Chapter 243: Three Wins in a Row
As September began, the summer transfer window officially closed.
Jassim's team ultimately couldn't buy Manchester United before the transfer window shut, meaning Bruno would definitely stay with Udinese for another season. Even if Jassim's team managed to acquire Manchester United during the season, Bruno wouldn't agree to leave Udinese in the winter transfer window.
This was within Bruno's expectations. Given the greed and difficulty of the Glazer family, it was unrealistic for Jassim's team to easily acquire Manchester United. The acquisition was destined to be a long and challenging process.
Throughout the summer, the two most talked-about players in the transfer market were undoubtedly Bruno and Manchester United's star goalkeeper, De Gea. Both transfers were legendary.
Despite Barcelona offering a staggering €135 million for Bruno, surprising everyone who thought he would surely transfer, he suddenly announced he would stay, shocking the football world.
Similarly, De Gea, whom Real Madrid heavily pursued, was expected to wear the Madrid jersey for the new season. However, the transfer fell through dramatically due to a fax machine error at Manchester United, fooling everyone.
As the summer transfer window closed, international football ushered in the season's first international break. Bruno returned to the Portuguese national team for two matches.
On the evening of September 4th, the Portuguese national team faced France at the Estádio da Luz. Bruno met Pogba again after their duel in Serie A's first round. Unfortunately for Pogba, his team lost to Bruno's once again.
In this highly anticipated friendly, Bruno showcased his excellent form, scoring twice to help Portugal defeat France 2-1. This was Portugal's second consecutive victory over France.
Three days later, Portugal traveled to face Albania in the sixth round of the European Championship qualifiers. Portugal dominated the game, taking 16 shots with 9 on target, continuously threatening Albania's goal but failing to score. Nani even hit the post.
In stoppage time, Portuguese midfielder Miguel Veloso scored a header from a corner kick, securing a 1-0 victory over Albania. With 18 points, Portugal clinched first place in Group I, qualifying for next year's European Championship with two rounds to spare. Albania, with one game less, was third with 10 points, trailing Denmark by two points.
On the afternoon of September 12th, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Udinese faced Lazio in the third round of Serie A.
Guidolin deployed a 4-4-2 formation. The defense remained unchanged with Piris, Maguire, Danilo, and Cancelo. In midfield, he lined up Badu, Iturra, Widmer, and Bruno, with Théréau and Di Natale as the strikers.
Lazio was plagued by injuries, missing Klose, Djordjevic, Biglia, and De Vrij. Defender Hoedt made his debut, and Mauri, who returned after a summer departure, captained the team.
Earlier, four matches had ended in 2-2 draws, a historic first in Serie A. Napoli drew 2-2 with Empoli; Verona drew 2-2 with Torino; Palermo drew 2-2 with Carpi; Sassuolo drew 2-2 with Atalanta. The match between Sampdoria and Bologna was postponed to Monday due to heavy rain.
Both teams started cautiously, with Lazio taking the first shot in the 10th minute, but the game remained conservative. It wasn't until the 25th minute that Udinese began to intensify their attacks.
The Stadio Olimpico is notoriously difficult for away teams, with many top Serie A teams struggling there. Guidolin's cautious approach was understandable.
Facing the defending champions Udinese, who had started the season strongly with two wins, Lazio adopted a defensive counter-attacking strategy. They especially focused on Bruno, assigning two players to mark him closely.
As a result, Bruno had few opportunities in the first half. Every time he touched the ball, Lazio's defenders were immediately on him. The first half ended 0-0.
During halftime, Bruno shared his thoughts with the coach, suggesting he expand his range of movement. Badu, Widmer, and Iturra formed a solid midfield trio, ensuring defensive stability but providing little support for the attack. With Lazio's quick wingers, Udinese's counter-attacks were heavily tested.
Unable to get support from the midfield and defense, Bruno needed more freedom to evade Lazio's marking. Guidolin agreed and instructed Di Natale and Théréau to assist him.
In the second half, Udinese's formation resembled a 4-3-1-2, with Théréau and Di Natale up front and Bruno given a free role in the midfield.
This change invigorated Bruno. He became more active, creating three corner kick opportunities for Udinese early in the half, but they couldn't capitalize.
In the 52nd minute, Bruno suddenly moved from the left to the center, received a pass from Badu, turned, and shook off his marker. He quickly advanced the ball and passed it to Théréau.
Théréau shielded the ball from Lazio's center-back, then passed it back to Bruno, completing a beautiful one-two. Bruno sprinted past the defenders, reached the edge of the box, and unleashed a powerful shot.
Lazio's goalkeeper reacted swiftly, diving to make the save, but Bruno's shot was too quick and well-placed, brushing the keeper's fingertips before finding the right corner of the net.
1-0!
Bruno celebrated his goal exuberantly, running to the sidelines to share the moment with the fans.
Ultimately, Udinese held on to Bruno's goal, defeating Lazio 1-0 and securing a crucial three points, extending their winning streak to three games.
After three rounds, only two teams in Serie A remained undefeated: Udinese and Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri had a strong start, winning 1-0 against Atalanta, 2-1 against newly promoted Carpi, and 1-0 in the Milan derby against AC Milan.
(End of Chapter)
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