Izan stood alone at the centre of the pitch for a moment that seemed carved out of the noise.
His chest rose and fell with a steady rhythm, breath still warm in the cool Udine night.
A light sheen of sweat clung to his face, catching the glare of the floodlights.
The match had drained him, but he didn't look tired.
He looked settled, like he was admiring an artwork he had just finished.
Then the crowd broke again.
A rolling roar swept through the Friuli Stadium, shaking the air and pulling Izan out of his quiet.
From one end to the other, the chant rose in full voice.
"She wore a yellow ribbon-," they began while Peter Drury's voice carried over the broadcast just as the camera found Izan again.
"They've done it."
It sounded almost like he had been waiting for the exact second the final whistle faded before speaking.
