Chapter 28: Bruno Delivers

Chapter 28: Bruno Delivers

Just as Novara's offensive was gaining momentum and the team felt confident that a goal was imminent, Bari suddenly launched a quick counterattack. After a steal in their defensive half, they quickly moved the ball up to their forward, Francesco Caputo. Caputo dribbled and played a one-two with his teammate, finishing the play with a goal into Novara's net. This unexpected turn of events silenced Piola Stadium momentarily.

Bruno shook his head in disappointment, though he was prepared for this scenario. During halftime, Coach Teser had ordered the team to press forward aggressively, and Bruno had foreseen the risk involved. If Novara couldn't break through, they might be vulnerable to a counter. Nonetheless, Novara couldn't afford to play it safe with both defensive midfielders holding back. Without sufficient offensive power, it would be tough to penetrate Bari's defense and win, and winning was essential to overtaking Sassuolo for the league championship. Having made their tactical choice, they had to accept the consequences.

Seeing his teammates disheartened, Bruno stepped up again, urging everyone to forget the goal conceded, stabilize, and wait for a chance to strike back.

That opportunity came soon enough. Bari, leading by one goal, did not settle into a purely defensive stance but continued to engage with Novara. They were aware that a single goal lead against Novara was precarious, and scoring another during Novara's unsettled moment could secure the match. However, they underestimated Novara's resilience; the team continued to play aggressively, using Bari's forward momentum against them to execute a swift counterattack.

"Bari launches a quick counterattack with a long pass to the front." "Perdicone rushes forward, heading the ball clear." "Buzzigoli drops back to pass the ball to the left." "Simone Pesci drives forward with the ball, leading Novara's counter."

Pesci advanced along the left flank and passed forward to Muhammadi. Lacking speed, Muhammadi cut inside toward the center after controlling the ball.

Bruno, moving from the right, called for the ball near the top of the box. Muhammadi's pass evaded the Bari defenders and reached Bruno. Instead of controlling it, Bruno deftly touched the ball, slowing it but still directing it towards the right, taking a step forward himself.

The Bari defensive midfielder quickly closed down on Bruno, aware of his shooting ability, and blocked him from taking a direct shot. However, Bruno shielded the ball from the midfielder, preventing him from reaching it. By then, another Bari player was rushing back to help, aiming to double-team Bruno.

Bruno had already scoped out his surroundings as he received the ball. After Buzzigoli passed to Pesci, who then turned and made a forward run, followed by a Bari player, Bruno estimated when Buzzigoli would reach the anticipated spot. Shielding the ball from the Bari midfielder, Bruno flicked it with his heel right before the other Bari player could join the defense.

The ball rolled across the top of the box to the left side, catching everyone off guard, including his teammates. Reacting quickly and aided by Bruno's precise pass, Buzzigoli broke away from his marker, controlled the ball with his left foot, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot.

The stadium erupted as the ball flew like a cannonball, bending just around the right post into Bari's goal.

"GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!" "At the 57th minute, Novara breaks through Bari's defense!" "1:1! The teams are back on even terms!" "Bari only led for five minutes!"

From midfield, Buzzigoli scored with a stunning curved shot from outside the box. "That goal, though scored by Buzzigoli, should really be credited to his teammate Bruno."

After the goal, Buzzigoli excitedly ran to Bruno and lifted him in a bear hug before they both rushed to the sidelines, celebrating exuberantly.

"Bruno's performance was exceptional!" "Much of the credit for that goal belongs to him." "Especially with that imaginative heel pass; one has to wonder if he has eyes in the back of his head to know Buzzigoli was making that run." "And we must admire Bruno's creativity; he clearly understands his teammates' strengths. Buzzigoli was able to shake off his marker with that burst of speed." "Although Buzzigoli scored, the major credit goes to Bruno." "This was Bruno's 30th assist of the season! An unbelievable number!"

The stands echoed with chants for Buzzigoli and Bruno, clearly recognizing Bruno's contribution.

After the equalizer, Novara played even better. Bruno, with his excellent fitness, continued to run tirelessly across the field. In the 67th minute, while trying to intercept a pass, Bruno accidentally tripped a Bari player, resulting in a free-kick for Bari about thirty meters out and earning himself a yellow card—the first of his professional career.

Piola Stadium cheered, celebrating Bruno's fighting spirit on the field. Bruno innocently helped the opponent up, indicating there was no malice in his action.

The Bari player understood; had he not moved to protect the ball, Bruno would have succeeded in his interception. This foul was more about experience and knowing how to protect the ball than any fault of Bruno's.

As the game progressed, Bari chose to fall back entirely, defending their half and looking for counter opportunities. They would only venture forward if a clear chance presented itself, largely due to Novara's pressing.

For Bari, securing a point against Novara was an acceptable outcome. But for the victory and the championship, Novara had no choice but to keep attacking.

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.