The sun hung high above Milanello, casting long shadows across the immaculate training grounds. The air buzzed with the energy of a team preparing for another grueling Serie A season, but for one young player, every second carried the weight of a dream unfolding.
Enzo Sky Vito stood among giants.
The Early Weeks: Trials and Tests
From day one, the gulf between youth football and Serie A was brutally clear. Senior players like Theo Hernández and Fikayo Tomori treated every drill like a battlefield, pressing relentlessly, forcing Enzo to make split-second decisions under pressure.
Training alongside Ismaël Bennacer, Enzo learned the importance of control and composure in midfield. Bennacer's quiet demeanor masked an iron will — something Enzo aspired to mirror.
The presence of Sandro Tonali was magnetic. Tonali's leadership on and off the pitch offered Enzo a blueprint for professionalism and tactical intelligence.
Up front, watching Zlatan Ibrahimović and Rafael Leão was like observing two poles of Milan's attack — Zlatan's sheer power and experience contrasting with Leão's youthful explosiveness. Enzo was fascinated by how Zlatan's confidence never waned, even when pushing 41, and how Leão combined flair with fierce work ethic.
Learning From the Legends
One memorable session saw Zlatan take Enzo aside during a break. The elder striker's eyes sparkled with mischief and wisdom.
"You have the spark, the flash," Zlatan said, "but football is a game of patience and heart. Train your mind to match your feet, and you will last."
Those words echoed in Enzo's mind long after the session ended.
The Physical and Mental Grind
Pioli and the coaching staff were demanding. Enzo's days were filled with intense drills, tactical lessons, video analysis, and recovery sessions. The physicality of Serie A was a new beast — he battled muscle soreness and fatigue, learning the importance of nutrition and rest.
Yet the mental pressure was just as taxing. The media had started whispering about the "Next El Fenômeno," putting a spotlight on his every move. Enzo fought to stay grounded, leaning on family and mentors for support.
Building Bonds
Despite the intensity, Enzo found camaraderie among his teammates. Theo Hernández welcomed him with genuine warmth, often sharing stories of his own breakthrough years. Leão and Enzo bonded over their flair and passion for attacking football, pushing each other in training.
Even Tonali, usually reserved, offered pointers on positioning and anticipation.
First Taste of Matchday Squad
Midway through autumn, after months of hard work, the call finally came.
Pioli included Enzo in the matchday squad for a crucial Serie A clash against Napoli.
Dressed in the iconic red and black kit, Enzo's heart thundered as he sat on the bench, watching the legends he trained with fight on the pitch. Though he didn't make his debut that day, the experience was invaluable — a glimpse into the roaring world of top-flight football.
The Journey Continues
The 2022/23 season was only beginning, and Enzo knew the path ahead was steep. But with every training session, every minute on the bench, he grew — not just as a player, but as a man destined to carve his name into Milan's illustrious history.