Chapter 21: Four Four

As time passed, Notts County's attacks grew more ferocious, while Juventus seemed to focus more on defense. Lippi, the veteran manager, appeared to use Notts County's pressure as an opportunity to test his team's defensive capabilities.

David found himself torn. On the one hand, he was pleased that Juventus had been forced to take Notts County seriously. The young team had clearly earned their respect. But on the other hand, David still yearned for that one final goal. Even though it was just a warm-up match, he felt that a draw would be a significant achievement against such a powerful opponent.

In the dying moments of the game, even Westman, the center-back, crossed the halfway line and joined the attacking surge. This was their final opportunity to break through.

Iniesta, who had been brilliant throughout the game, dribbled with skill and purpose. Every time he touched the ball, two Juventus players would converge on him. To see a third-tier team like Notts County receive this level of attention from Juventus was extraordinary. Iniesta's technical ability was already impressive, and he seemed to have a natural feel for the game, easily holding off the pressure.

However, Juventus was beginning to feel the heat. Thuram, no longer at his best due to the pre-season nature of the game, found himself getting frustrated with the young Spaniard. In a moment of rashness, he lunged at Iniesta, attempting to win the ball with a slide tackle. He missed, and instead, he fouled Iniesta, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Notts County had won a free kick in a dangerous position on the right.

The Free Kick Opportunity

As the match neared its conclusion, this could very well be Notts County's last chance to equalize. Alonso, calm and composed, stood over the ball, his face set with determination. The rest of the team crowded into the penalty area, waiting for the opportunity to pounce.

David, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. He had failed to recognize the importance of having players capable of taking free kicks when he first built the team. If only he had recruited a few more players with this skill, perhaps they would have been in an even better position.

Meanwhile, Juventus' vice-chairman, sitting next to David, was noticeably tense. From the beginning of the game, he had shown nothing but disdain, viewing Notts County as no threat. But now, as the free kick was about to be taken, his attitude had shifted. There was an unmistakable hint of concern in his eyes. The possibility of a draw would be a media disaster for Juventus, especially given that they had been leading the match until the final moments. The headlines tomorrow would be brutal—"Juventus, Giants of Italy, Held to a Draw by an English Third-Tier Side."

Buffon, commanding and focused, barked orders to his defenders as he set up the wall. It was now a one-on-one battle between the world's best goalkeeper and Notts County's star midfielder.

The noise from the fans seemed to fade as Alonso prepared to strike. With the pressure mounting, Alonso took a deep breath, then stepped back and sprinted toward the ball.

The Equalizer

Alonso's shot was nothing short of spectacular. With a sharp, precise strike, he bent the ball around the wall and into the top corner of the net. Buffon, despite his legendary status, was unable to reach it in time. The ball nestled in the far corner, beyond his reach.

For a moment, there was complete silence in the stadium. Then, a roar erupted from the Notts County supporters as the realization set in—Notts County had just equalized against Juventus, 4-4.

Alonso held his fists aloft, the weight of the moment crashing down on him. His teammates rushed towards him, tackling him to the ground in a heap of joy and excitement. This goal wasn't just an equalizer; it was a statement. Notts County had gone toe-to-toe with one of the biggest clubs in the world and had come out with a draw.

Meanwhile, the Juventus players stood motionless, struggling to process the turn of events. They had been unable to close out the game, and their expressions were a mixture of disbelief and frustration. The mighty Juventus, a club with a storied history, had just been held to a draw by a team from the English Second Division.

Juventus' Acknowledgment

As the game came to a close, Juventus' vice-chairman finally regained his composure. He extended a hand to David, his voice filled with grudging respect.

"I have to admit," he said, "your team is very good. I never expected you to draw with Juventus. Even without Zidane, we are still one of the top clubs in Serie A."

David smiled, accepting the compliment. It was clear that Juventus now saw Notts County as a legitimate force, and their recognition meant a great deal. "Thank you. I hope that one day, we will meet again on the European stage," David replied, his eyes glinting with ambition.

The match had ended in a draw, but for Notts County, it felt like a victory. They had proven themselves against a European giant, and that would go down as a defining moment in their rise.

A Break in Turin

After the game, Loew announced that the team would take a day off to rest and enjoy the sights of Turin. Many of the players had never traveled abroad before, and the break would help refresh them ahead of the next phase of their preparations.

David, however, did not take the opportunity to explore the city. Instead, he was invited to lunch by Mogi, a figure in Italian football who had once been embroiled in controversy. David couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this invitation than mere courtesy. His instincts told him that something was afoot, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

When they met at the high-end restaurant, Mogi looked every bit the successful businessman—his stylish glasses and polished appearance contrasted sharply with the image David had of him from his past. David had always known Mogi as a man who had fallen from grace, and now, sitting across from him, David wondered what his motivations were.

After some pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to football.

"You must be very proud of your team," Mogi said with a smile, taking a sip of red wine. "Notts County is quite impressive. I didn't expect you to draw with Juventus. Even without Zidane, we're still one of the top clubs in Serie A."

David smiled politely but didn't respond. He could tell that Mogi's words were more than just flattery.

"I think," Mogi continued, "that our two clubs, with their traditional friendship, could have a deeper cooperation. We have an abundance of young talent in Juventus' youth academy. While they may not be ready for Serie A just yet, I believe some of them could help Notts County in their rise up the English leagues. We could loan a few players to you, and if this becomes a long-term arrangement, it could be mutually beneficial."

David's mind raced as he processed Mogi's words. This offer sounded too good to be true, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Mogi had an ulterior motive.