Chapter 210: A Bunch of Immature Fools

In the second half, at the 55th minute, AC Milan made substitutions.

Suker and Kaka were subbed off.

Ancelotti had originally planned to take off Maldini, but he realized they had already used up their quota for foreign players.

Cafu also needed to come on, and Shevchenko had to make an appearance.

With a two-goal lead in the first half, defense became the top priority.

As a result, Ancelotti had no choice but to sub off Suker.

Even so, when Suker left the field, he was met with thunderous applause from the AC Milan fans in the stadium.

Just from watching the first half of the match—exhilarating

In the usually slow-paced Serie A, with its reputation for rock-solid defenses, AC Milan had displayed a fast, clear, and aggressive offensive rhythm.

This left Milan fans ecstatic.

After all, who doesn't want to see a more entertaining match, especially when the team is winning?

And it was Suker who took AC Milan's entertainment value to the next level.

His imaginative passing, commanding presence in the attack, and breathtaking control over the offense completely won over the notoriously picky AC Milan supporters—in just 55 minutes.

Kaka was undoubtedly a superb player.

He had immense individual talent.

But in terms of entertainment value, Suker's tight-space dribbling—like dancing on the edge of a blade—was utterly mesmerizing.

Beyond his individual brilliance, Suker's vision and push-forward tempo brought an electrifying dynamic to the game.

Even after Suker was subbed off, the fans in the stands continued to chant for more attack.

Ancelotti looked up at the crowd of excited Milan supporters, their faces flushed with excitement as they repeatedly roared for offensive play.

Suker had spoiled them.

Once someone gets used to lavish banquets, it's hard to go back to plain meals.

Some fans even criticized Ancelotti for taking Suker off.

They wanted that relentless "charge, charge, charge" pace!

Now that Suker was off the field, the game reverted to the slower, possession-based pace that felt almost soporific by comparison.

Still, given the comfortable lead, the fans understood that Ancelotti had made the right decision.

Besides—

With Suker's stellar performance, they knew they'd have plenty of chances to watch him play again at the San Siro.

AC Milan's defense remained solid.

Thanks to the two goals in the first half, they maintained the advantage all the way to full-time.

When the final whistle blew, AC Milan still led by two goals.

Final Score: AC Milan 2 - 0 Siena.

Two wins in two Serie A rounds.

Inzaghi bagged a brace in this match, adding to his goal from the first round. Three goals in two games—Milan's phantom striker was dazzling Serie A once again.

At the post-match press conference, head coach Ancelotti and captain Maldini appeared together.

When asked about the team's performance, Maldini smiled:

"I've always considered myself a diligent player. I do a lot of running on the pitch—until some little brat kept urging me to overlap on the wing, like he forgot I'm a 37-year-old veteran."

Maldini chuckled:

"I'm 37, and Coloccini is 34. Yet there we were, being manipulated by a 19-year-old into running a marathon down the flank!"

Laughter erupted among the Milan reporters.

They had watched the game. Suker constantly passed the ball wide, pushing Maldini into attacking overlaps—something that stuck with everyone.

"Still," Maldini added, "I'm grateful to Suker. He didn't treat me like some old-timer. As a teammate, I'm happy to support him, and he fully trusts me too."

"It was a great match. More than just the win, we saw a positive shift in the team dynamic. I think you all felt it too—and that's the best result."

"I believe Milan's future will be even brighter. We have fantastic young players. They are the future of Milan!"

Applause echoed around the room as Maldini stepped down.

As he and Ancelotti headed toward the locker room, Maldini couldn't stop smiling.

"You were right—Suker was incredible!" Maldini said in awe. "I didn't even have to think out there—Suker had already mapped out every option. It felt like following a formula. So easy to create chances!"

Ancelotti nodded.

"His vision and command in the final third are even better than I expected. His current performance is nearly flawless. Let's hope he can stay calm and composed when facing stronger opponents."

"He will," Maldini said with confidence. "Didn't you see what he did in the Champions League? He may be young, but he's got the calmness and courage to face big challenges. He never backs down. He feels like a little grown-up."

"Suker, Gattuso, Pirlo, and Kaka—they're Milan's future. Knowing that makes it easier for me to eventually retire."

At that moment, they reached the locker room.

Suddenly, the sound of running water and shrieks erupted from inside.

"AHH!! Run for it!!"

"Gattuso's gonna eat us alive!!"

Followed by Gattuso's furious roar.

"You two bastards! Get back here!"

The locker room door burst open. Suker stumbled out, crashing into Maldini.

"Boss?"

Suker looked back, spotting Pirlo laughing as he bolted toward the exit—with a feral-looking Gattuso hot on his heels.

Suker grabbed the door handle.

Pirlo's smile froze. Panic flashed in his eyes.

"Suker, don't—!"

BANG! Suker slammed the door shut.

"Coach, are we having a review session today?" he asked quickly.

Ancelotti replied, "Not to—"

Before he could finish, Suker sprinted away.

As he ran, he called back:

"Boss, bring my gear with you!"

Then disappeared around the hallway corner.

A moment later, the door creaked open.

Gattuso stormed out, face thunderous.

"Where's Suker?!"

Maldini pointed to the hallway turn.

Gattuso charged after him.

"You little punk! Come back here!"

Maldini looked down and found Pirlo lying motionless at the doorway, face blank. He had clearly been through something traumatic.

Maldini pressed his hand to his forehead.

Ancelotti just chuckled.

"A bunch of immature fools!"

As the saying goes—you can dodge the monk, but not the temple.

On training day, Suker was eventually caught by Gattuso and Pirlo.

One held him down while the other tickled him until he was breathless with laughter.

"That's what you get for pulling pranks!"

"That's what you get for betrayal!"

They shouted in unison.

Then Gattuso suddenly punched Pirlo.

"You're a bastard too!"

Pirlo kicked Gattuso in the butt and ran off again.

Suker sat up from the ground, shaking his head.

"Bunch of immature guys."

Kaka, watching nearby, curled his lip.

"Like you're any better…"

"Three more days until the Champions League!" Kaka reminded.

Suker looked at him, "Feeling pressure?"

Kaka grinned, "Group stage's not so bad."

Suker shrugged, "If you're having a hard time finding your rhythm, just pass me the ball. I'm born for the big stage. The bigger the arena, the bigger the performance!"

"You're so full of yourself," Kaka shot back.

"That's called confidence," Suker smirked. "First match is against Fenerbahçe, and we're at home—what's there to fear?"

"Let the media talk all they want. The more you hide stuff, the more excited they get. Better to joke about it, let them get bored, and turn it into a harmless joke."

Kaka raised an eyebrow. "You sure you'd dare say that?"

Suker grinned, "Play with the joke at the right time. Now's too early—if I say something now, it's just asking for hate. Wait until we rack up some wins, then it's just self-deprecating humor."

At that moment, Inzaghi entered.

"Good morning!"

He greeted them warmly.

Suker immediately jumped up and pointed.

"You went to a party last night!"

Inzaghi paused, then nodded. "Yeah, so?"

"Why didn't you take me? You promised to introduce me to some girls!" Suker looked betrayed.

Inzaghi raised an eyebrow.

"The last goal came from Kaka's assist. What's it got to do with you?"

"Then how about the previous match?!"

"Still no assist," Inzaghi laughed. "First goal came from the captain's pass, second was a rebound I finished off."

Suker's eyes lit up.

"But in your heart, you know it was me who assisted!"

Inzaghi feigned confusion.

"I don't understand—your Italian is terrible."

Suker instantly pouted.

Inzaghi just laughed and shrugged.

Playing dumb—very effective.