Chapter 362 – A Fiery Derby Battle

November 19, 12th round of the 2006/2007 Serie A season.

The Milan Derby kicked off amidst a thunderous atmosphere.

Compared to past editions, this derby was far more intense.

Unlike before, Inter Milan now had the confidence to shout back at their city rivals and were determined to take revenge.

Last season, they lost to AC Milan at home just before Christmas.

That defeat had gnawed at Inter fans for an entire year, and now the time for revenge had come.

This time, Inter fans were more passionate than ever.

Unlike in the past, they genuinely had the confidence to take down AC Milan.

Even though they were playing in AC Milan's home stadium, they still believed in their strength.

Despite AC Milan's 11-game winning streak and the monstrous goal-scoring form of Suk, Inter were undeterred.

They believed AC Milan's squad still had weaknesses.

In their eyes, the Rossoneri had only been winning because they hadn't faced strong enough opponents.

And Inter believed they were capable of tearing off AC Milan's mask of false dominance.

To put it bluntly:

The only real threat in AC Milan's squad right now was Suker.

Although the media was hyping up Kaká, his performances hadn't matched Suker's impact.

At least not yet.

So, Inter fans believed that if they could neutralize Suker, victory would be theirs.

Consequently, Inter's tactics revolved around shutting down Suker.

Matchday at the San Siro.

Thousands of AC Milan fans packed into the stadium.

Given the heated exchanges between fans and even club officials before the match, the tension was palpable—carrying straight onto the pitch.

Though the players avoided trash talk in the build-up, it was clear this would be a fiery contest.

In the player tunnel, both teams lined up in their home kits.

Red and black. Blue and black.

These two colors were the heartbeat of Serie A that night.

One city. Two teams. Two identities.

And now, they stood on the same battlefield.

The teams lined up.

AC Milan led by Maldini. Inter Milan led by Zanetti.

Both veteran captains had been deployed as center-backs for this match.

Mancini, a coach known for his love of tactical tweaks, had shuffled his lineup again, a trait he had shown during his Inter tenure.

While Maldini's switch to center-back was out of necessity, Mancini was actively experimenting.

For example: the dual full-back system of Maicon and Srna.

Suker spotted Maicon — newly signed from Monaco — enjoying a purple patch in form.

He was on the rise, already cementing himself as Inter's starting right-back. Srna had been pushed to the left to accommodate him.

Of course, Maicon would eventually become infamous for being completely humiliated by Gareth Bale in a future match, but for now, he was mentally strong and confident.

Look — the guy was even provocatively taunting Suker.

Suker simply turned his head away, ignoring him.

You? What's your market value?Me? What's my market value?Don't flatter yourself.

He smirked inwardly.Just wait — I'll make you cry later.

"Ready up!"

"Everyone, get set!"

As both captains gave the signal, the tunnel's tension thickened.

Soon, led by the referees, the players walked onto the pitch.

Starting lineups:

AC Milan (4-3-1-2):GK: DidaDEF: Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, SimicMID: Gattuso, Pirlo, SeedorfFW: Gilardino, Kaká, Suker

Inter Milan (4-4-2):GK: CesarDEF: Maicon, Zanetti, Cordoba, SrnaMID: Stankovic, Vieira, Materazzi, DacourtFW: Ibrahimović, Crespo

"This is the Round 12 match of the 2006/2007 Serie A season — AC Milan hosting Inter Milan!"

"The top two teams in the league table meet in the Milan Derby!"

"AC Milan welcomes back Gilardino from injury — he's chosen this derby for his return. Can he make an impact?"

"On Inter's side, it's still Ibrahimović and Crespo up top. Cambiasso is out injured. Figo is on the bench. Mancini has shuffled the lineup. Will this be enough to challenge AC Milan's 11-game win streak?"

As the commentators spoke, the captains participated in the coin toss.

Soon, both teams were set in their respective halves.

The San Siro was a sea of noise. AC Milan fans roared, not only to cheer their team on, but to pressure the opposition.

Cheers, whistles, shouts, and applause blended into a deafening roar.

As the referee exited the center circle, the atmosphere hit a boiling point.

WHOOOSH!!! —

With a sharp whistle, the match began.

Inter kicked off.

"Go! Go! Go!"

Suker darted forward immediately, followed closely by Gilardino.

Kaká held back, ready to intercept.

After an early surge, Suker settled into position along the defensive line.

Inter's passing play was quickly forced to the left wing by Milan's coordinated pressing.

Crespo dropped back to receive, then scanned the pitch toward Milan's penalty box.

"Crespo! A direct cross into the box!"

The ball flew toward the penalty area.

There, Ibrahimović powered forward, muscling past Maldini and Nesta.

He barely got a toe on it — the ball skimmed just wide of the far post.

"Ahh~ Zlatan Ibrahimović! A near miss in the opening moments. Crespo's quick cross caught Milan off guard!"

AC Milan fans held their breath.

As the ball whizzed past the post, they finally exhaled — though unease lingered in their hearts.

Dida restarted play. After several transitions, the ball reached Pirlo.

Pirlo evaded his marker and delivered a sweeping pass to Kaká.

Kaká turned, drew defenders, and looked to charge forward.

Gilardino surged with him, pulling the defensive line back.

"Wait! Mark Suker!"

Zanetti reacted — Suker had not surged forward. He was waiting wide on the left side of the box.

At that moment, Kaká passed.

"Danger!"

Even before Suker touched the ball, commentator Aldo Serena shouted in alarm.

Suker's form had been too lethal — giving him space here was asking for trouble.

Suker positioned himself to receive.

Suddenly, a sharp tug pulled him off balance. He staggered, but didn't fall.

Still, the opponent had gotten in front.

"Srna! He got in front of Suker and intercepted!"

Srna flicked the ball to Vieira in midfield.

Then, with a smirk, helped the staggering Suker back up.

"Don't even try to win a foul!"

Srna grinned.

Suker coughed.

As old teammates, Srna knew exactly what Suker was trying to do.

Suker joked, "Aren't you afraid I'll fall holding my face?"

He glanced at Srna's hand on his shoulder.

Srna muttered, "Shameless."

Suker turned to track back on defense.

But he knew — playing against an old friend, especially one who's a defender, had its downsides.

This guy wouldn't give him space.

Like just now — Zanetti and Cordoba were a step slow, but Srna had already closed in and cut him off.

Suker understood — this match was going to be a physical grind.