Italy Vs The World: a titanic battle
Exhausted after the match, Francesco didn’t initially notice that Julien, already on his way home, was waving and shouting something at him from a distance. What was he saying? It took a few seconds before Francesco realised that the Frenchmen was yelling “One Goal! I Scored One Goal!”.
A timely reminder. For some obscure reasons, when Francesco transitions from player to commentator, he has a tendency to forget Julien’s goal, having omitted several glorious ones in part reports. So, it’s only right that this match report begins with honouring Julien’s striking achievement.
And what a goal it was: a spectacular first-time shot with his right foot, following a perfectly timed through ball from Yassin. Think Trezeguet’s power fused with Zidane’s precision.
Julien’s goal proved crucial in keeping the bibbed World team in contention against an all-Italian Azzurri side, in what was one of the fiercest and most entertaining encounters seen in recent memory.
A MATCH OF SWINGS AND SURPRISES
The World started on fire, storming to a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Daoud. His first came from close range; the second, a stunning lob from midfield, caught Paride (and everyone else) completely off guard, possibly helped by a deflection.
The Azzurri took a moment to regroup but didn’t panic. Composed entirely by Italians, the team had no language barriers or inter-cultural issues to withhold them. Regardless of age or regional origin, their shared footballing DNA meant one thing: a common understanding of football and advanced knowledge of the rich playbook of tactics fine tuned by Azzurris over the decades. They had the know-how. It was just a matter of execution.
Execution was flawless. Within thirty minutes, the Azzurri netted four goals, turning the tide and securing a commanding 4-2 lead. The most remarkable (and arguably most improbable) goal came from Federico, who launched a long ball from his left back position that went straight into the net. Was it an audacious shot or a fortunate fluke? We may never know.
NAPOLI FEVER, WORLD RESILIENCE
Among the Azzurri, Giuseppe was comprehensively fired up, his beloved Napoli team had just clinched the Serie A title the night before. Sporting a vintage shirt signed by El Pocho Lavezzi, he roamed the pitch with electrifying intensity, leading a formidable attacking quarter alongside Alex, Francesco and Matteo.
But the World had no intention to give up. They fought back, reducing the gap to one goal. After four more goals (two per side), the score reached a dramatic 6-5 in favour for the Azzurri, as the clock ticked down.
DRAMA, DIPLOMACY AND A FAIR ENDING
Tension was palpable. Emotions ran high. Tackles became fiercer. For two players, it was too much to handle, leading to what we can only describe as a heated exchange.
In a league match, things would have ended with yellow cards, following ten minutes of VAR frame-by-frame tackle analysis and deliberation. In FD games, matters are resolved more diplomatically with a calm intervention from Hossam (aka the President) whose firm words of wisdom have a disarming effect.
With a clear head, the Board will now consider whether to impose any sanctions. Chief among the options is the infamous HHS (“Holding Hands Sanction”), which would require the two players to play on the same team holding hands for the entire next match. However, in lieu of the upcoming Master Game, an amnesty appears more likely.
The final outcome of the match came courtesy of a Golden Goal, delivered by Daoud, levelling the score at 6–6. A fair result, though perhaps a slightly disappointing one for the Azzurri.
SALVATORE WHO?
The Man of The Man Match award went, perhaps unexpectedly, to Salvatore.
Salvatore who? I can hear you say.
Pay attention folks. The Italian midfielder is a recent addition, having debuted only a few weeks ago, but he is already turning heads among teammates and pundits alike for his game vision, composure and quality with the ball.
It would be unwise for the Dads not to assign him a central role in midfield in the upcoming Master Game.
AZZURRI – WORLD 6-6
TEAMS
Azzurri: Paride, Massimo, AndreaM, Francesco, Alex, Salvatore, Giuseppe, Federico, Matteo
World: Daoud, Yassin, Julien, Giacomo, Hossam, Johannes, Chetan, Anton, Bijan
