The next day, the blue team bus rolled through the narrow streets leading toward Stadio Tre Fontane, its polished sides catching flashes of afternoon sun.
The hum of the engine was steady, but inside, the noise was uneven with quiet chatter, zipping of bags, and the occasional cough.
They were half an hour from camp, and now the stadium was already visible through the windows, tucked between the trees and buildings of the EUR district, its stands slowly filling up.
The Italian U21S leaned toward the windows as they neared, spotting flags, camera crews, and the mix of blue and red shirts of early fans.
When the bus finally turned into the small access road leading to the players' entrance, a small group of spectators gathered near the barriers began cheering as the bus hissed to a halt.
The first to step out was the staff, followed by the players one by one, all dressed in their official blue FIGC tracksuits.
