Starting With Real Madrid

As the game moved into the 80th minute, the Napoli fans at the San Paolo Stadium were once again lifted into a frenzy. 

For the average spectator, football is a game of emotions, simple and passionate. But for the experts watching closely, their thoughts were far more complex as they realized something crucial: they had all been deceived by Gao Shen.

That included Deschamps standing near the visiting team's bench, the commentators broadcasting the game, even football legends like Arrigo Sacchi in the stands basically, everyone.

Gao Shen's first substitution was deceptively simple yet strategic. Deschamps had brought on Del Piero and Tomas Guzman, replacing Giannichedda and Bojinov, signaling Juventus' intent to attack. After all, this was a knockout match, and they had no other choice but to push forward. 

But Gao Shen's response was unexpected. He subbed off Pelle for Cavani, a move that fooled many into thinking that Napoli would continue attacking. However, for the experts like Sacchi and Deschamps, it became clear that Gao Shen wasn't planning to attack he was setting up for a defensive counterattack.

Cavani's speed and impact in a counter-attacking role were undeniable. And sure enough, not long after the substitution, Napoli executed a blistering counterattack. Sanchez's cross from the byline found Cavani, who slid in to score Napoli's third goal.

3-0!. A dominant display.

It was a clear signal of victory for Napoli. With that third goal, Gao Shen had all but secured the win.

Juventus, meanwhile, struggled to mount a meaningful attack. Despite their vast resources and superior strength, they were unable to penetrate Napoli's defense. Deschamps and his players found themselves in an awkward position: they had been drawn out by Napoli's aggressive counterattacking style but lacked the firepower to respond effectively.

Juventus' famed defense was now only half the equation. Without a reliable offense to complement it, their strategy was like slow suffocation.

By the 80th minute, Juventus made their third substitution, replacing the aging Nedved with Mauro Camoranesi. It was a forced decision. Even last season, Nedved's age had begun to show, and this match, with Napoli's fast-paced, high-intensity game, had left him exhausted.

Yet, as soon as Deschamps made this adjustment, Gao Shen followed suit, introducing two fresh legs of his own. Ángel Di María came on for Gervinho, who had performed admirably, while Arturo Vidal replaced Rakitic.

The commentators were stunned. "What is Gao Shen trying to do now? Could it be that he still wants to attack?"

...

In the chairman's stand, Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco was restless. He wanted to leave early to avoid further embarrassment, but the thunderous cheers from the stadium stopped him in his tracks.

When he glanced at the field, he saw Napoli making substitutions, with the fans' cheers accompanying the announcement. This left Secco confused.

Who was coming on?

"Gervinho has put in a solid shift," explained Marino with a smile to De Laurentiis. "His stamina isn't the best, but Di María is faster and more technically gifted. Though, he's still a bit young and lacks the physicality."

Marino continued, "Vidal is versatile he can play as a central defender, but Gao Shen has been using him as a box-to-box midfielder."

At this, Marino grinned. "Gao Shen intends to keep attacking."

Now, at the 80th minute, with Juventus physically exhausted and their morale shaken after a series of failed attacks, pressing forward seemed like the perfect opportunity to further extend Napoli's lead.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Marino praised, clearly impressed by Gao Shen's tactical prowess.

To Secco, it all made sense now, and he was struck with panic. 

Gao Shen wasn't just settling for a win; he wanted to crush Juventus completely.

...

On the sidelines, Gao Shen remained standing, his posture tall and commanding, like a beacon of confidence.

Arrigo Sacchi, sitting in the stands, could only see Gao Shen's back, but he could vividly imagine the confidence that was radiating from the young coach.

Once upon a time, Sacchi had also experienced such moments of glory, where he masterfully controlled and manipulated games. It was a heady feeling, and seeing Gao Shen do it at such a young age filled him with both nostalgia and admiration.

Gao Shen had developed so quickly. 

Even during his time at Real Madrid, he had shown glimpses of his strategic brilliance, like when he tactically outwitted Rijkaard's Barcelona. But this match was on another level entirely. 

Sacchi couldn't help but be impressed. The way Gao Shen had used Pelle in the first half, not as a goalscorer but as a pivot to tire out Juventus' defense, was a masterstroke. Then, in the second half, substituting Cavani not to attack but to lure Juventus into thinking they could press forward, only to strike them with counterattacks this was high-level tactical thinking.

And just when everyone, including Sacchi, thought Napoli would sit back and defend the 3-0 lead, Gao Shen made another bold move. By bringing on Di María and Vidal, he was clearly going for the kill.

Even Sacchi had been deceived.

Sacchi had thought after the third goal that Gao Shen would settle into a defensive stance, protecting the lead. But Gao Shen wanted more.

Sacchi shook his head, chuckling to himself. "These young coaches are ruthless."

...

Deschamps realized he had been outsmarted.

He thought Gao Shen would retreat into a defensive shell after the third goal, but instead, Napoli pushed even harder, forcing Juventus to stay on the back foot.

Napoli's wingers, Di María and Sanchez, continued to push forward. Hamsik and Vidal provided the extra attacking impetus from midfield, leaving only Biglia and the defense to cover at the back.

It was as if Gao Shen was daring Juventus to attack.

But Juventus were no longer capable. The veterans were tiring, their attacks disjointed and ineffective, and their defense stretched thin.

"Has Gao Shen been planning this the entire time?" Deschamps wondered.

...

On the pitch, Napoli's players were relentless.

With the boss calling for them to press even higher, they didn't hesitate. Every player pushed forward, sensing the chance to put the game beyond any doubt.

After a quick turnover, Bonucci passed the ball to Vargas, who surged forward and passed to Di María. The Argentine winger, taking on Billindley, cut past the defender and sent a perfect cross into the box.

Cavani, ever the opportunist, beat both Kovac and Chiellini to the ball and headed it on target. Buffon, in typical world-class fashion, made a save, but the ball rebounded out.

Hamsik, unmarked, pounced on the loose ball and smashed it into the back of the net.

4-0!

The stadium erupted in a deafening roar.

...

Even after the fourth goal, Gao Shen wasn't satisfied.

On the sidelines, he continued urging his players to press, to attack, to keep pushing Juventus to their limits.

"There's still time!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the stadium.

Napoli's players, inspired by their coach's relentless desire, pressed on.

In stoppage time, Di María received the ball on the left and crossed it into the box. Cavani, tightly marked, laid the ball off to Hamsik, who quickly passed it to Vidal at the top of the box.

Vidal took a touch, drove into the box, and fired a shot past Buffon.

5-0!!.

The San Paolo Stadium exploded once again.