January 2023 – Milanello Training Center
The fog clung low to the hills surrounding Milanello, that unmistakable January chill rolling through the training fields like a reminder — the second half of the season had arrived.
And so had Enzo Sky Vito.
He stepped out of the club van and onto the gravel path toward the youth facility. The boots in his hand were still damp from Coverciano's turf. His Italy U18 debut was barely two weeks behind him — and yet it felt like another life already.
Inside the main building, things were different.
A Changed Atmosphere
The whispers started as soon as he passed through the youth corridor.
"There he is — the golden boy."
"Did you see the assist he had in the U18 game?"
"He's not just U17 anymore, man. He's on the radar now."
Enzo didn't slow down. Headphones in. Hood up. But his eyes — sharp and locked forward — noticed everything.
Even his coach, Mister Bianchi, gave him a longer handshake than usual. "Welcome back, Campione."
On the Training Pitch
The drills were the same — rondos, tactical shape, transition games — but the vibe wasn't.
Before, players tested Enzo. Tackled him hard. Tried to show him they were better. Now? They watched.
Cautious. Almost deferential.
He had become "Enzo Sky Vito", not just the gifted 15-year-old in their squad.
But not everyone was intimidated.
"Let's go, ragazzino," shouted Francesco Morelli, the U17 captain. "Still have to earn it every day."
Enzo grinned. He welcomed it.
In a 5v5 drill, he pulled off a nutmeg on Morelli, then immediately chipped the keeper from a tight angle.
Even the coaches clapped.
A Call from the Top
That afternoon, while eating lunch in the youth cafeteria, a staff member approached Enzo quietly.
"Mr. Maldini wants to see you upstairs."
Enzo's heart kicked up a beat.
Paolo Maldini. The Technical Director of AC Milan. Legend. Icon. He hadn't spoken directly with Enzo since his trial at age 13.
Inside the Director's Office
The room was filled with trophies, old jerseys, and framed photographs of Milan legends. Maldini sat behind a sleek desk, watching footage on a tablet. Enzo stood respectfully, hands behind his back.
"You impressed everyone at Coverciano," Maldini began, looking up. "But more importantly… you didn't celebrate like it was the end. You played like it was just the beginning."
Enzo nodded. "Because it is, sir."
Maldini smiled. "Good answer."
He leaned forward. "We're moving you to Primavera training twice a week. You'll still play U17 for now — we want you dominating your level before you move — but we're testing your adaptability."
Then his tone shifted slightly.
"Enzo… you have a gift. But gifts without grinta, without fire, fade. You have fire. Don't let anyone put it out."
Later That Week – Locker Room Banter
Back with the U17s, Enzo kept it lowkey. But not everyone let him.
Leão FaceTimed him during recovery.
"Yo, superstar! Heard you're getting the Maldini treatment."
"Chill, bro," Enzo laughed. "It was just a conversation."
"Yeah? Next convo might be with Nike or Puma," Leão teased. "You ready for the big leagues?"
Enzo leaned back, relaxed. "I'll be ready when Milan calls. Until then… I train."
The Pressure Rises
More media began attending his matches. Scouts from abroad, even murmurs of interest from clubs in England and Germany. But Enzo didn't flinch.
Every U17 match now felt like an audition.
His touches? Sharper.
His goals? Colder.
His eyes? Burning.
Yet off the pitch, he remained himself — cheerful with teammates, goofy in training, always dancing when music played in the locker room.
The nickname hadn't come back.
Not yet.
But it was coming.
A Note in His Locker
One day after training, Enzo found a folded note inside his locker. No name. Just five words:
"They're not ready for you."
He smiled. Closed his eyes.
The world was beginning to feel it — the tremor in the air before a storm.
The sky was turning red and black again.