Although Inter Milan's lineup was good and the depth of their bench was good, the players' stamina began to show signs of crisis in the situation of fighting on three fronts and entering the sprint of the season.
As Li Ang said, the biggest help for Inter Milan now that they had won the Serie A title nine rounds in advance was that they could put more energy into the UEFA Champions League.
Now that the league title was in their hands, Li Ang decisively began a larger rotation in the league.
On March 22nd, the 30th round of the Serie A league was a focal battle. Inter Milan welcomed their arch-rival, Juventus, to their home ground, the Meazza Stadium.
The confrontation between Inter Milan and Juventus was known as the Italian Derby, which showed how fiery and different the rivalry between them was.
However, after the game started, people were shocked to find that Inter Milan had made a large rotation.
The veteran, Toldo, who had rarely played this season, was given a chance to start.
In the rear defensive line, substitute players like Maxwell and Burdisso were also given a chance to start.
In the midfield, the young German player, Toni Kroes, was in the starting lineup. This was also the first time a young German player had started in the league.
In the front line, Diego Milito and another young player, Balotelli, were in the starting lineup.
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"It's really hard to imagine that in such an important game like the Italian Derby, Manager Li Ang actually made such a large rotation!" The commentator, Ferrari, shook his head and said, "Isn't he afraid of losing this game?"
He was a little puzzled. Inter Milan had won all 29 league games before. If they could end this season's Serie A campaign with a winning record, how great and magnificent it would be!
Besides, the opponent was Inter Milan's arch-rival, Juventus. No matter who they lost to, they could not lose to Juventus … Li Ang actually dared to make such a large rotation in such a game.
"After winning the away title in Genoa, Li Ang's thoughts and goals are probably no longer in the league. Li Ang knows how to choose between the glory of winning the championship and the UEFA Champions League trophy. " Rossi shook his head. As a former Italian national footballer and a famous player, he could understand Li Ang better. The so-called winning the championship in a winning season sounded very exciting, but what was the reality? Inter Milan had already won the championship in advance. Even if they won all the later games, it would at most be the icing on the cake. It would sound better, but what was the actual value? If Inter Milan's obsession with winning the championship affected their performance in the UEFA Champions League, it would obviously not be worth the loss.
Yes, as Rossi's words, Li Ang had a clear understanding of this.
In fact, there had been discussions within Inter Milan and within the coaching staff. Mihajlović had asked about the possibility of ending this season's Serie A campaign with a winning record.
Li Ang immediately had a clear response: adjust the focus to the Champions League!
He resolutely and decisively unified this understanding within the coaching staff and the team.
That was why Li Ang made such a large rotation in such an important game against Juventus.
Of course, it did not mean that Li Ang admitted defeat in the game against Juventus. No one liked to lose, and Li Ang's character was even more so.
In his view, the later league games were a good opportunity for the team to rotate, giving the bench players a chance to play and sharpen their skills. Moreover, even if the rotation was carried out, it did not mean that Inter Milan's strength had declined to the point where they could easily accept defeat. For these rotated players, now that they had the chance to start, it was a good opportunity for them to perform for Li Ang. Their desire to fight was no less than the main players. It could even be said that they were hungrier!
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The course of the game was also a good illustration of this point.
At the end of the first half, the score on the field was zero to zero. Juventus, who had used all their main players, was unable to score a goal. Not only was the score a draw, but Juventus also did not have any advantage on the field. Inter Milan was a little passive at the beginning of the game. Later, they began to gradually compete for the initiative. In terms of shooting data and ball possession in the first half, Inter Milan had a slight advantage.
"What a terrible team. Even in such a situation, Juventus could not suppress Inter Milan!" Ferrari said.
The camera zoomed in on Inter Milan's technical area on the sidelines.
"In fact, the reason for Inter Milan's passive start was more due to the lack of tacit understanding between the players after the large-scale rotation. However, after the integration of the game, Inter Milan's performance was better than their opponents."
"This is because of Inter Milan's tactics. Manager Li Ang's Li-on tactics have been deeply integrated into this team. Even if the strength of the rotated players is a little weak, when they began to shake off their tension, this team began to exert their overall power!"
"Of course, if I had to point out Inter Milan's problem today, it would be the young Toni Kroes. The young German player is still immature. He seems to lack confidence in the midfield!" Ferrari said.
Before he could finish his sentence, his mouth gaped open.
In the 69th minute of the game, Inter Milan intercepted the ball in the midfield.
After that, they played a smooth cooperation. Decaux, Balotelli, and Arshavin continuously passed the ball. Decaux sent an over-the-top pass. Milito in front of the goal headed the ball back, and Toni Kroes followed up and used his knee to pad the ball into the net.
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“Goooooaaaaal！”
"Toni Kroes! This young German player has scored. Even though his shooting action is a little awkward, this young man appeared at the most appropriate time in the most crucial position and sent the ball into the net! "
"Toni Kroes!" Ferrari was stunned for a moment, and then he shouted excitedly, "I have to apologize to this young man. He used a goal to tell everyone how good he is!"
"Say, did that kid hear you criticizing him?" The commentator's partner, Rossi, quipped.
"Hahaha!" Ferrari was slightly embarrassed, and then he laughed. "Inter Milan's players are the same as their manager. I can't say anything."
Li Ang rushed out of the technical area. After raising his arms, he applauded and cheered for the goal. He saw Toni Carlos, who was extremely excited after the goal, surrounded by his teammates to celebrate. The young man subconsciously looked to the side of the field. Li Ang gave the young man a thumbs up, and the smile on the latter's face instantly became very bright.
Li Ang was indeed very happy. He rotated the main force with the purpose of training the team and giving rotational players like Toni Kroes a chance to perform and sharpen themselves. Now, Toni Kroes' goal had arrived. He believed that this goal would be of great help in boosting the young man's self-confidence.
It could even be said that even if Inter Milan eventually lost the game, Li Ang could accept Toni Kroes' goal.
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