Dawn on August 15, 2006 found Pablo Lombardi drawing a tactical scheme that would make history: a revolutionary 3-4-2-1 formation with dual playmakers. Kaká and Matías Fernández, two creative geniuses, would share the playmaking burden in what would become Fiorentina's boldest season yet.
"I don't want you taking turns," Pablo explained in the pre-match tactical meeting. "I want you playing together. Kaká on the right, Mati on the left. The rest of the team will orbit around you."
From the back of the locker room, Buffon added with a grin:
"And if we lose the ball, I'll yell at you both."
The Debut of Two Maestros
The European Super Cup against Sevilla was their testing ground:
8': Fernández received the ball on the left wing, feinted twice, and threaded a perfect pass to Ronaldo. 1-0.
34': Kaká and Fernández exchanged five passes in ten seconds near the box before the Brazilian curled it into the far corner.
77': High pressing from both playmakers forced a turnover that led to Vieri's third goal.
After the 3-0 win, Sevilla's manager Juande Ramos admitted:
"It's like facing two Zidanes... but faster."
The Impossible Chemistry
In Serie A, their partnership stunned with its synergy:
Kaká: Verticality, late runs into the box, long-range shots
Fernández: Tempo control, peripheral vision, line-breaking passes
Their brilliance shone brightest against AC Milan:
11': Fernández nutmegged Gattuso and assisted Kaká.
44': Kaká returned the favor with a through ball for Fernández's left-footed strike.
81': A one-two combination between them set up Ronaldo's angled finish.
Ancelotti, arms crossed, muttered:
"They've reinvented football."
The Magic Night at Old Trafford
The Champions League quarterfinals against Manchester United became legendary:
First Leg (Florence):
23': Fernández scored an impossible free-kick.
67': Kaká sprinted 70 meters to make it 2-0.
Second Leg (England):
12': Scholes put United ahead.
45+1': Fernández controlled an aerial ball with his chest and volleyed home.
88': Kaká sealed qualification with a counterattack goal.
A tearful Ferguson praised:
"Those two play like they share one brain."
Coronation in Athens
The 2007 Champions League Final against Chelsea was their masterpiece:
36': Fernández backheeled past Makelele and assisted Kaká's opener.
64': Drogba equalized with a header.
119': In extra time, Fernández launched a 40-meter pass for Ronaldo's first-time winner.
A defeated Mourinho told Pablo:
"We had a plan to stop one of them... not both."
Legendary Numbers
The season ended with:
Historic treble (Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia)
Kaká: 19 goals, 24 assists
Fernández: 12 goals, 28 assists
Ronaldo: 42 goals (club record)
At the Piazza della Signoria celebration, Buffon raised both hands:
"One trophy for each genius!"
As Kaká and Fernández embraced, swearing loyalty to the project, Pablo Lombardi smiled. His dream of perfect football had come true.
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