Baldini turned from the pitch, shading his eyes for a moment before glancing down the bench.
"Ranocchia, warm up," he called out, his tone brisk but even.
Filippo Ranocchia got to his feet without hesitation, jogging a few steps before starting to stretch along the sideline.
But Marco, who had been standing near Baldini, stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Boss," he said, "if Rovella's out, we need someone who can sit deep, not another one who likes to push forward. We've got enough of those already."
Baldini frowned slightly, still watching the players on the field.
He didn't answer right away, but Marco could tell he was weighing it.
"Someone who'll hold shape, break up play, keep it simple," Marco added, nodding toward the bench, toward Leo.
Baldini followed his gaze and saw Leo, who sat near the middle of the row, hands clasped, eyes fixed on the pitch.
The coach let out a quiet sigh, then gave a short nod.
Marco's lips tugged into a small smile.
