Chapter 305: A Dramatic Ending
On the afternoon of April 30th, at Friuli Stadium in Udine, Italy, the referee's whistle signaled the end of the match, plunging the massive stadium into silence.
Udinese had lost.
In this match, Udinese faced Torino, ranked twelfth in the standings. This should have been a relatively easy game, as the "Red Bulls" were a mid-table team with neither hope of qualifying for European competitions nor the threat of relegation—they had nothing to play for. However, no one expected that such a team would deliver Udinese their biggest defeat of the season.
1-5!
It was a scoreline that left everyone stunned!
In the most crucial part of the season, the "Red Bulls" handed their city rivals a massive favor. After leading the league for nearly the entire season, Udinese stumbled right before the finish line.
This defeat drastically altered Udinese's prospects of winning the title. If Juventus defeated Carpi the next day, Udinese would have to relinquish the top spot they had held for seven and a half months.
After 36 rounds, Udinese had a record of 29 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses, accumulating 88 points with a goal difference of 36. Juventus, on the other hand, had 28 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, also totaling 88 points but with a goal difference of 48. In this scenario, Juventus would surpass Udinese for the first time this season due to their superior goal difference, and this could very well be the final outcome.
...
In the remaining two rounds, Juventus's opponents were Verona and Sampdoria, teams unlikely to pose a threat. Verona, at the bottom of the table with only 24 points, was already relegated, making them an easy target for Juventus. Sampdoria, with 37 points and ranked sixteenth, was safe from relegation and had nothing to fight for.
Udinese's remaining opponents were Atalanta and Carpi. While Carpi faced some relegation pressure, fourteenth-placed Atalanta had nothing to play for. However, given that mid-table Torino had just dealt Udinese a heavy blow, there was no guarantee that Udinese wouldn't stumble against Atalanta or Carpi.
Especially Carpi, who had given Udinese a hard time in their first encounter, only narrowly losing due to Bruno's goal and assist. Currently, Carpi was just three points above the relegation zone. If they lost to Lazio in the next round and Palermo picked up points against Fiorentina, Carpi would have to fight tooth and nail against Udinese in the final round.
In such a scenario, the title race seemed to be slipping away from Udinese. Despite Bruno setting a new Serie A single-season assist record with 26 assists after another assist in this match, there was little joy in the achievement. If Udinese ended the season without any trophies, personal accolades would mean little to Bruno.
...
In the 37th round, Udinese played before Juventus. This time, Udinese traveled to Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium to face Atalanta. As the final whistle blew under the setting sun, fans stood up, and Udinese players and staff rushed onto the field, celebrating their victory.
2-1!
The scoreboard displayed the final score, but it was far from an easy match. Both teams had prepared well, especially Atalanta, who had planned meticulously to counter Udinese. The first half ended 0-0, with Udinese dominating possession but failing to break through Atalanta's defense.
Atalanta tried to counter-attack but also failed to create significant threats. Both sides played intensely, neither willing to concede an inch. However, three minutes into the second half, Udinese launched a swift attack. Badu's through ball found Bruno, who, full of pent-up frustration from the previous week's loss, coolly slotted the ball past Atalanta's goalkeeper Sportiello.
This was Bruno's 37th goal of the season, continuing to extend his new Serie A single-season goal record. But the joy was short-lived as Udinese's defense faltered three minutes later, giving Atalanta a corner. Borriello outjumped Udinese's defenders to head the ball, which was parried by Karnezis. In the ensuing scramble, Bellini scored the equalizer for Atalanta.
The match was back on equal footing, with both teams battling fiercely. Multiple substitutions did little to change the game until the 90th minute, when Bruno's lofted pass into the box found Di Natale, who had swapped positions and made a diagonal run, volleying the ball into the net to secure the win for Udinese.
With Bruno and Di Natale's goals, Udinese narrowly won 2-1 against Atalanta, temporarily taking a three-point lead in the standings and putting pressure back on Juventus.
...
Udinese's victory against Atalanta indeed piled the pressure on Juventus. The previous week's win had put them at the top of the table for the first time this season, causing the players to relax slightly. In their match at the Bentegodi Stadium, Juventus appeared lethargic against a determined Verona, who, despite being relegated, played with pride in front of their home fans.
In the 41st minute, Sandro fouled Pisano in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. In the 42nd minute, Toni converted the penalty with a Panenka, putting Verona ahead 1-0. In the 54th minute, Verona caught Juventus on the break, with Ionita crossing for Viviani to score and double the lead.
Two goals down, Juventus finally woke up, increasing their tempo and attacking intensity. However, they couldn't find the net until injury time. Zaza hit the post, and another goal was disallowed for offside. Growing increasingly desperate, Juventus's players lost their composure, with Sandro receiving a second yellow card and being sent off in the 91st minute. Juventus managed a consolation goal through a Dybala penalty in the dying moments, but it was too late. Verona stunned Juventus 2-1.
With only one round remaining, Udinese unexpectedly regained a three-point lead, taking control of the title race.
...
A week later, on the evening of May 14th, the Serie A finale began with Juventus hosting Sampdoria at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. Knowing they were likely out of the title race, Juventus vented their frustration on Sampdoria with a resounding victory.
In the 5th minute, Dybala's free-kick found Evra, who headed in to make it 1-0, marking Juventus's fastest goal of the season. In the 14th minute, Dybala's pass found Mandzukic, who was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty and a red card for Skriniar. Dybala converted the penalty to make it 2-0.
In the 37th minute, Hernanes's pass set up Dybala, who fired in from outside the box for his second goal and Juventus's third. Dybala had now been involved in 28 league goals, scoring 19 and assisting 9. In the 76th minute, a defensive error allowed Chiellini to score from distance, making it 4-0. Bonucci added a fifth from a Morata header in the 85th minute.
Despite the 5-0 thrashing and reaching 91 points for the season, Juventus knew their title hopes were slim. If Udinese avoided defeat the next day, they would retain the Serie A title. If Udinese won, Juventus would set an unfortunate record: the highest points total for a runner-up in Serie A history and the first team to surpass 90 points without winning the title.
However, this paled compared to Real Madrid's plight six years earlier. Achieving 96 points only to be denied the title was a scenario only seen in the peak of the La Liga dominance by Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the 2009-2010 season, Guardiola's Barça amassed 99 points, leaving Pellegrini's Real Madrid, despite their 96 points, trophy-less and leading to Pellegrini's dismissal.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 306: The Farewell Battle
May 15th, 8:45 PM.
Udine, Italy – Stadio Friuli.
The final match of the 2015-2016 Serie A season: Udinese vs. Carpi.
Stadio Friuli, which can hold 41,000 spectators, was packed to the brim. Even an unusual number of journalists were granted permission to stand on the sidelines to witness the game up close.
Over two weeks ago, all tickets for this match had already been snapped up by passionate fans.
Although the summer transfer window had yet to open, everyone knew that after spending three seasons at Udinese, Bruno was certain to leave—not just the club, but likely Italy itself.
Thus, this match was set to be Bruno's farewell game in Udinese colors, and perhaps his last in Italy. The next time he stepped onto an Italian pitch, it would be as an opponent.
At such a significant moment, everyone was eager to see how this extraordinary player would cap off his record-breaking tenure.
Through 37 league matches, Bruno had already scored 37 goals and provided 27 assists—both new records in Italian football history.
Just a day earlier, Napoli had played their final match, and Gonzalo Higuaín had finished the season with 36 goals, failing to match Bruno's tally.
Regardless of the outcome of tonight's match, Bruno would leave as the single-season record-holder for both most goals and most assists in Italian football history.
Still, curiosity lingered—what kind of performance would Bruno deliver in his farewell match for Udinese?
Not just the thousands in the stadium, but countless fans at home, glued to their television screens, wanted to know.
Moreover, this match was also the final professional appearance of Udinese's legendary captain, Antonio Di Natale. Many fans had come not just for Bruno, but to bid farewell to their beloved captain.
Both teams had long since arrived at the stadium and completed their warm-ups.
Carpi's head coach, Fabrizio Castori, made his intentions clear in his pre-match interview—his team would uphold the spirit of professionalism and do everything possible to stop Udinese and Bruno.
For Carpi, this match was also a battle for survival. Only by securing points against Udinese—ideally a victory—could they hope to remain in Serie A next season.
To that end, Castori had fielded his strongest lineup, deploying a 4-5-1 formation, signaling his intent to dominate the midfield battle.
Carpi's strategy was evident: sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the counterattack.
Everyone knew that breaking through Carpi's defensive wall would be a daunting task, and many quietly worried for Bruno.
With Carpi defending for their lives, would Bruno still be able to push his record even higher?
Inside the home dressing room at Stadio Friuli
Bruno stood shirtless at the sink, staring into the mirror, lost in thought.
Television broadcasts often made him seem lean, but in reality, his body was packed with well-defined muscle.
Of course, he hadn't built his physique for raw power. Instead, he trained for balance and agility, aided by his regular swimming routine.
Now, he needed to calm himself.
Knock, knock, knock.
A gentle tapping on a locker snapped Bruno out of his trance.
"Time to go," said Di Natale, the Udinese captain.
Bruno nodded, turned on the tap, splashed cold water onto his face, and exhaled deeply. Looking back at his own dripping reflection, he silently urged himself:
"Come on, you've got this!"
Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked out.
"How are you feeling?" Di Natale asked with concern.
Bruno shook his head as they walked. "A bit nervous, but once the game starts, I'll be fine."
Di Natale nodded. At a moment like this, it was impossible not to be nervous. Even he felt it.
"Don't worry. You've got us—we'll all be there for you," Di Natale reassured him.
Bruno gave a firm nod. He knew that. He appreciated it. But there was no need for words.
Back in the dressing room, his teammates were already suited up, waiting for him.
Bruno looked at them and felt a deep sense of gratitude. He wouldn't be where he was today without them.
"Relax," he said with a forced grin. "Just play like we always do."
Many smiled back, but their expressions were stiff.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLL!!!!"
"CARPI HAVE SCORED!"
"The visitors take the lead in the 18th minute!"
"A blistering counterattack—Verdi made a late run and struck home to give Carpi the lead!"
"A truly brilliant goal, and Udinese now find themselves in a tough spot. The weight of the occasion is clearly affecting them, and luck hasn't been on their side either."
"Just twelve minutes in, Udinese's French striker, Théréau, suffered a nasty clash of heads with Carpi's center-back and had to be stretchered off. Young Duván Zapata was brought on in his place."
"Carpi, despite being under pressure from the start, have defended superbly, staying compact and disciplined."
A tough night lay ahead for Bruno and Udinese.
Facing a determined opponent fighting for their Serie A survival, Udinese was in for a tough battle tonight.
As the match unfolded, it became clear that Carpi was no pushover. Udinese had dominated possession for the opening minutes, yet they failed to break through. Instead, they exposed their own defensive weaknesses.
Verdi's goal was crucial!
Bruno exhaled heavily as he watched Verdi sprint off in celebration.
Conceding a goal in Serie A was hardly a disaster for Udinese. With their attacking firepower, scoring was almost an inevitability—provided they got into their rhythm.
But this goal was a wake-up call for Bruno.
In the first fifteen minutes, Udinese's play had been disjointed. The entire team was too focused on helping him score. Everyone knew Bruno wanted goals; even Carpi knew it and had set up their defense to shut him down.
This was a problem.
When the opponent anticipated their every move, Udinese became more prone to mistakes. And when those mistakes led to quick counterattacks—well, they had just seen the result.
Their approach needed to change.
Carpi's midfield was playing with grit, stacking five men in the center and compacting their defensive shape. Badu and Iturra had struggled to break through—another major issue.
Before conceding, Udinese could afford to be patient. Now, trailing 1-0, they had to respond fast.
Bruno took the initiative and walked straight over to Badu and Iturra.
When play resumed, Bruno adjusted his approach. He had learned his lesson from the opening minutes and carefully observed the game.
Carpi had packed the center with defenders—so Udinese needed to stretch them out.
The flanks had to be utilized.
From the restart, Udinese shifted their focus to the wings.
João Cancelo and Silvan Widmer pushed higher up the pitch, while Bruno became more active on the right wing.
Udinese had lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a flat midfield. Bruno was playing as the right midfielder.
First, he swung in a low cross that allowed Zapata to attempt a header inside the box.
Then, he helped set up Widmer, who made a sudden run into the right half-space and unleashed a powerful long-range strike. Both attacks were dangerous.
But the most threatening moment came in the 25th minute.
Cancelo made an overlapping run, received the ball, and whipped in a precise cross.
Bruno sprinted into the box, controlled the ball with his chest, and fired a volley with his left foot.
The shot was powerful but too central—Carpi's goalkeeper reacted swiftly, diving to parry it away.
Though the goal didn't come, Carpi's defense was rattled.
Bruno exchanged glances with Di Natale. They had a plan—Bruno would take the upcoming corner himself.
Bruno took a short run-up and whipped in a low, fast-swinging corner to the near post.
Di Natale reacted first. With perfect timing, he flicked the ball past the defenders and into the net!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLL!!!!"
"Udinese have equalized!"
"Just seven minutes! It took Udinese only seven minutes to respond!"
"This proves that their earlier goal concession was just a slip-up. Now that Udinese has regained composure, the goals are coming!"
"Bruno's corner delivery was executed to perfection, and Di Natale's instinctive movement made all the difference."
The Udinese players rushed to the corner flag, celebrating together with Bruno.
"Let's push harder and get another!"
With the score level, Udinese regained control of the match and continued pressing.
Carpi's coach, Fabrizio Castori, reacted immediately. He pulled one of his central midfielders into the defensive line, switching to a five-man defense, with two defensive midfielders shielding the backline.
A classic parked bus.
Breaking through a deep block was a challenge for even the best teams in the world.
Udinese, like every top Serie A side, had faced defensive walls before. They knew patience was key.
Bruno kept encouraging his teammates, calming them down.
As long as Udinese controlled the ball and dictated the tempo, Carpi would be forced to chase, wearing themselves out both physically and mentally.
By the second half, the fatigue of defending without possession would set in.
Bruno was confident—if they stayed patient, the next goal would come.
(End of Chapter)
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