Serie A leaders have been utterly humiliated at the Stadio San Paolo!"

"Napoli's performance was impeccable, relentless, aggressive, and lethal. Inter Milan only managed three shots the entire game. Who would believe that?"

"With this result, there's no suspense left Inter Milan has been shattered!"

***

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