Starting With Real Madrid

Until the very moment referee Rizzoli blew the final whistle, Napoli's players were still poised to launch another attack, while Inter Milan had already been utterly defeated.

For Inter Milan, the sound of the final whistle was like a lifeline, a long-awaited salvation. The players finally exhaled in relief.

Though Napoli's players felt they could have done more, their joy erupted as they cheered and celebrated.

Gao Shen stood on the sidelines, in front of the home team's bench. Substitute players and staff swarmed onto the pitch, celebrating this monumental victory. Yet, Gao Shen stood still, watching from the sidelines.

The live broadcast cameras panned across the stadium, capturing the jubilant atmosphere.

When the cameras finally focused on Gao Shen, the entire Stadio San Paolo erupted into thunderous cheers.

The 60,000 Napoli fans sang his praises with wild enthusiasm, their voices ringing across the arena.

Noticing the commotion, Gao Shen glanced up and saw his image on the giant screen. He turned to the fans with a smile, raising his right hand and spreading five fingers wide.

The stadium immediately grew even louder, their cheers and shouts becoming deafening.

Those five fingers symbolized five goals!

Everyone knows how infamous Italian fans can be for their antics, and among them, Napoli's fans are the most unruly. Their rebellious spirit always defying Rome and the northern teams runs in their blood.

This fiery temperament makes them uniquely passionate.

So when Gao Shen raised his hand and flashed those five fingers, the fans went completely berserk. Some even jumped out of their seats, screaming his name at the top of their lungs.

The scene was broadcast live around the world.

"We're not sure if Gao Shen's gesture was meant to greet the fans or to mock Inter Milan for their 5-0 defeat," the commentator said, his tone heavy with intrigue.

"But one thing is certain: this action by Napoli's young coach will undoubtedly spark debate."

"Five to zero! Napoli demolished Inter Milan at home!"

"This result has shocked everyone. It doesn't accurately reflect the strength of both teams, but it does highlight their current situations."

"Napoli is at the peak of their form, while Inter Milan is struggling with poor form and injuries."

"In fact, after tonight's match, coach Mancini may face a crisis with his job."

"However, Napoli cannot afford to let their guard down. They will face back-to-back challenges against Roma and Juventus, two critical games that will heavily influence the Serie A standings."

"In any case, congratulations to Gao Shen and Napoli!"

"This marks the third time this season that Napoli has reached the top of the Serie A standings. For a team with the youngest average age among the top four European leagues, this achievement is truly remarkable."

"We sincerely hope Gao Shen and his team continue to deliver such thrilling football."

---

"This kid just can't resist twisting the knife," Sacchi laughed as he watched Gao Shen's gesture.

After this match, Gao Shen's reputation as one of Serie A's most prominent coaches was firmly cemented.

"Honestly, who else in recent years has managed to humiliate Inter Milan like this?" Sacchi asked rhetorically.

"Other than Gao Shen and his Napoli—no one!"

Why did Inter Milan's 0-2 away loss to Liverpool earn the label of shame?

Because before that match, everyone including Mancini was confident they'd easily beat Liverpool.

And the result?

Inter lost 0-2, managing just a handful of weak shots on target. It was a disgrace.

Now, in Naples, Napoli had delivered a masterclass on what humiliation truly looks like.

Shame? No, this wasn't just shame. It was devastation.

Inter Milan's three total shots, zero on target, and all-around dismal stats against Napoli more closely resembled the performance of a Serie B bottom-feeder than the Serie A leaders.

But it happened.

"From a tactical perspective, this match was a contest between two teams on completely different levels," Valdano remarked with a sigh.

Sacchi nodded. "Last season's 0-3 loss saw Inter Milan dominate Napoli with their superior strength. But now, with Napoli having closed the gap in quality, their tactical superiority and attention to detail have completely outshone Inter."

From the very start, Mancini was a step behind.

Napoli had reached peak condition, while Inter Milan hadn't.

But so what?

In football, if you lose, you lose. Complaining about poor form doesn't excuse you. Do your opponents have to wait until you're ready to play?

Thus, Mancini's failure was undeniable.

"Twenty-five games unbeaten, and yet this one defeat is so crushing," Valdano lamented.

"In fact," Sacchi added, "if you look at it closely, Inter Milan has been unbeaten in 40 games across two seasons. Sixteen games last season and 25 this season, an incredible streak. And now, they've been brought down by Napoli."

"And not just beaten—humiliated!" Sacchi emphasized.

---

Gao Shen, ever the tactician, knew when to stop.

He quickly lowered his hand and walked toward Inter Milan's technical area.

Mancini's face was grim. He clearly wanted to leave for the tunnel immediately, but Gao Shen intercepted him.

"That was a wonderful game, Mancho!" Gao Shen said, smiling as he extended his hand.

The smugness on Gao Shen's face was so blatant, he might as well have tattooed the word on his forehead.

Mancini bristled. He wanted to retort, Don't call me Mancho! We're not that close!

But in the end, he swallowed his pride and shook Gao Shen's hand. "You guys played very well."

"Thank you," Gao Shen replied, taking the compliment at face value. "You were right, looking down from your lofty position, it's no wonder you couldn't see Napoli."

Mancini's face turned pale. He almost choked on the bitterness rising in his throat.

Damn it, so that's what he's implying—mocking me for saying they were beneath us?

Did he really have to rub it in with that smug look?

Sure, Napoli is the leader now. So what? I've been in first place for months before. What's the big deal?

If Mancini were ten years younger, he might've rolled up his sleeves and thrown a punch. But now, powerless, he had to endure the humiliation.

At least he could still walk out of the Stadio San Paolo in one piece.

"I hope you can maintain this pace," Mancini said with a forced smile. "Don't fall apart."

Gao Shen, of course, understood the jab, but he wasn't fazed. He simply smiled and moved on.

---

Before Gao Shen could return to the bench, Napoli's players lifted him into the air, shouting and celebrating.

"Hey! We haven't won the title yet!" Gao Shen protested.

"Yeah, but we're close enough, boss!" someone shouted back, sparking laughter all around.

As they paraded him around the pitch, Gao Shen tilted his head toward the blinding stadium lights. It felt surreal like he was being sent to the gallows.

---

Eventually, Gao Shen made his way back to the locker room, but not before encountering club president De Laurentiis, who was walking down with a group of guests. Leading the group was none other than Maradona.

Gao Shen immediately recognized the football legend but was momentarily awestruck. He'd seen Maradona countless times in videos, photos, and news reports, but meeting him in person was a first.

Behind him, the Napoli players were equally starstruck.

This was the king of football.

Maradona approached with a smile and extended his hand. "You and your team played an incredible game, Gao. Truly fantastic!"

Gao Shen snapped out of his daze, clasping Maradona's hand with both of his own. "Thank you!"

But then, Gao Shen glanced around and shouted, "Fernando! Quick, get a camera!"

Maradona froze, momentarily confused, before realizing Gao Shen's intention. The young coach had already sidled up next to him, beaming as he struck a pose. "Make sure I look good!"

Maradona burst out laughing.

Despite his legendary status, it was clear Gao Shen genuinely admired him. Moved by this respect, Maradona draped an arm around Gao Shen's shoulder. "Come on, let's look good together!"

And so, the king of football and Napoli's young mastermind posed for a series of photos. One by one, Napoli's players joined in, lining up to take pictures with Maradona.

By the end, Maradona was exhausted but clearly amused.

As Gao Shen prepared to leave for the post-match press conference, he called out, "Ball King, make sure to sign my photo later!"

"No problem! But you'll owe me dinner," Maradona quipped.

"Deal!" Gao Shen grinned.

With that, the two parted ways, the stadium still roaring with celebrations.

***

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