CHAPTER 289: CHAPTER 94: DEFENDERS OF THE ITALIAN CUP! (PART 4)

And the FA Cup in the United Kingdom, while similar in nature to the Italian Cup, has this feeling of the entire nation being mobilized, reminiscent of the madness of NCAA March.

It’s enough to mobilize the whole country, thus even though its strategic value is low, its commercial value and fan popularity remain high.

These are aspects that the Italian Cup cannot match.

Therefore, it’s common for strong teams in the Italian Cup to "give up the match."

San Remo’s journey to the quarterfinals this season is not unrelated to these occurrences.

Besides Brescia, Benevento and even Chievo are, to some extent, not in their top form.

On one hand, this greatly affects the excitement of the matches.

On the other, it provides fertile ground and space for match-fixing and collusion.

Moreover, some Serie A teams, due to scheduling reasons and unable to handle three fronts, will strategically choose to forgo the semifinals.

Although it’s a common practice among elite clubs, this is a rightful strategic approach; however, for the country’s football association, it is definitely unfavorable.

The most infuriating instance was in the Italian Cup final two years ago when Naples, ranked fourth at the time, fielded a backup lineup to secure a Champions League spot, essentially handing Juventus an Italian Cup trophy.

Italian Football Association officials nearly suffered collective strokes.

If you had been playing for the Champions League final, I might have tolerated it!

But throwing away a title just to secure fourth place in the league?

Isn’t this taking domestic cup competitions too lightly?

This has undoubtedly brought extremely negative consequences to the Italian Cup.

Not to mention, if an English FA Cup final team strategically forfeits due to other campaigns, fans absolutely would not forgive the team first.

Unless they are preparing for a Champions League final!

Why can Naples be forgiven in the Italian Cup?

To put it bluntly, the Italian Cup’s significance isn’t enough yet.

This situation must change.

One option is to increase the Italian Cup champion’s prize money.

But that’s unrealistic; Serie A is in decline, where is the money to support this?

Or enhance the Italian Cup champion’s reward, like a chance to enter the Champions League.

But that’s equally unrealistic; it requires coordination from multiple sides, negotiations between the Italian Football Association and UEFA, and strong performance from Italian teams in European Competition.

Or increase the Italian Cup’s significance in fans’ hearts.

That’s exactly what Maniero has been promoting this season.

Create legends with the Italian Cup.

Get people to anticipate the Italian Cup, to look forward to new legends!

Urge fans to demand change from teams!

"What do you mean? Do you think the team won too easily?" A reporter was dissatisfied with Lu Yang’s attitude.

Who do you think you are?

Who are you to point fingers at and talk grandly about the Italian Cup?

Can a player from the Italian Third Division comprehend the pressure of elite clubs in league and European Competition?

Lu Yang, unflinching, replied: "You can certainly interpret it that way! Although I have great respect for all opponents we’ve faced, I would love to tell our upcoming opponents, those seven Serie A teams..."

"If you don’t present your strongest lineup and don’t respect San Remo as a formidable opponent, then San Remo will certainly punish you! We’ll eliminate any opponents who don’t respect the match!"

"Please pass this message to them, tell them this is from Lu Yang! If they have any thoughts, they can tell me during the match."

"Of course, Mr. Lu doesn’t cut down unknown names! Remember to send out players with enough weight, or don’t blame us for San Remo not showing Serie A teams face! We’ll create a stadium massacre!"

"The Italian Cup, it’s time to regain its past glory and honor!"

"Salute!"

Lu Yang shaped his fingers into a sword and pointed from his temple to the distance!

Boom!

The audience erupted into chaotic discussions.

Reporters from all sides couldn’t sit still.

So wild!

It’s really true that birds of a feather flock together!

Who was as wild as this before?

Diego Talista!

But truth be told, even he wasn’t as wild as Lu Yang.

Who do you think you are?

The Italian Cup’s enforcer?

The defender?

Do you get paid by the Italian Football Association or what?

Who are you to ask others to present their strongest lineup?

Even though what you said makes complete sense.

"Are you sure statements like yours won’t cause trouble for San Remo?" a reporter asked while looking at Sotu and Becher’s.

To be honest, Becher’s was a bit frightened.

Turns out when Brother Lu recruited me, he was truly gentle.

This... If you had acted this way earlier, I’d have called you Pops ages ago, no need for three to five matches!

But Sotu was already used to this.

When you still thought Lu Yang was playing for me, Sotu, and San Remo, he was already speaking for Italian Football Association president Martivini and Italy National Team candidate manager Maniero.

Just like taking a high school math exam after studying college mathematics, it’s what’s called a downward strike.

"I have no objections, Lu Yang’s attitude is my attitude," Sotu voiced.

Then Lu Yang stood up, maintained a smile, not arrogant nor conceited, even humbly and softly said: "I’ve said a long time ago, our San Remo... only competes against the strongest!"

The whole place suddenly exploded!

Italy Football, once again in tumult!

What a San Remo.

What a Lu Yang!

Not arrogant, not conceited, yet truly humble!

Did he drink fake wine or take fake medicine?