CHAPTER 94: CHAPTER 92: THE PREPARATION II

Friday, August 23rd, 2022 - 2:00 PM

Team Meeting Room, Zingonia

The meeting room filled with players filing in from lunch, conversations dying down as they found their seats. Demien sat in the third row between Pasalic and Hateboer, notebook open on his lap and pen ready.

The projection screen at the front displayed the Atalanta crest, waiting for Gasperini’s presentation to begin.

De Roon and Koopmeiners claimed the front row as usual, the captain and vice-captain already focused and professional. Behind them sat the veterans—Tolói, Djimsiti, Mæhle—players who’d been through countless tactical meetings and knew exactly what tomorrow meant.

Gasperini entered with his coaching staff, and the room went completely silent. He didn’t need to call for attention; his presence commanded it immediately.

"Tomorrow," Gasperini began, his voice carrying easily across the space, "we face AC Milan at San Siro. Last year’s Scudetto winners. One of Europe’s most historic clubs. Thousands of fans who will do everything possible to make our lives difficult."

He clicked to the first slide and Milan’s recent formation appeared on screen.

"They will line up four-two-three-one, same as us," Gasperini continued, using a laser pointer to highlight positions. "Maignan in goal—excellent shot-stopper, good with his feet. Calabria and Théo Hernández as fullbacks, both aggressive in attack but Théo especially. Kjaer and Tomori in the center, experienced partnership."

The slide advanced to show Milan’s midfield.

"Tonali and Bennacer anchor the midfield. Both technically excellent, both intelligent about positioning. They don’t press as high as some teams, but they’re very good at cutting passing lanes and forcing mistakes."

Demien scribbled notes, his pen moving quickly across the page.

"Behind Giroud, they’ll use Messias on the right, De Ketelaere in the center, and Leão on the left." Gasperini’s pointer traced each position. "Leão is their most dangerous player. Pace, power, direct running. When he gets space, he’s almost impossible to stop one-versus-one."

Another slide showed heat maps of Milan’s attacking patterns.

"Théo Hernández loves to bomb forward from left-back," Gasperini explained. "He’ll overlap Leão constantly, creating overloads down our right side. That means Hateboer, you need to be disciplined defensively. Don’t get caught too high when they counter."

"Yes, Mister," Hateboer replied from two seats away.

"Giroud up front is clever," Gasperini continued. "He won’t beat you with pace, but his hold-up play is world-class. He’ll bring others into the game, win fouls in dangerous areas, and he’s excellent in the air. Our center-backs need to stay tight on him, don’t give him space to turn."

The presentation shifted to defensive organization, showing how Milan pressed in different zones. Gasperini spent twenty minutes breaking down their pressing triggers, when they compressed space, when they dropped deeper to defend.

Demien’s notebook filled with arrows and notes—pressing triggers at halfway line, Bennacer stepping forward when ball goes to fullback, Leão staying wide to stretch defense.

"Now," Gasperini said, and his tone shifted slightly, "let’s talk about us."

The screen changed to show Atalanta’s formation, and Demien’s eyes immediately found his name in the attacking midfield position.

ATALANTA STARTING XI

Musso

Hateboer - Tolói - Djimsiti - Mæhle

De Roon - Koopmeiners

Malinovskyi - WALTER - Lookman

"We’re changing formation from Sunday," Gasperini said. "Four-two-three-one instead of our usual three-four-one-two. Musso in goal. Back four of Hateboer, Tolói, Djimsiti, and Mæhle. De Roon and Koopmeiners holding the double pivot."

He paused, looking directly at Demien.

"Walter in the number ten role. Same job as Sunday—receive from the pivot, break lines, create chances. Milan’s midfield sits deeper than Sampdoria’s, which means you’ll have more space to work but less time on the ball once you receive it. Make quick decisions."

"Yes, Mister," Demien said, his voice steady.

"Lookman and Malinovskyi on the wings," Gasperini continued. "Both of you need to attack their fullbacks aggressively. Calabria is solid defensively but Théo can be caught out of position when he pushes high. Exploit that space."

The tactical breakdown continued for another thirty minutes—set piece organization, throw-in patterns, pressing triggers for when Atalanta would hunt the ball high.

When Gasperini finally closed his laptop, the energy in the room had shifted from casual to focused.

"One more thing," the manager said quietly. "Milan expects to beat us tomorrow. Their fans expect a comfortable victory. The media has already written the match preview predicting three points for the home side."

He looked around the room, making eye contact with several players.

"Prove them all wrong. Show them that Atalanta competes with anyone, that we don’t fear big stadiums or big names. Play with courage, play with intelligence, and play for each other."

De Roon stood up, the captain’s armband already around his bicep from training earlier. "Together," he said firmly.

The entire squad rose as one. "TOGETHER!" they shouted in unison, the word echoing off the meeting room walls.

The meeting ended and players filed out, some heading to their rooms for rest, others toward the recovery facilities for ice baths and massage.

Demien walked out with his notebook under his arm, mind already processing everything Gasperini had covered—Milan’s shape, their weaknesses, the spaces he’d need to exploit.

*******

Friday, August 23rd, 2022 - 4:30 PM

Team Bus Departure, Zingonia

The team bus sat idling in the parking lot, engine rumbling softly while luggage was loaded into the storage compartment underneath. Players gathered in small groups, some already changed into travel suits—club-issued navy blazers and dress pants—while others finished last-minute preparations.

Demien adjusted his tie in the reflection of a car window, making sure it sat properly against his white shirt. The formal wear still felt slightly foreign, a reminder that professional football meant representing the club everywhere, not just on the pitch.

"Looking sharp, Walter," Højlund said, walking past with his headphones already around his neck. "Ready for San Siro?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be," Demien replied, managing a smile despite the nerves building in his stomach.

Højlund grinned. "You’ll love it. The atmosphere is insane. Just try not to let the noise get in your head."

The Danish striker clapped him on the shoulder once before boarding the bus.