Thursday, April 27, 2023
Team Hotel - Bologna
7:15 AM
The hotel corridor was quieter than the night before and doors closed one by one as players emerged for breakfast, and suitcases rolled over carpet creating muted sounds that didn't echo.
In the dining room plates scraped lightly against porcelain and conversations stayed minimal while players ate without lingering, and coffee was consumed quickly before cups were returned to the service station.
No one stayed long after finishing and chairs were pushed back quietly before players dispersed toward their rooms to complete final preparations.
Outside the bus engine idled and exhaust drifted into the morning air.
12:47 PM
The drive through Bologna was short and took twenty minutes through the city's afternoon traffic, and police escort cleared the final stretch toward the stadium while motorcycles positioned themselves at intersections to stop cross-traffic.
