The sun hung low over Milanello's pitch, casting long shadows that stretched across the immaculate grass. It was an unusually crisp February afternoon, but inside the AC Milan Primavera locker room, tension was thick.
Enzo Sky Vito sat quietly, lacing up his boots, heart pounding in rhythm with the distant roar of arriving fans. Today wasn't just any match — it was his match. His first official start for the Primavera team, the U19 squad, one step closer to the dream.
Unexpected Call-Up
The morning had brought news that shook the squad: the regular number 10, Luca Ferraro, was sidelined by a minor injury. The coach, Mister Conti, had no hesitation.
"Enzo," he said, looking over the team list during pregame talks. "You're starting today. Show us what you've got."
For a moment, the room went silent. Eyes flicked toward Enzo — the prodigy from the U17s, the kid who had stormed through youth ranks faster than anyone anticipated.
Enzo simply nodded.
No pressure. Just the next step.
The Match Begins
Milan Primavera faced a tough opponent: Torino's U19s, known for their physical style and organized defense.
From the kickoff, the game was a chess match. Enzo's passes were precise, his dribbling daring but calculated. The crowd murmured each time he touched the ball — a mix of curiosity and awe.
The scouts in the stands, faces unreadable, took notes.
First Touches, First Impact
In the 23rd minute, Enzo danced past two defenders near midfield, a flash of El Fenômeno's flair in his movements. With a sudden burst of speed, he played a perfectly weighted through ball to striker Matteo Russo, who nearly scored.
The crowd roared.
Enzo's teammates rallied around him, sensing his energy.
Midway through the first half, Torino ramped up the pressure. Enzo found himself surrounded, taking a hard tackle that sent him to the ground.
He grimaced but got up quickly, brushing off dirt and pain.
"I'm here," he told himself silently.
From then on, his determination only grew.
In the 67th minute, with the score still 0-0, Milan won a free kick just outside the box.
Enzo stepped up.
The stadium hushed.
His eyes locked on the wall, then the keeper.
With a delicate touch, he curled the ball over the wall, dipping it under the crossbar.
Goal.
The crowd erupted.
After that his teammates engulfed him in celebration. Coach Conti's proud smile said it all.
Later, journalists waited for him outside the locker room. Cameras flashed. Questions came fast.
"Enzo, your first Primavera goal — how does it feel?"
He smiled, humble but confident.
"It's just the beginning. I'm grateful for the chance. Now, I have to keep working harder."
That evening, Enzo returned home to his family's warm embrace.
His mother cooked his favorite pasta. His father, always calm, offered quiet words of pride. His older brother teased him about finally making the big leagues.
But Enzo? He was already thinking ahead.
The journey wasn't over.
It had only just begun.