The squad dispersed to finish preparations, and Demien sat on the bench lacing his boots with methodical precision while around him teammates pulled on shin guards and wrapped athletic tape around ankles and wrists.
Lookman sat beside him adjusting his socks, and the English winger glanced over with a casual expression. "First time back here since they released you?"
"Yeah," Demien confirmed.
"How's it feel?"
"Strange. But good strange."
"Good. Use it." Lookman stood and stretched his arms above his head. "Let's go warm up."
Artemio Franchi Stadium
12:00 PM - Pitch
The pitch was immaculate under midday sun as Atalanta's squad emerged from the tunnel for warm-ups, and the stadium was still mostly empty except for early fans beginning to filter into their sections while ground staff made final preparations.
