Chapter 30: The Storm
The morning sun in Lecce felt heavier than usual. Not because of the weather, it was crisp, clear, and bright, but because of the weight it carried. It was matchday. It was Fiorentina. A clash that went beyond tactics or form. It was grit, identity, and the moment that would prove whether Lecce could stand toe‑to‑toe with the giants.
Alex paced inside the locker room, back straight, arms folded across his chest. Everything else was still. No chatter, no music, no bursting energy. Just the smell of liniment, fresh kit, and the quiet sound of breathing. He took a deep breath, letting the air settle in his lungs, settling the storm in his head. This was the calm before the storm. The final seconds before battle.
One by one, the players trickled in. Each step seemed deliberate, focused. These weren’t casual clothes they wore. They were loaded, like suits of armor. Lameck Banda tossed his boots into his locker with a soft thunk. Krstovic circled his wrists, adjusting the tape carefully, methodically. He was in his zone. Gallo stretched in the corner, working through practiced motions with calm efficiency. Dorgu, with a ball at his feet, juggled quietly, eyes hooded, preparing himself.
Alex waited until the last man entered, until every seat was filled, until the tension in the air was almost visible. And then he stepped forward into the center of the room.
"Alright, listen up," he began, voice steady, full of purpose. Heads snapped toward him. Eyes locked on him. He had them. "This isn’t Monza. We’re not going up against a team just trying to survive. This is Fiorentina. They’re chasing Europe this year. They’ve got class, depth, sharp tactics, and a style that hurts you if you give them room. So yeah, they’re better than us on paper."
He paused and let the words sink in. A few of the younger players let their shoulders inch back. The deeper ones leaned forward.
"But good thing we don’t play football on paper," he finished with a grin.
A ripple of laughter traveled through the room. Even the stiffest faces relaxed for a moment.
Alex let the grin linger before stepping closer, more serious now.