Chapter 246: The Milan Derby

Words : 1458 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

The first half of the Champions League season had concluded. AC Milan, with outstanding performances, advanced to the knockout stages. But the Milan players couldn't afford the slightest relaxation. December 12 was fast approaching. The Milan Derby! A match that could determine whether they'd enjoy a cheerful Christmas was about to take place. AC Milan had nearly five days to prepare. Of course, Inter Milan had the same. However, compared to AC Milan, Inter at that time had yet to make a full comeback. In their past nine Milan Derbies, Inter had recorded 3 draws and 6 losses — not a single win. Despite signing superstar after superstar year after year, Inter was still haunted by the so-called "champion's curse." Rather than breaking the curse, they seemed to have become a black hole for big names. Even the influx of star players couldn't bring Inter that damn Serie A trophy — not until 2008, when the "Special One" arrived and led Inter to a historic treble! But that's a story for another day. At this moment, just hearing the name of their city rivals sent chills down Inter's spine. They had lost too many times! But no matter how often they had lost, they were still going to fight back with everything they had. Especially because this was the Milan Derby right before Christmas — and their holiday cheer was on the line. That summer, Inter again invested heavily, bringing in Walter Samuel from Real Madrid and the Portuguese superstar Luís Figo. Such massive investment demanded returns. And this match was where that return was expected! Inter fans were hoping their players would defeat AC Milan, break the curse, and give them a peaceful Christmas. The Milan Derby was imminent! The area around Milan Cathedral became the flashpoint for fan confrontations. It was the heart of Milan, and the most common site of clashes between the two fanbases. Crowds from both sides gathered, flares lit up the sky, painting the majestic cathedral in red and blue hues. From a bird's eye view, with the cathedral at the center, the surrounding kilometers were bathed in alternating shades of red and blue. A heavy police presence filled the square, riot squads tensely watching the shouting fans on both sides. They feared a minor altercation could lead to mass violence. Thankfully, the Milan Derby wasn't like Argentina's Superclásico — prone to exploding into chaos. The fans hurled insults for hours, but rarely escalated to actual fights. "Come on, throw punches already! What's the point of just yelling?"Suk grumbled in front of the TV, watching the standoff between fans. Compared to the explosive Balkan derbies he had experienced — where matches could easily turn into wars — this Milan Derby felt tame to him. "Watch yourself on the pitch — if you get suspended, that's trouble,"Maldini warned. Flares of conflict were inevitable in a derby. And Suker was particularly prone to getting provoked, though he always seemed to escape consequences. Still, several of their teammates were walking powder kegs. "Everyone listen up: We're going for the win, but no injuries, don't rise to provocations, and keep your tackles clean!"Maldini added, checking the time. "The match is tomorrow. Tonight, go home early, get a good night's sleep. No drinking, no clubbing!" Finally, he looked straight at Inzaghi with a stern expression:"No hotels either!" Inzaghi grimaced. Later that night, Suker and Kaká shared a ride home. Kaká reminded him,"Try not to dribble too much tomorrow — you're more likely to get hurt." Suker gave him a look:"That's what I should be telling you." At least Suker passed the ball now and then. Kaká was all about full-throttle attacks. Once opponents targeted him with malicious tackles, his injury risk shot through the roof. "Relax, I've got more derby experience than you. I've been in worse ones,"Suker said, stretching lazily. Suddenly, Suker's phone buzzed. He glanced down at a text message and looked surprised. "What is it?"Kaká asked. Suker smiled,"One more reason to win tomorrow." "Oh?" Kaká was curious. "What's that?" "Gisele's coming to watch me play." Kaká slammed the brakes. Suker nearly flew through the windshield. "What the hell are you doing?!" Suker snapped, glaring. Kaká looked at him wide-eyed,"You actually scored her?" Gisele Bündchen. A Brazilian supermodel of national treasure status. Since last year, she had begun walking international runways. In Brazil, she was a staple at major events. Suker rubbed his forehead,"We're just friends. Focus on driving." "Ohhh~"Kaká mumbled, a bit dazed. The next day: San Siro (Meazza) Stadium. AC Milan and Inter Milan shared the same stadium, but each gave it a different name. To AC Milan fans, it was San Siro — named after the district. To Inter fans, it was officially the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — named after their legendary player. Playing a home game that feels like an away one was a strange experience. Standing on the pitch, Suker looked around. The stands were a sea of blue and black — Inter fans everywhere. The crowd erupted in jeers. Especially when Suker's face appeared on the big screen, the booing intensified. Suk grumbled,"Damn! I'm getting booed in my own home stadium!" Kaká passed him the ball during warm-ups. "You'll get used to it," he said. In the VIP box. Gisele Bündchen wore relaxed jeans and an AC Milan #99 jersey, knotted at the waist to show her slender figure. Her long wavy hair fell freely over her shoulders. She took a sip of red wine, looking at the big screen, where Suker's irritated face was visible. Her lips curled up. "Our little boy doesn't seem too happy about the booing." Her assistant said,"If the media sees you here, your relationship rumors will go wild." Gisele shrugged,"So what?" The assistant hesitated,"Suker has landed several high-end endorsements." "And?" Gisele turned her head, taking off her sunglasses. She raised an eyebrow. "Has he ever mentioned me to the media? Used me for hype?" The assistant shook her head,"No." "Compared to those liars who say they love me while cheating behind my back, he's a thousand times better." The assistant sighed,"You're sure he won't cheat?" "If he does, what's it got to do with me?" Gisele shrugged. "We're just friends." "Now let's enjoy the match, okay?" she said coldly. The assistant lowered her head. She knew Gisele was pissed. On the field, both teams had finished warming up and returned to the locker rooms. "This is our last crucial match before Christmas. I know none of you want our fans to have a miserable holiday,"Ancelotti said, as the team grew serious. "Let's take this match, just like we always do. Stay composed and play our rhythm!" "Let's go!"Ancelotti reached out his hand. The players formed a circle, placing their hands on top. "Win this and have a Merry Christmas!" Ancelotti shouted. "Forza Milan!" FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!— identical shouts echoed from both locker rooms. The players met in the tunnel. All with grim, focused faces. Derby matches came with their own tension and fire. Even from the tunnel, they could hear the deafening roars outside. Starting Lineups: Inter Milan (4-4-2):GK: CésarDEF: Zanetti, Samuel, Cordoba, WomeMID: Stanković, Cambiasso, Verón, FigoFWD: Martins, Adriano AC Milan (4-3-2-1):GK: DidaDEF: Jankulovski, Nesta, Stam, MaldiniMID: Gattuso, Pirlo, SeedorfFWD: Rui Costa, Shevchenko, Suk "Has Sheva's citizenship gone through yet?" Ancelotti asked. They had too many foreign players. Due to league limits, not all could play — it weakened Milan's squad. "Almost," the assistant coach said. "Suker's application has been submitted too." "Suker?" Ancelotti looked surprised. The assistant grinned. "Berlusconi somehow found Suker's great-grandfather — claimed he had Italian heritage. If Suker lives here two years, he can apply." Ancelotti looked odd. As far as he knew, Suker was an orphan, raised in a welfare home. He didn't even know who his parents were. Yet Berlusconi found his great-grandfather? What nonsense! But then again... the man could make it happen. The crowd filled the stadium with deafening boos for AC Milan. When the away team lineups were introduced, Suker got a special welcome. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! The stadium DJ made sure to repeat Suker's name multiple times. Suker!!!Vaffanculo! (Go to Hell) Suker!!!Vaffanculo! Suker!!!Vaffanculo! Suker glared up at the stands but said nothing. In the VIP box, Gisele flicked her hair in frustration. "Classless bastards." Her friend was being subjected to foul insults. Queen Gisele was pissed!

Chapter 246: The Milan Derby

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