The Call-Up

Allegri doesn't believe that anyone can successfully transform in just half a year. However, he respects Inzaghi enough to give him some consideration. As the coach of the youth team and a legendary player, Inzaghi's recommendation carries weight. Despite this, Allegri doesn't expect a young academy forward to save the team. He knows AC Milan needs to be more active in the transfer market.

Galliani's response to Allegri's recruitment request has been lukewarm. After selling Ibrahimovic and Silva, the team needs a striker with real scoring ability and a central defender in his prime. Without them, who does AC Milan expect to score goals? Pato, plagued by injuries, or the inconsistent Robinho? Despite this, Allegri is willing to count on them more than a young, unproven player like Louis.

In Allegri's view, Inzaghi's recommendation of Louis is filled with personal emotions. He won't refuse a young player recommended by the youth academy, but it's just another mouth to feed in the first team's cafeteria.

During afternoon training, Louis received the news from Inzaghi.

"Going to the first team?" Louis was stunned.

Then he smiled. "Uncle, you must be proud."

Inzaghi returned the smile. "Staying in the youth academy won't help you anymore. Remember, in the first team, patience is key. Wait for your opportunity."

"I understand, uncle."

Inzaghi opened the door for him, but Louis knew his progress depended on himself. He could use Inzaghi's influence as a stepping stone into the first team, but staying there and making a mark in professional football would depend on his own abilities. After all, there are many "generational players" in the world, but few succeed.

Fathers and sons like Paolo and Cesare Maldini, both Champions League winners with AC Milan, are rare. Success ultimately depends on individual talent.

Louis is confident about his future at AC Milan. He grew up in Milan; his family and friends are all there. Playing for AC Milan has always been his dream.

His family was overjoyed by the news. Louis's mother, Martina Inzaghi, spent the day preparing a feast to celebrate. His sister Clara, who studies at the University of Milan, took a day off from school to celebrate.

"Brother, you made it to the first team!!" Clara exclaimed as she entered, looking up at Louis, who towered over her.

"Are you serious?!"

Unlike Louis, Clara's Italian heritage was more prominent. With her high nose bridge, deep eye sockets, and long, straight, dark hair, she looked completely different from her brother. It was hard to believe they were twins.

"Yeah, I'm 6'2 now," Louis replied, grinning.

Clara looked envious. Despite coming from the same parents, the difference in their appearances was striking.

Soon, a group of young men and women arrived, all childhood friends of Louis.

"Congratulations, Louis!"

"I'll come to your games!"

"Keep going!"

Everyone was young, sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen years old, excited to celebrate with him.

"Wash your hands and get ready to eat," Martina said, smiling as she walked out of the kitchen. Jean continued cooking Chinese stir-fry, happily waving his spatula.

The community, mostly AC Milan fans, was thrilled. In Europe, football clubs and their communities share a close relationship. Everyone looked forward to seeing Louis play for AC Milan's first team.

The next day, Louis arrived at the first team's training base. Not all first-team players were present, as some were participating in the European Cup. Pre-season training focused on physical recovery and conditioning after the holidays. When the first team was fully assembled, they would go to the United States for a series of commercial warm-up matches, emphasizing technical and tactical training.

For now, Louis was just a small, unnoticed member of the first team, clocking in for training every day. His basic skills hadn't fully recovered, making him even more invisible in the squad.

July 1st was a day off for the whole team because it was the European Cup final day. Italy had reached the final, and Louis's home was filled with neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, they witnessed a crushing defeat as Spain defeated Italy with four goals, becoming the first team to win the European Cup consecutively, completing three consecutive championships with the 2008 European Cup, 2010 World Cup, and 2012 European Cup. For Italy, it felt like the afterglow of a setting sun.

A few days later, the Italian international players from AC Milan returned to the first team, bringing a somber mood. Despite this, the training base was lively with the mix of returning international players and promoted youth players from Vismara. Louis's situation hadn't changed much. His displayed basic skills indicated he was still far from being ready for the first team.

The team's first pre-season warm-up was the Italian Tim Cup, a competition between AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus, the three northern Italian teams. The format was unusual: forty-five minutes per game with the three teams playing each other. The direct winner of each round received three points; if the game was a draw, a penalty shootout determined the winner, who received two points while the loser got one.

Youth players, including Louis, didn't get a chance to play as the team faced Juventus in the first 45 minutes and Inter Milan in the last 45 minutes. There was no time for the youth players to develop during these games. As a result, AC Milan lost 0-1 to Juventus and 0-2 to Inter Milan, finishing last in the Tim Cup.

Despite the normal outcome, the Milan media began criticizing Allegri. However, these criticisms were mostly verbal and written, likely unseen by Allegri, who was focused on taking the team to the United States for the popular commercial warm-up, the International Champions Cup.

AC Milan's first opponent in the tournament: Arsenal from the Premier League!