Chapter 229: Chapter 229
Perhaps Dilata was too aggressive in squeezing through the crowd from the back.
Her white dress’s V-neck was pulled down halfway, revealing a gleam of spring.
But after all Dilata is the top sister at Sky Sports, having experienced many big events.
In full view, she calmly tidied up her clothes.
"Tang, congratulations on leading Inter Milan to win the Coppa Italia this season!"
"This truly is a moment of glory for you, and equally for Inter Milan!"
"What none of us can forget is, you used a spoon penalty against Buffon for the second time. Can you talk about whether this was something you had prepared beforehand?"
Tang Long stared at the familiar pendant on Dilata’s chest, somewhat dazed.
It wasn’t until Dilata’s microphone wobbled in front of him that he came to, candidly saying:
"Ahem! Well, it wasn’t prepared in advance. I made the decision for the spoon penalty at the last step of my run-up."
With this remark, the attention of dozens of journalists on site shifted instantly from Dilata to Tang Long!
If we only look at this 1:0 score, it might seem unremarkable, nothing noticeable;
But only those who watched the entire match knew that Tang Long’s spoon penalty was the highlight of the game!
Dilata quickly got into interview mode, "Can you talk about what you were thinking at that moment? We’re all eager to hear!"
Everyone pricked up their ears.
Tang Long turned his head to find that dozens of microphones were poking closer to him.
The long guns and short cannons were almost sticking right in front of his eyes.
Furthermore, several reporters had climbed onto the advertising boards behind him, leaning over with microphones in hand.
Their goal was to get their microphones closer to Tang Long for clearer audio.
These local Italian journalists all wanted to clarify one issue.
Buffon, the greatest goalkeeper in Italian football history, how could he be fooled twice by Tang Long?
"I am a professional player, and the judgments of professional players often arise in a flash," Tang Long spoke impressively to everyone, "At that moment, I thought of the quarterfinal penalty shootout of the 2012 European Cup where Pirlo faced England."
"You are all Italians, you should be very familiar with that penalty, right?"
"In that moment, my thought was the same as Pirlo’s, not only to score the penalty but also to completely crush the opponent’s psychological defenses!"
Of course, there was a sentence Tang Long did not say, which was Ronaldo’s pre-match instruction to crush Buffon.
With these words out, everyone at the scene was amazed.
Everyone present had watched the quarterfinal match of the European Cup three years ago.
Almost half of them experienced that thrilling moment live.
Pirlo steadily used a spoon penalty to fool England’s then-national goalkeeper Joe Hart.
During the crucial moments of the big match, Pirlo’s composure and the aura of a general he exuded made the English players who followed up for penalties become increasingly nervous, kicking the penalties astray!
Italy also overcame England and ultimately progressed to the final.
Hearing Tang Long describe his thought process so casually, Dilata couldn’t help but tremble as she held the microphone.
Her blue eyes were fixedly watching Tang Long’s deep dark eyes.
In those eyes, Dilata saw a determination and confidence inconsistent with his age!
Such gaze made Dilata feel as if she was being impacted all over, experiencing tremendous shock.
If a confident man is most charming, then a man who possesses both confidence and strength can capture any woman’s heart.
This time it was Dilata’s turn to be stunned!
Not until Tang Long gently patted the microphone and asked if there was anything else to ask did she come to herself.
"You know, Tang, many of my colleagues complain that tonight you destroyed Italy’s most potential second treble!"
"Even if Juventus defeats Barcelona in the Champions League final, they can never measure up to Inter Milan of 2010." Dilata continued.
Dilata’s remark caused a hint of disappointed dimness to flash in the eyes of at least half of the Italian journalists present.
Italian football has been in a slump for these years, with economic declines widening the gap between Serie A and the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga.
There’s even signs of being overpassed by Ligue 1.
This season, up till now, many colleagues in the Italian football media were anticipating Juventus’ performance excitedly.
Though not all are Juventus fans, the Italian football circle yearns for another treble-winning team after Inter Milan.
In this downturn moment for Italian football, it would be inspiring and boost morale.
But on this night, Tang Long’s spoon penalty burst this bubble with a single slap!
Hearing this, Tang Long shrugged, giving an indifferent light smile.
"I can’t be blamed for this, it’s Buffon’s ball-digging movements that have degraded!"
"If he could be faster like in that 2011 game against AC Milan, maybe the referee wouldn’t see it. Honestly, if this penalty hadn’t scored, Juventus might really have won the match."
Dilata couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.
If it’s true that confident and capable men are most capable of conquering women,
then a sense of humor, as a catalyst, has an even more enhancing effect.
In Dilata’s heart, her affection for Tang Long was steadily rising.
After the interview ended, the award ceremony began!
The Inter players had already lined up, eager and ready.
But they still needed to wait a little longer, since according to the procedure, the runners-up receive their awards first.
This is also the most enjoyable part for the championship players.
As champions, to see the runners-up, each with a look of despair, reluctantly walk up to the podium to receive the shiny, dazzling, distinct silver medals—this scene is so delightful in the eyes of the Inter players~
Especially since this runner-up was Juventus, who mercilessly mocked Inter Milan at their championship celebration three rounds ago.
The turnaround was so swift!
With this battle, Juventus, you will never achieve a treble; you will never match Inter Milan!
No one looked more dejected than Juventus captain Buffon.
Truth be told, he didn’t make any particular errors.
Because there was hardly any opportunity for him to shine on the defensive end.
Inter Milan only took five shots on goal in total, and the only one that was on target was Tang Long’s penalty.
At this moment, Buffon was extremely frustrated!
If only his ball-catching skills were more adept, his movements more discreet, he might have fooled the referee’s eyes again like four years ago.
The Juventus players were all walking off the stage with their heads down, full of frustration.
As soon as they got offstage, they resolutely took off their runner-up medals,
and without looking back, quickly disappeared into the players’ tunnel, not wanting to witness the ensuing scene.
But the next scene was the moment all the Inter players and Inter fans worldwide were eagerly anticipating!
Led by captain Ranocchia, the Inter Milan players solemnly, step by step, ascended the podium.
It was the President of Italy who placed the golden medals of honor on them.
This was an unprecedented moment!
In the past, no Italian president had ever personally placed medals on the winning players.
It must be said that although the Italian President forced a smile onto his face,
everyone could see his inner awkwardness and reluctance!
Oh, if only Juventus had won this match!
The chance for Serie A’s second treble gone, thwarted by Inter, thwarted by Tang Long.
Three deafening blasts, like thunder bursting suddenly from the sky, tore through the quiet of the air.
Immediately after, countless golden streamers danced lightly in the air, like a sudden golden rain curtain!
On the podium, Ranocchia did something that took everyone by surprise.
He handed over the heavy, gleaming Coppa Italia to Tang Long without a moment’s hesitation.
At that moment, it was as though all the spotlight focused on Tang Long, as if he were a hero chosen by the gods, standing in the center of the stage, in the spotlight!
Tang Long’s heartbeat resonated with the surrounding cheers, he took a deep breath and lifted the trophy high above his head.
And at that instant, whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Three golden fireworks shot up into the sky from behind him, piercing the heavens!
These fireworks, like three golden dragons, soared into the sky, propelling this victory celebration to its peak!
More than 20 players on the stage roared and jumped wildly, almost collapsing the podium!
Tang Long finally held up his first championship trophy of his professional career.
Congratulations to Inter Milan, congratulations to Tang Long!
Let them welcome the final match of the Serie A season, the Milan Derby, in their best form!
And following that, there’s still a UEFA Europa League final to play.
As the saying goes, one barrier after another is overcome, yet barriers keep coming!
After overcoming this, there will always be the next hurdle!