Sunday, October 30, 2022
Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
Full Time
The whistle's final sound cut through the stadium and the noise that followed wasn't an explosion but an exhale, and the Gewiss Stadium crowd released breath they'd been holding while Atalanta's players raised their arms briefly toward the stands without running or jumping on each other.
The second half was in everyone's legs.
Demien stood near the center circle with his hands on his hips while his chest rose and fell, and watching from the bench had drained him differently than playing but the tension had been real because every Inter attack had threatened the lead.
He turned toward the center and began the handshake routine—Koopmeiners first with a quick clasp and nod, then De Roon who tapped his shoulder once, then Lookman who was already in his tracksuit.
When he reached Musso, the goalkeeper's gloves were still on and sweat covered his face, and Demien nodded once while their hands met briefly.
