The All-Around Center Forward

Donetsk City, Donbass Arena.

Germany's victory over Spain to advance to the European Cup final brought the European Cup craze to its peak.

As their opponent, the other finalist team will be determined in this match.

Croatia vs. Italy!

In recent years, Croatia and Italy have rarely faced each other; they almost never drew each other in the group stage, nor did they meet in the knockout rounds.

The only reference matches available were a few friendlies.

Therefore, there isn't much data to support the trajectory and situation of this match.

However, precisely because of this, the fans' enthusiasm has become even higher.

Italy's star power has faded considerably; ever since the decline of Serie A, the Italy National Team has also been undergoing a transformation, needing an influx of fresh blood.

For this reason, young players like Balotelli began to emerge.

Now that Italy has reached the European Cup semifinals, their competitive form has been somewhat guaranteed.

But facing Croatia, a team that has been undefeated since the European Cup Qualifiers, they still feel extremely pressured.

Italian commentator Aldo Serena provided a pre-match analysis.

He rattled off Suker's various statistics as if counting his own treasures, not only European Cup data but also his La Liga statistics from the past two seasons, which he knew like the back of his hand.

Clearly, as an Italian commentator, he was still paying attention to Suker's performance.

However, the appearance of these statistics always gave people a great sense of helplessness.

Suker's various statistics were too complete; there was almost no discernible weakness.

This was also the most difficult problem in limiting Suker.

"From these statistics, we can see what kind of player we will face in this match.

I think for Italian fans, they still cannot forget that super striker who wore the AC Milan No. 10 jersey and was active at San Siro Stadium.

He has now become our opponent, and the Italian defense must limit him!"

Aldo Serena said in a deep voice, "Only then can we win!"

It is unrealistic to bypass Suker and defeat Croatia; he is still Croatia's core player.

Bypassing Suker is inherently self-deceiving and avoids the core issue.

If Italy wants to defeat Croatia, they only have one path: limit Suker.

Fortunately, even with the decline of Serie A, Italy's iron defense still exists.

In terms of defense, Serie A still performs very well, and they have a better chance than other National Teams to execute a plan to limit Suker.

The large screen shifted, showing a sweeping aerial view of the entire Donbass Arena.

The cheers of tens of thousands of Croatian and Italian fans could be clearly heard through the television.

Along with it, the tense and thrilling atmosphere within the stadium also spread throughout one's body.

The camera shifted again, this time to the player tunnel.

The Croatian and Italian players were already lined up neatly.

They stood silently on either side of the player tunnel, waiting to enter the field.

The camera moved from front to back.

Under the camera, the expressions of both sets of players were incredibly solemn, and this visual further heightened the tension.

This was a European Cup semifinal!

One more step and it would be the final!

If not now, then when?

"Besides Suker, the midfield battle is also extremely crucial!"

Croatian commentator Krauhić said in a deep voice, "This match is also a significant challenge for Croatia's midfield maestro, Luka Modrić."

"He needs to cope with the pressure from Italian midfield master Pirlo in the match!"

"Since joining Juventus, Pirlo's arrival has elevated Juventus's overall strength, and he even helped Juventus win the Serie A title last season!"

"This also marked the Bianconeri's return to winning the Serie A League championship trophy after being relegated due to the Telephone Gate incident, and it also signaled the resurgence of the traditional northern powerhouse, Juventus!"

"Almost half of this Italy National Team comes from Juventus."

"The Big Five Leagues teams are all like this!"

"Similar to Germany, which is based on Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Spain combines Real Madrid and Barcelona."

"These teams all build their National Teams based on their respective domestic Leagues, constantly ensuring their combat effectiveness, and for Croatia, our players are not inferior!"

Krauhić said in a deep voice, "Despite not having the support of a domestic League, the lads all play for top clubs, and they will help Croatia play a brilliant match!"

At this moment, in the player tunnel, both sets of players followed the Referee's steps onto the field.

The cheers immediately surged!

Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!—

Amidst the intense cheers, this European Cup semifinal was about to kick off.

The starting lineups are as follows:

Italy (4-1-3-2):

Goalkeeper: Buffon.

Defenders: Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Abate.

Midfielders: De Rossi, Montolivo, Pirlo, Marchisio.

Forwards: Cassano, Balotelli.

Croatia (4-3-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Subašić.

Defenders: Srna, Ćorluka, Lovren, Strinić.

Midfielders: Rakitić, Vukojević, Modrić.

Forwards: Perisic, Suker, Mandžukić.

"Both teams have presented rather interesting tactical lineups, especially Croatia, which has made some significant changes compared to previous matches!"

"First, Italy, still adopting a deep-lying playmaker formation, with Pirlo hidden behind the three midfielders, which not only ensures his ball control but also allows for deeper utilization of the field."

"And Croatia's response is interesting!"

Krauhić blinked, "National Team Head Coach Bešić has placed Suker in a more classic, traditional No. 10 position!"

"The attacking midfielder position has gradually been replaced by modern tactics; many Head Coaches have eliminated this somewhat redundant position to speed up offensive and defensive transitions!"

"But Croatia's adoption of this formation in this match is very effective!"

"Firstly, the No. 10 position can greatly increase Suker's range of movement and enhance his threat."

"Secondly, Suker in this position can shorten the distance to the midfield; Rakitić and Modrić, these two No. 10 players, can also link up with Suker, thus Croatia gathers three No. 10 players in the midfield!"

"Finally, it addresses Italy's deep-lying playmaker issue."

"Italy wants to hide their playmaking point in the backfield, allowing Pirlo, under the protection of his teammates, to focus more on controlling the rhythm of the game.

But Suker, standing in the attacking midfielder position, can directly threaten Italy's backline.

Should Pirlo make any mistake, Suker can immediately steal the ball and bypass Pirlo, threatening Italy's goal!"

"Bešić has hung a Sword of Damocles over Italy's most crucial position, directly above Pirlo's head!"

In the Italian VIP box.

Maldini, Gattuso, Nesta, Totti, Inzaghi, and other retired Italian football stars were all present to watch this crucial match.

And when they saw Croatia's tactical setup, they all felt a bit uneasy.

"The worst-case scenario!" Nesta shook his head directly.

Suker appeared in the attacking midfielder position.

Just as the Croatian commentator said, the Sword of Damocles hung over the most crucial offensive and defensive pivot of the Italian backline.

Through this sharp sword, Croatia could directly put pressure on Pirlo and the entire Italian defense.

They weren't afraid of Suker on the wing.

Italy probably had specific arrangements before the match.

But Suker in the attacking midfielder position, directly confronting Pirlo, was very bad.

This would not only put pressure on Pirlo but also keep Italy's backline constantly on edge.

"This match will test Andre!" Inzaghi shook his head and said, "With Suker's ability, as long as Andre makes even the slightest mistake, he will immediately rush forward to apply pressure!"

"Not just Pirlo, but also back passes need to be careful; once Suker intercepts, that will be enough trouble for us!"

"Croatia's tactical arrangement really hit our weak spot!"

"How did they think of suddenly playing Suker as an attacking midfielder?"

"But no matter what, it's really effective!"

Bešić gazed at the field.

The Sword of Damocles, also known as the Sword of the Neck, the Sword of Discipline!

This is a sharp sword, based on ancient Greek mythology, hanging over the head of a king.

If Pirlo was Italy's brain, the 'King' of their command system, then Suker was the Sword of Damocles!

The chilling tip of the sword pointed straight down, directly at Pirlo.

Italy's Head Coach Prandelli rubbed his temples, looking at Croatia's formation on the field, a hint of a headache appearing on his face.

Croatia's sudden change in formation caught him somewhat off guard.

Suker appearing in the attacking midfield position was something he hadn't expected.

Suker could play as an attacking midfielder, and he had played that position before.

But that was a long time ago.

Back in his Milan days, Suker and Kaka played as dual attacking midfielders, executing Ancelotti's Christmas Tree Formation.

But now, Suker mostly operates on the left wing.

Left winger or left midfielder, these were the positions he played most often, so the sudden change in formation gave Italy a headache.

Croatia daring to set up this formation meant they had practiced it beforehand.

This was one of their tactical formations.

This also meant that Croatia hadn't revealed too much during their previous matches.

Neither Germany, Portugal, nor Greece had managed to force out Croatia's trump card tactics.

However, Prandelli still had faith in Pirlo.

Croatia wanted to pressure Pirlo, but Pirlo wasn't that easy to disrupt.

What's more, with increasing age, Pirlo had become more composed and experienced.

As long as he didn't make mistakes, it would be fine.

At the same time, on the field, both teams' players had already taken their positions in their respective halves, and the match was ready to begin at any moment.

In the first half, Italy kicked off first.

Suker bounced around in his own half, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, fixed directly on Pirlo.

Pirlo also looked up at Suker.

The two looked at each other from afar, both smiling, a silent greeting.

Croatia's full-back, Strinić, also stared at the big dark figure in front of him, Balotelli!

Balotelli was the right forward, directly matched against him as the left full-back, so his defensive task was heavy.

Although Vukojević would cover the half, providing interference, he was ultimately a single defensive midfielder and couldn't constantly mark Balotelli.

Therefore, Strinić knew that his individual performance in defense was even more crucial.

Beep!!

The whistle blew.

The match began!

The entire stadium roared.

Cheers and whistles suddenly intensified, and at the same time, Italy on the field instantly kicked off.

"Press up!" Suker roared, quickly pushing forward.

However, once they reached a certain position, they stopped pressing further.

As for Suker, he stuck closely to Pirlo's side, constantly putting pressure on him.

He had to let Pirlo know that he was right beside him.

You can't make any mistakes!

You can't have any hesitation!

You can't have any passing errors!

Any mistake would be seized upon by Suker and Croatia, catching you off guard.

However, Pirlo remained steady, leisurely beginning to handle the ball.

"Too easy!" Suker pressed further, shortening the distance between himself and Pirlo.

Now, Pirlo couldn't leisurely stroll around.

His passing speed clearly increased, and when he finished a pass and intended to run to the next open space to receive the ball, Suker followed like a shadow.

Suker: Don't even think about receiving the ball after passing it.

Pirlo frowned; he could only turn and retreat.

Suker only began to relax slightly after seeing Pirlo retreat.

Italy's offensive moves also began on the wings.

In a probing attack on the left wing, after Balotelli failed to dribble forward, he didn't make a foolish mistake this time, instead passing the ball back steadily.

Montolivo received the ball and directly chipped it behind Srna.

Before Srna turned, he first pressed De Rossi's chest with his hand to prevent him from moving.

At the same time, he retreated a step ahead, meeting the dropping ball, and directly laid it off to Vida in the middle.

"Great defense, Captain!" Vida immediately gave Srna a thumbs up after transferring the ball.

"Stay focused!" Srna said in a deep voice.

Italy wasn't that easy to play against.

Possession transferred to Croatia's feet.

When Modrić received the ball, Suker immediately retreated a few steps, backing into Pirlo, actively seeking a confrontation.

He knew Pirlo hated such confrontations.

Indeed, Pirlo began preparing to intercept at any moment.

But Suker held firm, not allowing the opponent to get in front of him.

After several attempts, Pirlo found he couldn't win the confrontation.

Just then, Modrić passed to Rakitić, who directly laid it off to Suker.

Suker chose not to control the ball, letting it pass in front of him, while suddenly shoving backward, directly pushing Pirlo away, then using his burst of speed to shake off Pirlo.

Suker was simply too familiar with chain defense.

When he played in Serie A, this type of defense largely suppressed his goal-scoring numbers.

It took Suker a long time to figure out how to break through this kind of defense.

Chain defense is definitely a classic defensive foundation in counter-attacking football.

This defense isn't about defensive hardness, but about discipline.

That is, successive complementary positioning, constantly forming defensive chains, continuously weakening you, continuously suppressing you, until you are helpless.

How to break chain defense?

Among teams of the same level, La Liga clearly wasn't effective, which meant that Latin-style technical skills couldn't break through layer upon layer of chains.

However, when facing Italian teams, Bundesliga and Premier League teams clearly had some advantages.

This meant that the play couldn't be too intricate; that would make it easier to be defended to a standstill.

The importance of speed was evident here.

Not average speed, but instantaneous burst of speed!

After completing the breakthrough, use your burst of speed to directly break through the chain defense before it fully forms!

Just like Suker now, shaking off Pirlo, charging forward with an unstoppable momentum.

"Stop him!"

"Can't keep up!"

"Retreat! Retreat!"

Italy's backline was in disarray!

Their chain defense hadn't even connected yet, and Suker had already dribbled straight in.

"I'll take him!" Chiellini volunteered, lunging forward to intercept.

But Suker had already unleashed a powerful shot, the ball heading straight for the far corner.

Bang!

The ball was slightly palmed away.

Buffon leaped into the air, firmly catching the ball in his hands.

Suker grinned; "Was it too obvious?"

For this shot, the near corner angle was gone.

Moreover, Buffon's positioning was closer to the near corner, so Suker curled it to the far corner.

Unexpectedly, Buffon anticipated it.

He actively took two side steps and leaped into the air.

The most crucial thing was that the ball didn't slip from his grasp; he held it firmly in his hands.

"A brilliant save by Buffon! He anticipated Suker's attempt to curl it to the far corner, and he cleanly plucked the ball out of the air!"

"However, Suker's sudden attacking breakthrough still gave Italy a scare; they seem somewhat helpless against this kind of impact!"

Krauhić nodded.

Although it was stopped, this was just a probing attack in the early stages of the match.

Being stopped was fine!

After all, the offensive threat had been demonstrated!

Most importantly, Suker, this sharp sword, had begun to show his power.

"To play chain defense, you have to play simply, not too intricately!" Bešić said; "So, I told Suker to shoot directly whenever he had a chance. Forwards shouldn't pass more than three times near the penalty area; the third touch must be a shot!"

"Shot after shot, layer upon layer of pressure applied to Italy's backline, thereby transferring the pressure from the backline, which can't keep up with Suker's burst of speed, to Pirlo!"

"If the backline is under pressure, they'll want to release the ball quickly, and we'll continue to press! And if they can't release the ball, Pirlo will need to drop deeper to receive it. Once he drops back, our formation will press forward again, concentrating pressure on Pirlo!"

Van Stoyak: "But they could also choose to directly loft the ball into our half!"

Bešić smiled slightly; "That's why we have Vukojević in our half! His covering defense is enough to deal with such lofted passes. Also, I've told Vukojević not to be afraid of getting a card!"