Chapter 219: Chip Shot

Words : 1443 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

"Kaka was trying too hard to prove himself!" "He couldn't keep his rhythm steady!" "This match should serve as a big lesson!" In the tactics room, the coaching staff had gathered to analyze the previous match, where Kaka's reckless forward pushes disrupted the team's rhythm and ultimately led to their loss. On the surface, it looked like the defense was to blame. But the real turning point came after Kaka's rash forward runs, which allowed Sampdoria to launch effective counterattacks. These errors also cost Gattuso and Nesta dearly—one yellow card and a penalty conceded. "It's not that big of a deal," Ancelotti suddenly said. Everyone turned to look at him. He still wore his usual relaxed expression. His brows lifted slightly, and he smiled:"I actually think it's a good thing. Losing early in the season helps us identify problems now—much better than discovering them in mid or late season." "And is Kaka's eagerness to perform really a bad thing?" "I don't think so!" "Since Rivaldo's departure, there's been little competition for the attacking midfielder spot, which has made Kaka too comfortable in his role!" "Making mistakes isn't always bad—it shows he's actively trying to improve." Suker's arrival and stellar performance had put tremendous pressure on Kaka. Even if he didn't show it outwardly, it was obvious on the field. Suker controlled more possession. He was gradually becoming the playmaking leader. Even though they both played attacking midfield, Suker was clearly overshadowing Kaka. That stirred Kaka's competitive spirit. The clash in the match against Sampdoria was a direct result—when Kaka failed to fix a problem he'd caused, frustration got the better of him. But Ancelotti didn't view it as a negative. Competition is at the heart of football. Whether inside the team or out, competition drives growth. Kaka wanted to grow. He wanted to get better. That's why he made mistakes. It's part of the journey. When he stops making those mistakes, it'll mean he's already reached the next level. "Alright, let's prepare for the next match. We lost away—can't afford to lose at home too!" Kaka had been feeling very guilty lately. He began showing up early at the training ground for extra practice. He wanted to earn back the fans' support and prove himself to his teammates. But being friends with Suker was 'hard work.' Because it meant keeping up with Suker's pace of growth. Suker's progress was so fast that even a natural talent like Kaka felt exhausted trying to catch up. When they both arrived at Milan, Suker and Kaka had similar roles. Now, Suker's outstanding performances had made him the lead actor. Kaka admitted—he was being overshadowed. Though they shared the attacking midfield role, it was clear Suker had taken charge. Kaka didn't want to be a support player forever. So, he trained harder and aimed for better performances. At the training ground, Suker sat on the sideline, next to Inzaghi. Watching Kaka still on the field, Inzaghi sighed,"He's putting too much pressure on himself." Suker replied,"Can you blame him? He gets up at 5 a.m. to train, and just leaves me behind. I don't even have a ride anymore!" Inzaghi chuckled."So how are you getting here?" "Bus," Suker shrugged. "I've been taking the bus these past two days. I'm planning to get my license—I don't want to depend on anyone anymore!" Suker was clearly frustrated. Kaka didn't offer him rides anymore but still kept mooching off his meals! Sitting cross-legged, Suker rested his elbows on his knees and muttered,"What's he competing with me for? I'm not going to stay in midfield forever!" Inzaghi turned to him:"Then where will you play?" "Forward," Suker pointed at Inzaghi. "Center forward!" Inzaghi paused for a moment and suddenly got up. "Where are you going!" Suker shouted. Inzaghi turned and cursed,"Get lost! Don't come crowding the forward line. Shevchenko's already a headache. Add you to the mix and this place will be unlivable!" September 22, AC Milan faced Lazio—one of the traditional "Seven Sisters" of Serie A. But Lazio was far from its former glory. As Serie A's sharp-tongued commentator Aldo Serena put it—Lazio had played like crap these past two seasons. Their first half of the season was often solid and impressive. But post-Christmas, it was as if the whole team had been cursed—descending into a daze. Last season wasn't just a collapse. It was a total collapse! From title contenders in the first half, to relegation strugglers in the second. If that's not collapse, what is? 2005/06 Serie A, Round 4. AC Milan vs Lazio, at San Siro. Starting lineups: AC Milan (4-3-1-2):GK: KaracDefenders: Cafu, Kaladze, Stam, MaldiniMidfield: Gattuso, Pirlo, AmbrosiniForwards: Inzaghi, Suker, Shevchenko Lazio (5-3-2):GK: SereniDefenders: Giannombardo, Siviglia, Zauri, Stendardo, OddoMidfield: Liverani, Dabo, BehramiForwards: Di Canio, Rocchi Kaka once again didn't start. Ancelotti was deliberately benching him—to cool him down, make him reflect, and also ignite that competitive fire. Suker handled the attacking midfield alone—a bit thin perhaps. But based on his performance so far, Ancelotti wasn't too worried. Unless they were up against top teams like Juventus or Inter, it was hard for anyone to lock Suker down. There were two Inzaghis involved in this game. Simone Inzaghi sat on Lazio's bench. Big brother Pippo was playing, while little brother sat and watched. Clearly, the older Inzaghi had more talent on the pitch. But in coaching, the younger one would later surpass him. Soon, the match began amid roaring cheers from AC Milan fans. "Suker receives the ball and turns—Oddo closes in—but Suker passes it sideways to the overlapping Ambrosini!" "Ambrosini lofts the ball into the box—Shevchenko heads it! Ah—goalkeeper punches it out—it falls to the right—Suker!! Milan's attack isn't over yet!" Suker glanced along the defensive line toward Inzaghi. Then suddenly took the shot. "Suker crosses—wait, it's a chip shot!! Curled to the far post!! Lazio's keeper couldn't react in time—this ball—" Commentator Aldo Serena watched as the goalkeeper barely got a fingertip to the ball, but not enough to alter its path. The ball and keeper dropped into the net together. AC Milan took the lead in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a chip from Suker. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! The crowd at San Siro exploded. Fans raised their arms in ecstatic celebration. Even they hadn't expected such a clever shot. Suker had sold it so well—everyone thought he was passing. But he chipped it instead! That brilliant goal gave Milan their opening lead. "Suker is on fire! Four league matches—three goals and three assists!" "This young Croatian talent is the brightest star at San Siro!" "Now I understand why Kaka's been benched. With performances like this, no one can ignore him!" "Rejoice, Milan fans! Your goalscorer—number 99!" Thousands of Milan supporters roared Suker's name. SUKERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! On the sidelines, the assistant coach shook his head in awe as he watched Suker dominate. "Suker's too good. This is only his first season. If he keeps improving at this rate—who could possibly stop him next year?" Suker embodied what it meant to be full of promise. If he was already this good, what would the future hold? Ancelotti also watched the field thoughtfully. Suker had far exceeded expectations. But he didn't quite agree with his assistant. Suker's future shouldn't be defined by a midfield role. Maybe Suker's right—he belongs up front. He's already scored three goals in four matches playing as an attacking mid. If they moved him up front— Just imagine pairing him with a fully developed Kaka and Pirlo feeding him the ball... Whew... Ancelotti gave a little shake of the head. Now wasn't the time to think about that. For now, Suker still had to play attacking mid. On the pitch, Suker continued to shine. Lazio's defense began to crumble under his control. And with Pirlo occasionally delivering killer passes from the back, Shevchenko and Inzaghi kept crashing into the box. Suker and Inzaghi's ghost-like positioning overwhelmed the Lazio backline. In the 78th minute, Ambrosini assisted Shevchenko for a header, scoring Milan's second. That would also be the final goal. Full-time: AC Milan 2 - 0 Lazio. After an away loss, Milan bounced back immediately with a solid home win. Next week, a tight schedule awaits. Two matches in one week: League and Champions League.

Chapter 219: Chip Shot

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