The summer sun warmed the pristine grass at Milanello as Enzo Sky Vito arrived early, nerves buzzing with excitement. Today, he was stepping onto the pitch with AC Milan's first team for the very first time — a moment he had dreamed of since he first kicked a ball.
The senior squad was already warming up, a group of world-class talent gathered under the watchful eye of coach Stefano Pioli. Nearby, veterans like Theo Hernández and Fikayo Tomori exchanged light banter while stretching, their imposing presence a reminder of the challenge ahead.
At midfield, the graceful yet fierce Ismaël Bennacer ran drills with quiet focus, and the commanding figure of Sandro Tonali barked instructions to younger players, embodying leadership at just 23.
Up front, the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović, towering and confident despite his age, casually dribbled past teammates, his eyes sharp and observant. Alongside him, the young phenom Rafael Leão flashed bursts of pace, teasing defenders with his electric agility.
Enzo's heart raced as he stepped into this world, the gulf between youth football and the elite stage laid bare.
Intense Training Under Pioli's Watch
Coach Pioli blew the whistle, signaling the start of the session. The drills were relentless: tight one-touch passes, explosive sprints, tactical positioning. Enzo struggled at times to keep pace, defenders like Fikayo Tomori pressing hard, closing down spaces swiftly.
During a scrimmage, Enzo caught the eye of Zlatan, who paused mid-dribble and gave a nod of approval after a slick pass and clever feint from the youngster.
"Good vision, kid," Zlatan muttered with a sly grin.
Ismaël Bennacer later offered quiet advice, "Keep your head up, control the tempo. This game is as much about your mind as your feet."
Pioli's Feedback and GuidanceAfter the session, Pioli pulled Enzo aside. "You've got the talent and flair. But the difference here is the speed of thought and strength. Work hard on those. I see potential."
Those words fueled Enzo's determination. Training with the likes of Theo Hernández, Tonali, Ibrahimović, and Leãowas a dream — but also a trial by fire.
The Road Ahead
Balancing youth matches and senior training would test Enzo's body and mind. But with the guidance of Milan's elite and the weight of El Fenômeno's legacy in his heart, he was ready.
The 2022/23 season wasn't just about growth anymore — it was about staking his claim on the future of AC Milan.