November 25th, Serie A Round 13.
AC Milan hosts Inter Milan at home.
What makes this match especially noteworthy is that, with Gattuso injured and Kaká absent, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Inter finally get their revenge?
As everyone knows, in the Derby della Madonnina, Inter has long played the role of the beaten side.
AC Milan's dominance in the league and their ability to control matches meant that no matter how Inter adjusted, they still couldn't beat them.
Last season, Inter lost the league title at home, and this season's Italian Super Cup at the start of the season also slipped away to AC Milan.
It's been one blow after another — a reminder that Inter is destined to always live in the shadow of the red and black half of Milan.
But Inter refuses to accept this.
They fight. They struggle.
And now, they finally see a chance.
AC Milan is starting to decline.
Gattuso and Kaká are missing.
That iron shield in front of the defense — gone.
Suker's strongest support — not playing.
If Inter still loses this game, they truly can't lift their heads again.
Even a draw would be intolerable.
They must win.
With this backdrop, match day arrives, and fans from both sides flood into San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) Stadium once again.
The clash of Milan's colors.
The red and black versus the blue and black, a rivalry steeped in history.
But will the now fading red and black still hold the upper hand, or will the blue and black take their chance to surge?
These questions dominate the discussion —Even across Europe, where because of Ballon d'Or winner Suker, the world is watching.
In such a desperate situation, can the Ballon d'Or winner turn the tide?
"Face every difficulty with a smile! Come on, give me a smile!"
Suker yanked at Pato's cheeks.
"Smile, damn it!"
Pato winced in pain, letting out muffled protests.
Suker leaned in, voice low and sinister:
"I know whose soap that was…"
"Eh-heh-heh…"
Pato forced a smile more pitiful than crying.
Everyone watched the scene unfold, shaking their heads in amused disbelief.
Call it bullying, but Suker had helped Pato a lot.
His rapid integration into Milan, his development — much of that was due to Suker's influence.
But at the same time, it's like Suker treated him more like a toy than a teammate.
"This guy's mindset is really something," Inzaghi muttered in admiration.
"Whether it's real or fake, it's working,"
Nesta nodded.
"At least it makes us feel relaxed."
Indeed, for AC Milan, Suker is the core of cores right now.
If he were to fall into despair, the whole match would basically be over before it began.
His positive attitude acted like a balm — inspiring the rest of the squad.
"He's right, the tougher it is, the more we need a positive mindset,"
Pirlo chimed in,
"Besides... don't you all want to hear Gattuso call him 'Dad'?"
The squad cracked up.
Only Pirlo could truly understand Suker.
Those two — birds of a feather.
Even Coach Ancelotti glanced their way, the corner of his mouth curling into a rare smile.
AC Milan had spent the past week meticulously preparing tactics and adjustments for today's match.
Ancelotti had done everything he could.
Now, all he could do was trust his players.
"We've arrived,"Ancelotti suddenly said.
The team bus, which had been buzzing with noise, fell quiet.
Crossing the overpass, San Siro loomed into view in the distance.
Everyone grew solemn.
This was the Milan Derby.
Their toughest match of the season was about to begin.
"Forza Milan!"
"Suker, tear them apart!"
"Show those morons who's boss!"
"Go get 'em, boys!"
As the bus pulled toward the entrance, AC Milan fans lined both sides of the road, shouting and cheering.
The roars of support filled the players with energy and passion.
At the very least, players like Inzaghi could feel their fighting spirit ignite.
In the locker room, the team quickly changed into kits and began their final preparations.
As the two sides warmed up, over on Sky Italia's Milan broadcast, commentator Crudelli exclaimed loudly:
"This is a pivotal match — a derby of honor!"
"This is Milan's biggest crisis of the season. Gattuso is out. Kaká is missing. There aren't many left to rely on. But Suker is still on the pitch, and his presence gives us confidence!"
"I believe Milan's boys won't be defeated by hardship — they'll rise to the occasion!"
Crudelli was clearly nervous.
He knew just how critical Gattuso's injury was for Milan's defense.
And without Kaká, Suker couldn't unleash his full potential.
But even in this tough situation, he still believed in the team.
Soon after, both teams returned to their dressing rooms.
Then, they re-emerged into the tunnel.
The starting lineups were announced:
AC Milan (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Kalac
Defenders: Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Simic
Midfielders: Ambrosini, Pirlo, Jankulovski
Forwards: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Suker
Inter Milan (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: César
Defenders: Maicon, Samuel, Zanetti, Srna
Midfielders: Cordoba, Dacourt, Solari, Cambiasso
Forwards: Ibrahimović, Cruz
Suker glanced at Inter's lineup, eyes flashing with a bit of relief.
Sure, Viera and Figo were aging, but they were still dangerous.Thankfully, both were injured and out.
Crespo was also unavailable.
So while Milan's situation was bad, Inter wasn't exactly in top form either.
In some ways, this gave AC Milan some breathing room.
Cambiasso had just returned from injury —But how much of his form remained was a big question.
Suker pulled back his gaze.
Whatever the case, all he needed to do was…
No —Win.
He had to win.
He wanted to hear Gattuso call him "Dad."
ROOOOAAAARRRRRR!!!
The stadium exploded in deafening cheers.
As AC Milan and Inter players stepped onto the pitch, the atmosphere hit a fever pitch.
Captains met for the coin toss.
AC Milan would kick off first.
Suker bounced lightly on his toes in their half, warming up.
Inter players kept their eyes on him —Especially Ibrahimović.
He saw himself as a genius, a god.
Since joining Inter, though, he hadn't won much.
The league title was gone.
A whole season, and all he had to show for it was an Italian Cup — a meager consolation.
But that wasn't enough.He wanted more team honors — and personal glory.
What stung even more was how Suker, the late bloomer, had shot ahead of him.
On the night of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Ibrahimović had tossed and turned all night.
He had fame first.They were both Italian league prodigies.
But it was Suker who got to the Ballon d'Or first.
And the FIFA World Player of the Year in February?It wasn't far off, either.
Ibrahimović was furious.
He wanted to prove himself on the pitch.
Though he'd lost three previous head-to-heads…
One, two, three times —There wouldn't be a fourth.
This was his last chance.
If he failed again, he'd request a transfer.
In his eyes, the problem wasn't him —It was that his team was dragging him down.
Ibrahimović's hawk-like eyes locked on Suker.
But then, he realized…
Suker wasn't even looking at him.
He was gazing at his own goal.
That irked him.
He couldn't even get Suker's attention anymore?