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Chapter 5 - From Bench to Breakthrough

The weeks following his debut felt like a whirlwind. Enzo Sky Vito had stepped onto San Siro's turf for the first time, but now came the real test — proving he belonged not just for a moment, but consistently.

September 2018 — Serie A Substitute Appearances

The 2018–19 Serie A season was in full swing, and Enzo found himself a regular fixture on the bench. The squad was packed with talent — from the creative brilliance of Çalhanoğlu to the striking presence of Cutrone — but the coaching staff was clear: Enzo was a weapon to be unleashed when the game demanded a spark.

He didn't start, but when the coach called his number, he was ready.

His first substitute appearance after the debut came against Torino. The match was tight, Milan chasing a goal. Enzo came on around the 70th minute, immediately injecting pace and unpredictability on the wing. A deft no-look pass, a teasing dribble past a defender, and suddenly Milan's attack found a new rhythm.

Though he didn't score, the stands recognized the flair — a flash of something special.

October 2018 — Europa League Exposure

Europe was a different beast. The Europa League group stage meant tougher opponents and high stakes.

Against Olympiakos, Enzo was brought on late in the game to add width and creativity. The crowd at the San Siro hushed in anticipation — could this teenager make the difference on the continental stage?

With calm precision, he took the ball, weaving through defenders with his trademark explosive dribbles. His off-the-ball movement pulled the defense apart, creating space for teammates.

Though Milan didn't win that night, the European scouts were watching. Enzo's stock was rising beyond Italy's borders.

December 2018 — Coppa Italia Run

The Coppa Italia was where Enzo truly began to shine.

Starting as a substitute in the Round of 16 against Napoli, he was introduced in the 65th minute. Milan was behind, the tension thick as fog.

Enzo's energy was electric. Within minutes, he sliced through Napoli's midfield, launching a powerful bicycle kick that rattled the crossbar. The crowd went wild — his audacity was clear.

Then came a no-look finish that curled beautifully past the keeper, leveling the score.

Milan fought hard, eventually winning the match in extra time. Enzo had not only scored but shifted the momentum.

From that night, the whispers began: "Key player. Future star."

January 2019 — Becoming a Fixture

By winter, Enzo was no longer just a late-game impact sub — he was a trusted weapon, regularly featuring in Serie A, Europa League, and Coppa Italia matches.

His chemistry with Donnarumma and Çalhanoğlu grew stronger. The trio formed an unspoken understanding on and off the pitch — one of mentorship, friendship, and mutual respect.

Enzo's jersey number 39 began to carry weight, no longer just a number, but a symbol of his rise.

February 2019 — Coppa Italia Quarterfinals and Beyond

In the Coppa Italia quarterfinals against Lazio, Enzo's influence was undeniable. Starting on the wing, he combined pace, creativity, and precision.

His off-the-ball runs dismantled Lazio's defense repeatedly. A perfectly timed no-look assist set up the winning goal.

Milan advanced, and Enzo was hailed as a difference-maker.

March 2019 — Supercoppa Italiana

The Supercoppa Italiana final against Juventus was the ultimate test.

Though Milan were underdogs, Enzo's fearless play helped tilt the game. A critical cross-field pass led to the winning goal in extra time.

The trophy was Milan's. Enzo's name was on every headline.

May 2019 — Awards and Recognition

The season closed with Enzo sweeping individual honors. The Golden Boy award — a recognition of the best young player in Europe — and Serie A Young Player of the Year confirmed what fans and experts had seen all season.

From a nervy debut to a season-defining campaign, Enzo Sky Vito had arrived.

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