Chapter 813: Chapter 197: Playing for Peace—European Cup Opener!

"Who dares to criticize Italian football now?"

"Support it, we absolutely need to support this initiative, and we must let the media promote it extensively!"

"It’s too early to promote now!" Maniero reminded Martivini, "Announcing it in advance will only increase the pressure on the players. It might be better to announce it after we win the match to have a more effective impact."

Everyone worked together, which already boosted morale once.

When the news spreads, it stimulates morale a second time.

There’s no need to use up both these boosts at once.

Martivini also agreed that they should hold steady and have more preparation time, which would allow him more time to coordinate and facilitate these things.

If handled well, this endeavor is beneficial to the country and the people, and can assist Croatia and Italy not just on a football level.

If Italy’s official side is also willing to cooperate, then the influence at that time...

Moreover, according to Martivini, many European countries are already paying attention to this issue in Croatia, and many want to get involved. If Italy can use this momentum to enter the field in advance, it will undoubtedly benefit greatly once Croatia achieves peace.

Economy, qualification, diplomacy, football... this could be a big opportunity for Italy.

Though it might not pull them out of the mire completely, it certainly could slow their downward trend.

However, the only prerequisite is... during this European Cup, Italy’s performance must not be too dismal.

Otherwise, Italy would truly be ashamed to say that they’re fighting for Croatia’s peace.

Three consecutive losses or no wins at all would indeed be too disgraceful.

Meanwhile, Lu Yang also contacted Elder Tang through Tang Yuqin, expressing his thoughts.

The idea is that if good thoughts are not promoted, then bad ones will occupy that space.

Our international reputation and image have long been less favorable in the Western world.

There are many reasons for this.

But one important reason is undoubtedly our insufficient voice and presence in international affairs, especially in events unrelated to us.

This situation is akin to chatting: if a person talks around, they become familiar to others, and naturally more people will speak up for them.

On the contrary, if someone doesn’t engage in chit-chat, then it seems reasonable for others to badmouth them during idle talk.

However, these opportunities for participation are sometimes not easy to find, and if not handled properly, it may lead to misunderstandings.

And this time... with Lu Yang as a go-between, as long as Morici is willing to engage, then later, the motherland can step forward at the first opportunity to call for peace in Croatia or even provide substantial help.

Elder Tang acknowledged Lu Yang’s proposal and shared this idea with some comrades.

Later, Tang Yuqin met with Lu Yang and Martivini under the pretext of negotiating the Italian Super Cup at the start of next season.

Afterward, Martivini acted as a referral to connect with Italy’s officials. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

At this time, Tang Yuqin was no longer interacting as a football figure, as she brought along some official stances from the motherland. On the matter of peace, the motherland is willing to work alongside Italy’s officials to contribute to the international community.

How could Italy not be pleased?

That’s the world’s largest economy!

If they genuinely could harvest a deep friendship with China, it wouldn’t just stop them from sliding further; they might even experience a growth against the trend.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, all sorts of colored bloodline luxury items – can you believe they’d sell out?

Thus, most people remain unaware that for some, the highlight of this European Cup has shifted from whether France will smoothly claim victory on their home turf, to whether Italy Team can achieve their first victory in their European Cup journey!

CCTV5 Sports Channel, also with help from Italian television stations, obtained the broadcast rights for this European Cup at a remarkably low price.

This summer, they will join all those following the sports channel to watch the European Cup.

Without any fees!

Speaking of paid viewing... the model of paying to watch sports live broadcasts will inevitably reduce the sports market scale, diminish influence, and decrease fan retention. Essentially, it’s a video platform squandering resources to chase traffic, eventually shifting the cost onto the fans. It’s not akin to stadium ticket sales – they’re two entirely different things.

...

On July 10th, this European Cup officially kicked off.

Following a grand opening performance, the world welcomed the opening match of the European Cup.

The host of this European Cup, France clashed against... Italy!

French fans were quite delighted about this.

Or rather, regardless of their opponent, French fans were very cheerful.

Because they fear no one.

However, Italian fans felt a bit melancholic, as indeed, luck did not seem favorable.

The Croatia incident had brought some impacts to Morici and the entire Italy National Team, and Italy was not strong initially; then their first match was against the seed and host of this European Cup.

This seems like a rough start indeed.

Can the sequence be changed?

Could Portugal or Russia play France instead?

Russia would be best, allowing France to win with a big score.

Of course, the sequence cannot be changed.

Moreover... France playing against Italy’s old wagon, is scoring big hard?

"Dear viewers, you are watching the opening match of this European Cup. The competing teams are the host, France Team, and Lu Yang’s Italy Team."

"Previously, many media termed this match as a battle between the strongest spear and the strongest shield. Because this French team is undeniably impressive in attack, whereas Italy Team’s defense has always been quite stable and formidable."

"Especially France Team’s left winger Robben and Italy’s left-back Praxedes are considered top players in their positions worldwide. So, who is truly stronger? We hope to find out in the upcoming match!"

Though Robben is a left winger, France Team’s frontline is fairly flexible, and both Robben and Rubeus are super wingers capable of playing both left and right.

Thus, during the match, switching positions and facing Praxedes directly will certainly occur for Robben.

Whistle!

With the sound of a whistle, the match officially begins!