Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 33: The Moment of Glory

The coach of Lanciano was gripping his head, almost wanting to tear his hair out in frustration. He kept shouting at his players on the field, hoping they could settle down. Despite a meticulously detailed plan that considered many factors, who could have anticipated Bruno would take another corner and, once again, assist a goal for Novara?

Until today, Rudy, the vice-captain, had been the regular corner taker. Bruno had taken corners only once this entire season! Lanciano's coach had overlooked Bruno and Novara's tactical change, and now they were in trouble.

Conceding three corners and a goal within the first nine minutes was not the start they had hoped for. The coach immediately made adjustments, signaling his team to retreat slightly and stabilize during these chaotic minutes after conceding.

Novara, aware of Lanciano's intentions, did not plan to let up. Holding the advantage, they continued pressing high after taking the lead.

Initially, Lanciano could cope, but gradually their inferior overall strength began to show.

In the 18th minute, under pressure from Novara's Swiss forward, Haris Seferovic, a Lanciano center-back attempted a pass to his defensive midfielder just ten meters away—a normally secure action. However, just as the midfielder was about to control the ball, Bruno burst forward from behind, tangling with him and pushing the ball towards the left flank.

Simone Pesce chased down the ball and quickly advanced up the left, creating an immediate counter-attack opportunity. Seferovic also pressed forward, and together they created a two-on-three situation in the left half of the field.

Pesce, skilled with the ball at his feet, maintained a clear view of the area as he broke into the box. He then made a swift pass back to Seferovic, who cleverly used his body to block the Lanciano defender, letting the ball roll past him towards the penalty spot.

"A quick counter for Novara!"

"Pesce breaks down the left, crosses inside, Seferovic lets it through... to Bruno at the penalty spot..."

"Goal!!"

"GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"In the 18th minute, Novara scores again!"

"Bruno! Bruno! He nets his twentieth goal of the season!"

"A clean finish, the Lanciano goalkeeper had no chance to stop that shot!"

"Novara leads 2-0!"

After the goal, Bruno sprinted towards the Novara fans in the stands, sliding to his knees.

His teammates quickly surrounded him, joining in the celebration.

"Bruno's first shot of the game results in a goal. His ability to seize opportunities is incredibly reliable. He rarely shoots, averaging just two or three attempts per game, but he's netted twenty goals—an efficiency that would embarrass many forwards."

With the second goal, Novara firmly controlled the match. Lanciano, overwhelmed and demoralized after conceding twice, struggled to mount any threatening attacks.

During the halftime break, coach Tesser lavishly praised his team's first-half performance and encouraged them to keep up the effort: "I believe if we keep playing steadily, victory will be ours!"

The second half saw no immediate changes from Lanciano. They attempted an early push but failed to make an impact. As the game reached the 70th minute, Tesser began making substitutions, with Bruno, Buziogli, and captain Rubino successively taken off.

When Bruno was substituted, the entire stadium erupted in applause.

With two goals and an assist, Bruno continued his excellent form, directing Novara to victory in this title-deciding match.

With his season stats ending at 40 games, 21 goals, and 32 assists—leading Serie B in both goals and assists—his 32 assists doubled the previous record and might remain a permanent part of Serie B history.

Lanciano couldn't turn the game around and eventually lost 3-0 to Novara.

When the referee blew the final whistle, Piola Stadium turned into a sea of joy, with 11,000 Novara fans singing to celebrate their team's first Serie B title in 65 years.

On the field, Novara's players celebrated wildly, with coach Tesser thrown into the air amidst cheers.

Watching this, Bruno was overjoyed. Although just a Serie B title, it was his first official championship in his career, a moment of significant personal importance.

As Novara's star player, Bruno naturally became the focus for journalists post-game. Amidst the barrage of questions, he remained calm, stating, "I want to say, this isn't just anyone's doing but the result of efforts from everyone associated with the team—my teammates, our coach, the staff, and those who weren't at Piola Stadium tonight."

When asked about potentially leaving Novara, Bruno expressed his affection for the club and gratitude but noted the uncertainties of professional football: "I love Novara and am grateful to them. At least for now, I have no plans to leave. However, football is unpredictable, and I can't guarantee I'll stay. No matter what the future holds, Novara will always have a place in my heart."

(End of Chapter)

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