The Milan players gradually returned, and Ancelotti once again conducted a full dical check-up.
Every ti his players went off for international duty, Ancelotti would be on edge.
God knows how those rough national team coaches might use his players.
Fortunately, this ti there were no injuries—not even any hidden risks.
Gilardino, after almost half a season of recovery, was also about to return to the pitch.
It was good news after good news.
But for AC Milan, it was still not a ti to relax.
The Champions League aside...
In the league, their strongest opponent was about to arrive.
In the past, AC Milan's biggest rival in Serie A had been Juventus.
But with the Bianconeri relegated, their fiercest league rivals had now beco the "noisy neighbors."
Inter Milan had absorbed the legacy of Juventus this season.
With the additions of Ibrahimović and Vieira, the overall strength of the squad had grown even tougher.
They were currently leading the Serie A standings.
At present, Inter Milan held an 8-3-0 record with 27 points, topping the table.
AC Milan, with 11 consecutive wins, had been chasing hard and finally caught up. However, due to an 8-point deduction at the beginning of the season, they sat second with 25 points.
This season, AC Milan appeared shaky, but thanks to the breakout performances of Suker and Kaká, they had managed to grind out wins.
But now, they were facing their biggest challenge yet.
Inter Milan's threat level had risen sharply this season.
For AC Milan, though Inter Milan had always been strong, they had never taken them seriously.
Whether in terms of squad depth, bench strength, or historical achievents, AC Milan had always had reason to look down on them.
But this season, AC Milan had taken heavy blows and lost their appeal in the transfer market.
With an aging squad, players in declining form, no gains during the transfer window, and a weak bench, they had to stay sharp.
Although Suker and Kaká's brilliance had helped ease so of the embarrassnt…
AC Milan still walked on a tightrope and could not afford the slightest slip.
Especially Suker and Kaká!
If either got injured, it would be devastating for AC Milan.
Fortunately, both remained healthy.
And with other injured players also returning, Ancelotti finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"In the next match, everyone must stay focused!" Ancelotti emphasized, knocking on the tactics board.
Last season, Inter Milan had replaced Juventus to lift the league trophy.
Although they were the unprecedented champions decided in court, it still marked the end of a 17-year wait for a league title.
With the arrival of Ibrahimović and Vieira, the squad had beco even stronger. At this point, Inter Milan were sharpening their blades to puml AC Milan and take revenge.
A Milan Derby was imminent, and a storm was brewing before the match.
This ti, the source of the storm was Inter's eccentric president—Massimo Moratti.
At the Inter Milan fan representative eting, a comnt from Moratti enraged AC Milan fans.
"Inter Milan, like AC Milan, is a world-renowned club—not just for our achievents, but because we've never broken the law. I've always kept Inter on the right track. We've never taken shortcuts or tried to influence referees. For any club, it's unpleasant to have to defend oneself in such a pathetic environnt."
That statent caused a ltdown among AC Milan fans, who had just been battered by the "Calciopoli" scandal.
Fans of both sides began hurling insults and eventually clashed in full-blown brawls.
Even AC Milan's official account responded with outrage:
"AC Milan must point out how forgetful Moratti is when he claims Inter have never broken the law. To place themselves on such a pedestal is inappropriate. While Moratti's pride in his team is understandable, claiming Inter is 'the most prestigious club in Milan' is an overstatent. There is another team in Milan with more dostic and international titles."
The two clubs locked horns instantly.
And they weren't pulling any punches—each jab hit where it hurt the most.
But just then, the Italian Olympic Committee awarded AC Milan the "Golden Mouth Award," symbolizing fair play in sports.
AC Milan took full advantage:
"See! Here's the proof! This award is only given to the club that brings the most honor to Italian sports!"
The war of words went from a spark to a blaze in just two days.
Whether Moratti exploded or not, Suker didn't know.
But if he were in Moratti's shoes, his head would've exploded from rage too.
After all, the Italian Olympic Committee really stirred the pot by issuing that award at this critical mont.
"Moratti's gone mad. He stord into the locker room demanding we crush you guys. He even said to keep your stats at zero—or better yet, injure you. Of course, that last part we all knew was just venting," said Srna over the phone.
Suker grinned: "Wouldn't bla him. I'd be mad too if soone humiliated like that."
"How about you? Ready for the next match?"
Srna: "Not sure yet, but I'll definitely be in the squad. Just depends whether Mancini picks or the captain."
Suker: "Seems like Mancini is looking to refresh the squad."
Srna: "No choice. A lot of Inter players are getting old. The captain can't even last a full match anymore, so I've been getting more chances. If I stay on the right flank, Maicon will crush . I already sat on the bench for a whole season at Juventus—another year and I'll go insane!"
Suker: "What good is going insane for ? Go bother Real Madrid! Go after Capello!"
Srna: "Oh, I'm praying! I'm praying that we draw Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16!"
Suker: "You want to crush Real?"
Srna: "I want to smash the ball right into Capello's ugly face!"
Suker smiled. The guy really hated Capello.
And it made sense.
Barely any playing ti for a whole season, despite not performing badly—who wouldn't be bitter?
If it had been Suker, he'd probably go for an even harder revenge.
"Next match, you're coming to San Siro."
"That's called the azza!"
Suker waved him off: "We don't care about nas. But if you hear anything—like soone trying to take out—give a heads-up."
"Don't worry! I won't let you beco the sacrificial lamb of this derby!"
After a pause, Srna continued: "Oh, and watch out for Zlatan!"
"Ibrahimović?"
Srna nodded: "Yeah. He's been very active in training, really fired up about this match. He's even asking teammates to feed him the ball. Clearly, he wants to show off in this ga."
Suker smirked: "Let him try. It's not like he's the first to co at . I'm the standard to beat, after all! But if they want to challenge , they better be ntally ready—I'm not soone to ss with!"
Srna burst out laughing: "Don't expect to go easy on you in this match."
Suker: "Get into the starting XI first, bro."
"You little—"
Suker hung up without hesitation. He turned to Kaká, who was devouring his al, and passed over his grilled steak.
Suker said warmly, "Eat more!"
Kaká, without even lifting his head, kept wolfing it down.
A storm was clearly brewing over Milan.
Fan conflicts between AC Milan and Inter Milan kept escalating, forcing police to intervene and patrol major roads.
Many instigators and ringleaders were arrested.
Suker saw the Milan South Stand leader Bob on the TV news—his face black and blue, clearly arrested after a brawl.
Watching the fans fight so fiercely to defend their club's honor, Suker felt a sense of duty.
At the very least, he had to win at ho.
Even if the fans lost the street battle, he had to win on the field.
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