Chapter 9

After the substitute player of the yellow team scored a goal, their morale greatly increased, and they immediately launched a counterattack. Since the players were temporarily assembled, there was not much overall coordination, and their individual skills were not significantly different. Under the fierce counterattack of the yellow team, the main red team was forced to retreat continuously, even failing to hold the midfield.

At the 22nd minute of the game, seeing that they couldn't break into the penalty area, a midfielder of the yellow team suddenly took a cold shot from 30 meters away without stopping the ball. The goalkeeper, Sgotti, was unprepared and made a hurried dive, but the shot was too sudden, and Sgotti couldn't muster enough strength. The ball didn't go far from the goal and landed right in front of Chen Yu, who almost instinctively poked it with his toe, sending the ball into the net for the second time.

2:2

Chen Yu scored twice, helping the yellow team level the score.

This time, Chen Yu couldn't control his emotions. He ran off the field and tightly hugged Zhang Shubin, shouting, "I scored! I scored again!"

Chen Yu believed that with these two goals, he should be able to stay, regardless of whether the head coach liked him or not.

"Beautiful! It was a beautiful goal! You're amazing!"

Zhang Shubin was also extremely excited, patting Chen Yu's back. Although he had many Chinese players under him, none were as outstanding as Chen Yu. He felt he had finally found a cash cow.

The red team, considering themselves the main team, did not expect to be tied, especially by this trial player. They all looked unhappy, and the main striker, Rigano, stared at Chen Yu silently, secretly regarding him as a competitor.

Jiali couldn't help but be moved when he saw Chen Yu score the second goal. He turned to Vercellini and said, "Should we keep a player like this?"

"He just got lucky," Vercellini said, pretending to be indifferent, but in his heart, he admitted that this Chinese striker was indeed good. As a former top defender in the world, he knew that this goal was not purely luck. Being in the right place at the right time is a striker's instinct, and this instinct cannot be taught by a coach.

"But if we don't keep a player like this and another team does, it will be a threat to us. If he becomes famous, we will lose the huge Chinese market, which Mr. Dela Valle wants," Jiali said, subtly threatening Vercellini.

Vercellini didn't respond. He wanted to see how Chen Yu would perform next. In his heart, he looked down on Chinese people and Chinese players, believing that the Italian player Quagliarella was the best partner for Rigano.

The game was supposed to end after eight more minutes, but the score remained 2:2. Vercellini, who was the referee, did not blow the whistle to stop the game but let it continue.

The referee was the head coach, and the yellow team, though unwilling, had no choice. The game continued until the 43rd minute when Rigano received a cross from Diluvi and scored, putting the main red team ahead. Vercellini then blew the whistle to end the game.

In the last 20 minutes, Chen Yu, under tight defense, did not score again, but his performance was still outstanding. Several of his runs and ball control created threats, and one close-range sliding tackle almost scored again against the main red team.

After the game, Captain Diluvi walked over and patted Chen Yu on the shoulder, saying, "Kid, your shooting is really good."

"Hello, please take care of me," Chen Yu, not understanding Diluvi's Italian, replied with the only two Italian phrases he knew.

"Coach Pietro, the game has exceeded 13 minutes," Zhang Shubin said confidently to Vercellini after the friendly match, his chest puffed out, no longer trying to please. Based on Chen Yu's performance, Zhang Shubin believed that if Vercellini didn't want to keep Chen Yu, Chen Yu had the ability to join a higher-level club with better treatment, not just Serie C1, but even Serie B was possible.

"The extra time was because I wanted to see how he performed in the second half," Vercellini said.

The facts were clear. Jiali clearly supported keeping Chen Yu, and after the game, Captain Diluvi had already started asking Chen Yu questions. Vercellini, despite his fame, was also a newcomer and couldn't afford to anger the team.

"Then give me a clear answer. I've also contacted Siena and am preparing to try out there," Zhang Shubin lied a little.

Before Vercellini could respond, Jiali said, "How can Siena compare to us? Have they ever played in Serie A? I think Chen Yu is suitable for Fiorentina... but of course, the final decision is up to Coach Vercellini." Jiali realized he had overstepped and quickly gave Vercellini a way out.

Vercellini was somewhat displeased but had no choice. Jiali was a close confidant of the owner, Dela Valle, and he had to give him some face. "Chen Yu has the ability and potential. As long as he continues to work hard, he should be able to establish himself in Fiorentina."

Jiali finally got what he wanted from Vercellini. He immediately told Zhang Shubin, "Chen Yu's performance has convinced Coach Vercellini and me. We can now go to the office to discuss Chen Yu's contract."

Zhang Shubin was very happy. Although he believed Chen Yu could play in Serie B, the name Fiorentina was far more prestigious than any ordinary Serie B team. Playing here would be the best outcome. He smiled and said, "Alright, I'll talk to Chen Yu for a moment and have him pack his things and go back to Siena."

"He can stay at a hotel in Fiorentina, and the club will reimburse him. We'll find him a place to rent later," Jiali said with a smile, worried that such a good striker might not return after going to Siena for a trial.

"Thank you, Manager Jiali. No need for a hotel; Chen Yu can stay with us for now."

Zhang Shubin walked to the sideline and called Chen Yu over. "Go back and pack your things. I'll discuss your contract with Manager Jiali. If you have any requests, tell me now."

"Um, I don't have any requests. I don't need anything; as long as I can play and eat, I'm fine. Uncle Zhang, you handle it for me." Chen Yu, though he had felt he might stay after the game, was still overwhelmed with excitement when his dream became reality, and his mind was almost blank.

Zhang Shubin smiled, understanding Chen Yu's feelings. He patted Chen Yu's shoulder hard. "Go pack your things and say goodbye to your friends. I'll have Gao Fei drive my car to help you."

"I don't have much stuff, no need for Gao Fei's help," Chen Yu said, realizing he really didn't have much.

Gao Fei grinned. "Don't be so formal. I have nothing else to do anyway. Let's go, let's go. We'll go to Siena and have a drink with Xu Bing to celebrate. He still owes me a drink from last time."

Zhang Shubin, who was about to leave with Manager Jiali, turned around after hearing Gao Fei's words. "Go and come back soon. You can drink, but don't get drunk. You have Italian class tonight, Chen Yu, you should come too. Language is important for you."

"Understood." Chen Yu and Gao Fei smiled at each other and left the Fiorentina training base.

Watching Chen Yu and Gao Fei's backs, Vercellini shook his head. He didn't want any Chinese players, but now there were two in the team, which made him very unhappy. However, he had no choice. As a coach, he realized the difficulties of the job. Everything was not as he wished, and he had to learn to work with what he had to succeed in this challenging role.