Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 298: Smooth and Flowing

Guido was satisfied with how his team was operating. With Badu's protection and Bruno's extensive movement, Napoli's defenders found themselves at a loss. They knew Bruno was the linchpin of Udinese's attack, but the problem was, he was everywhere. How could they predict where he would strike next?

Thanks to Bruno's tireless efforts, Udinese gradually took control of the game. Napoli fans and spectators were bewildered. Weren't they dominating the game at the start, pressing Udinese so hard they couldn't get past the halfway line? How had Udinese managed to seize control during that brief respite?

Udinese's strategy wasn't about relentless pressing or attacking; instead, it was about gradually controlling the pace of the game. It felt like an invisible net was slowly being cast over Napoli, not completely immobilizing them, but making them uncomfortable.

After Hamšík's shot was deflected off Maguire's leg and went out for a corner, Napoli got a set-piece opportunity. Insigne prepared to take the corner.

Higuaín was jostling for position in the penalty area, and Maguire was marking him closely. Maguire's task was clear: neutralize Higuaín. Guido trusted Maguire for his rapid improvement and reliability. Despite being only 23, Maguire's defensive skills had grown significantly under Guido's guidance.

Maguire's adherence to instructions was crucial. Guido had tasked him solely with marking Higuaín, leaving no room for distraction. Maguire would do whatever it took, within the rules, to contain Higuaín, as demonstrated in this instance.

When the referee blew the whistle, Insigne delivered the ball into the box. Higuaín anticipated the ball's path and positioned himself to jump, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, causing him to miss his leap. The ball flew over his head and was caught by Udinese's goalkeeper Karnezis.

"Higuaín is down in the box, but the referee doesn't blow the whistle. Counter-attack! This is Udinese's chance!"

Udinese ignored the fallen Higuaín and took advantage of the situation. Karnezis quickly threw the ball to initiate the counter-attack.

"Foul!" Sarri jumped up from his seat, livid.

"He's acting," Guido shouted, shaking his finger.

The referee ignored both coaches' protests, allowing play to continue. Higuaín got up, waving his arms in anger, feeling the sharp elbow from Maguire as he attempted to jump.

Udinese's counter-attack was swift, bypassing midfield and heading straight for Napoli's box.

"This is Udinese's opportunity!" the Udinese commentator exclaimed excitedly.

Bruno advanced with the ball, attempting a one-two with Widmer, but Napoli's Allan anticipated and intercepted it. Allan, familiar with Bruno from his time at Udinese, quickly initiated a counter-attack for Napoli.

Allan passed to Hamšík, who dribbled forward.

"Great! Counter-attack opportunity!" Napoli's commentator shouted.

But before he could finish, a black-and-white figure appeared, intercepting the ball cleanly.

"Kuzmanović with the successful tackle. Counter-attack! Napoli's counter is cut short, and Udinese regains possession!"

Kuzmanović passed to Bruno and ran forward. Bruno feinted left, then sent a perfect through ball to the right, finding Di Natale.

"Brilliant pass!"

Di Natale received the ball, drawing Napoli's defense to the right. He then crossed it into the middle.

"Bruno Fernandes!"

Bruno smartly let the ball pass between his legs, allowing it to reach Ashley Cole at the far post. Instead of shooting, Cole swept it back across the goal.

Napoli's defenders were left scrambling, unable to react in time. Immobile received the ball on the right and cut it back into the box, where Bruno was ready.

Bruno struck the ball powerfully into the top corner, leaving Napoli's goalkeeper Gabriel no chance.

"GOOOOOOOOOOL!!!! 1-0! Bruno scores! What a fantastic goal!!!"

Replays highlighted the fluidity of the goal. From Kuzmanović's tackle to the quick passing and movement, Udinese's teamwork was on full display.

"That's the most beautiful goal from Udinese in years!" shouted a journalist from the stands.

On the field, Udinese players celebrated wildly. Bruno hugged Immobile as they led the team in a run towards the main stand to celebrate with the fans.

With renewed energy and morale, Udinese dominated the game. This exquisite team goal seemed to have unlocked their full potential.

Sarri stood on the sideline, stern-faced, not recognizing this dominant Udinese team.

As the game resumed, Udinese continued to control the tempo, executing smooth, flowing plays. Bruno was instrumental, shifting from left winger to forward, disrupting Napoli's defense with constant movement.

Di Natale dropped back, drawing out Napoli's Albiol, who followed cautiously, aware of Di Natale's long-range threat. But as Albiol moved, Bruno passed the ball to the opposite side.

The intricate play and tactical discipline displayed by Udinese made them a formidable force, further solidifying their position at the top of Serie A.

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