Chapter 329: The New Season

Words : 1136 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

On September 10th, Serie A officially kicks off. After the World Cup and the Calciopoli scandal, Italian football underwent a massive earthquake, delaying the league's start date for quite some time. Now that investigations have gradually concluded and the dust has settled around the Calciopoli case, Serie A is ready to restart. This year is a historic one for Italian football—A year of triumph and tragedy!The Calciopoli scandal devastated Italian football.But they also won the World Cup!A rollercoaster of highs and lows—like fire and ice. The scandal delivered a catastrophic blow to Italian football. Juventus was punished with relegation and point deductions! Other implicated clubs like AC Milan and Lazio also faced disciplinary action. But more fundamentally, the league's ability to attract star players took a nosedive. What was once known as the "Mini World Cup" is now ridiculed as the land of match-fixing and corrupt referees... In this dark cloud, any player who joins a Serie A club is hailed as brave. But the aftershocks of the scandal are far from over. Even more damaging than the penalties is the league's destroyed reputation—its appeal to top talent and rising stars has vanished. Though Serie A still boasts a few world-class players... The theme seems to be "leaving." AC Milan perfectly reflects Serie A's decline. Their allure in the transfer market has plummeted. Once dominant in signing top players, Milan is now desperate and humbled. This summer's transfer window was a failure. Even the Milan management admits it. Only Brocchi and Ricardo Oliveira came in—and they were considered major signings? Compare that to the past: In the summer of 2003, Milan signed Kaká. In 2005, they signed Suker. Both were blockbuster deals that paid off immensely. Back then, Milan had lethal pull with young talents and world-class stars. Now? Players are jumping ship like rats from a sinking boat. Some media even praised Milan for managing to keep Suker and Kaká at all. What's more impressive: Suker never demanded a raise amid the chaos. Kaká at least asked for a salary increase. But Suker? Nothing. Milan gave him a raise out of gratitude. Just like Milan fans said to him, "We'll go down to Serie B together"—Milan is doing everything they can in return. Jersey number 10? Given. Attack leadership role? Given. Locker room authority? Given. Fan support? Absolutely. Whatever he wants—they're giving it. All because of one sentence—and Suker became the darling of San Siro. September 10th, San Siro Stadium. Milan fans flock to the stadium to kick off the new season. After four chaotic months, they finally return to their sacred ground. They thought the sky was falling—but things somehow held together. Even though Shevchenko is gone... Milan retained most of its core players. First match of the season. San Siro sold out. Still, throngs of fans lingered outside. A sign of loyalty:"We're still here. We always support Milan!" Amid the crowd, one group stands out— A youth-led fan faction, hundreds strong. All young, all wearing Milan's number 10 jersey. They wave two massive red-and-black flags. Left one: a big white "99."Right one: a painting of a cello. Yes, this is Milan's newest fan group:The "Cello."Dedicated entirely to Suker. "Suker!""He's Milan's favorite!""Suker!""He's lightning-fast!""Suker!""He's unmatched!" Crowds on the street turn to watch this boisterous parade. At the front, a young man leads with a megaphone. "Suker says, Failure?" "NO!!" "Defeat?" "NO!!" "Championship?" "YES!!" "We are the proud Milan!" "Milan! Milan! Milan!" They chant thunderously, fists raised high like triumphant warriors returning home. At the back, a chubby little guy waddles along. Red-and-black jersey.Headband reads: "Milan! Victory!" His chubby face quivers as he yells. Fists in the air—"Milan! Milan! Milan!""Suker, yeah!" He clumsily tries to keep up—ridiculous, yet charming. Inside San Siro: Players are warming up. Milan hosts Lazio in the opening match. While warming up, Suker spots his fan group. Hard to miss. The giant "Cello" banner is waving wildly. He chuckles. "Why'd they choose that ugly logo..." Refocusing, he continues his pre-match routine seriously. The stadium DJ starts blasting music to amp the crowd. Suker warms up to the beat, getting his body loose and excited. He'll definitely start tonight. Most likely as the center forward. It's been five long years. From his start at Zrinjski Mostar, shifted to the wing,And only now—finally back to his true position. This is his long-awaited moment. He must seize it. "Get me an assist!" Suker nudges Kaká."Seafood dinner's on me tonight!" Kaká's eyes light up. He nods eagerly. Soon after, Pirlo walks over. "Try to score. Pippo's likely benched. We're counting on you." He pats Kaká on the chest. Even Gattuso shouts from afar, pointing at his chest and grinning. Warm-ups end. Back to the locker room for final prep. Coach Ancelotti announces the starting XI. No surprise—Suker starts up front as center forward. He pulls on his new number 10 jersey. Ancelotti pats his shoulder. "Do your best." Suker nods firmly. He's Milan's attacking focal point—He has the green light to shoot at will. He has to deliver to reward the coach's trust. Players line up in the tunnel. Lazio has seen little change. Unlike Juve's freefall, most teams are decaying slowly. The Serie A opener is moments away. Crowd noise erupts. On the stadium screen, player photos and stats begin to appear. And when Suker's name pops up— The entire San Siro shakes like an earthquake. "SUUUUUUKERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!" Deafening cheers sweep the stadium. The DJ leads the chant: "Number 10!" "SUKERRRRRRRR!!!!!!" "Number 10!" "SUKERRRRRRRR!!!!!!" "Number 10!" "SUKERRRRRRRR!!!!!!" "They're showing how grateful they are!"Seedorf says with a smile. Suker grins too. He's genuinely happy. In those cheers, he can feel their passion and expectations. "Get ready to enter!" Captain Maldini shouts from the front. Everyone tightens up. ROAAAAAR!!!! Crowd explodes as players walk onto the field. Starting XI appears: AC Milan (4-3-2-1):GK: DidaDEF: Simic, Nesta, Maldini, JankulovskiMID: Gattuso, Pirlo, AmbrosiniFOR: Kaká, Suker, Seedorf Lazio (4-4-2):GK: PeruzziDEF: Oddo, Zauri, Siviglia, CribariMID: Ledesma, Mudingayi, Stefano Mauri, Gaby MudingayiFOR: Rocchi, Pandev "Stam and Shevchenko's departures left big holes for Suker and Maldini to fill." "I don't understand why Inzaghi is benched, with Suker at center forward. Shouldn't Suker and Kaká be behind Pippo?" Ancelotti's secrecy paid off. No one expected Suker to start as the striker. Many assume it's a desperate move due to lack of options. Gilardino's injured. Ricardo Oliveira just arrived. Inzaghi? Declining? The match hasn't even begun, yet debate around Milan's lineup is already in full swing.

Chapter 329: The New Season

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