Football singularity-Chapter 412 Gli Azzurri (2)

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[Wed, 29/05/2019, 16:45, Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion, Poland]

The tension in the air was palpable as the German U-20 squad stood in the tunnel, awaiting the signal to step onto the pristine grass of Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion. After their dramatic 2-2 draw against Japan, the pressure was on. Germany needed a result against the group leaders, Italy, who had comfortably dispatched Mexico in their opener. A loss would put them in a precarious position, while a victory would catapult them into serious contention for a knockout stage berth.

The weather was mild as the late afternoon sun was still on the horizon with an occasional light breeze flowing through the stadium. The no-nonsense Uruguayan Andrés Matonte will be officiating this match trying to keep things fair and clean. With football history, both countries possess emotions are bound to be high throughout the game meaning he has his work cut out for himself to keep things under control. As the players emerged from the tunnel, commentator Paul Gartner’s voice rang through the stadium speakers, guiding viewers through the line-ups.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion for this crucial Group B clash between Germany and Italy. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Germans, who will be desperate to secure their first win of the tournament, while Italy looks to consolidate their position at the top of the table."

The camera panned across the Italian squad as they strode onto the pitch, their navy blue kits gleaming under the stadium lights. "For Italy, who were outstanding in their opening win over Mexico, between the posts, we have Alessandro Plizzari, who made some key saves in that match. At right-back, Raoul Bellanova brings pace and aggression, while the centre-back pairing of Matteo Gabbia and Edoardo Bove will look to keep Germany’s attack in check. Alessandro Tripaldelli starts at left-back, completing the defensive line."

"In midfield, the experienced Sandro Tonali will dictate play from deep, partnered by Niccolò Rovella, whose composure in possession was crucial against Mexico. Emanuele Vignato, the attacking midfielder, will look to pull the strings behind the forwards. Out wide, Wilfried Gnonto on the right and Moise Kean on the left will provide pace and directness, while leading the line is Giacomo Raspadori, who found the net in their opener."

"As the Italians lined up, the German squad also took their positions lining up in a 4-3-3 formation. The camera now shifted to them. "Germany, still searching for their first victory, have made a few changes today. In goal, we have Luca Unbehaun, who will be hoping for a more assured defensive performance from his backline. At right-back, Simon Asta starts again, with the centre-back pairing of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Kevin Ehlers tasked with stopping Italy’s dangerous forwards. Noah Katterbach completes the defence at left-back."

Paul took a short break as the viewers watched the camera pan over the figures of the German midfielders. "In midfield, Niklas Tauer and Yannik Engelhardt form a double pivot, offering protection to the defence while trying to build from deep. In the attacking midfield role, Florian Wirtz makes his first start of the tournament, looking to make up for his missed chance in the last match."

"leading the front Oliver Batista Meier makes his tournament debut on the right wing, and the phenomenal Rakim Rex plays on the left flank. He leads the goal-scoring race with the brace he scored in the last game with Japan and will be looking to add to it. Up front, Youssoufa Moukoko leads the line, looking to trouble the Italian defence with his movement and finishing on his tournament debut."

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[Wed, 29/05/2019, 16:45, Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion, Poland]

[1]

Youssoufa Moukoko wasted no second in passing the ball back following referee Andrés Matonte’s whistle to begin the match. The Germans, in their familiar white and black kits, immediately looked to establish control, with Engelhardt spraying a short pass to Tauer in midfield. Italy’s defensive line held its shape, their blue kits forming an organized barrier against Germany’s advancing players.

Paul Gartner’s voice remained steady as the match took its first steps. "Germany with an early spell of possession, and you can see Florian Wirtz already looking to find space between the lines. Rakim, on the left wing, is always a threat, and his duel with Bellanova will be one to watch tonight."

They didn’t have to wait long as in the 5th minute Rakim, received a quick diagonal pass from Katterbach, and controlled it with ease. A delicate first touch killed the ball’s momentum before he flicked it forward and took on Bellanova. The Italian full-back was quick, but Rakim was quicker, shifting the ball past him with a sharp Revers-Elastico and a burst of acceleration.

"Rex, already looking lively—he gets past his man!" Gartner’s voice rose as the winger blizzed past Bellanova. he didn’t get far though as the Italian defender rapidly turned stretched out his hand taking hold of his shoulder as he bullied Rakim of the ball sending him falling to the ground.

Rakim hit the turf hard, his palms scraping against the grass as the whistle blew sharply. The German fans in attendance immediately booed the Italian right-back not at all happy with the player’s action. The German winger immediately pushed himself up, a glare in his eyes as he turned toward the referee.

Bellanova on the other hand didn’t mind it though as he was already pleading his innocence to Andrés Matonte. It worked as he got away with a warning as the referee probably didn’t want to book him this early, Rakim was awarded a free kick for his troubles.

Not bothering to argue with the referee Rakim simply picked up the ball placing it down however he decided to let Wirtz take it in the end. The free-kick was positioned just outside the left flank, a few meters from the penalty area. Florian Wirtz stood over the ball, eyes scanning the Italian box, where Moukoko and Engelhardt jostled for position. The towering figures of Bella-Kotchap and Ehlers had also pushed forward, ready to contest the delivery.

Paul Gartner kept the audience engaged. "Germany with an early set-piece opportunity, and with the likes of Wirtz and Rakim on the ball, this could be dangerous. Italy needs to be careful here."

The whistle blew. Wirtz took a short run-up and whipped the ball into the area with his right foot. It had pace, curling towards the six-yard box. Matteo Gabbia leapt highest, heading it away, but only as far as Niklas Tauer, who controlled it outside the box.

Tauer quickly laid it off to Oliver Batista Meier, who feinted past Tripaldelli and squared it toward the penalty spot. Moukoko lunged, stretching to get a boot on it, but Plizzari reacted quickly, diving low to smother the ball. Loud cheers erupted from the Italian supporters as they jumped to their feet celebrating their goalkeeper’s heroics.

"Excellent goalkeeping from Plizzari!" Gartner remarked. "Quick off his line to deny Moukoko his first goal of the tournament."

Italy wasted no time transitioning into attack. Plizzari rolled the ball out to Sandro Tonali, who orchestrated the tempo with an elegant touch before firing a long diagonal ball toward Moise Kean on the left wing.

Kean took it in stride, surging forward as Simon Asta scrambled back. The Italian winger was brimming with confidence, having tormented Mexico’s defenders in the first match. A couple of yards after crossing the final third, he cut inside, then quickly shifted back to his left foot. Creating a yard of space he didn’t waste a second before unleashing a curling shot toward the far post.

Luca Unbehaun dived, stretching full length, and managed to get his hands on the ball palming the ball out for a corner. "A fantastic save from Unbehaun!" Gartner praised. "Kean looked certain to score, but the German goalkeeper keeps his team level!"

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To Be Continued...