At the Milanese oratory of San Silvestro e Martino, the kick-off had a different weight than usual. Not just a match in the CSI Milan under 9 championship, but the official debut of Michele Croce, 15 years old, in his first match direction. Excited, yes. Unprepared, no. After a sleepless night, Michele appears in front of the young footballers with a firm voice, respecting the refereeing ritual. It was his moment.
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What is osteogenesis imperfecta
Michele has lived with a rare disease since birth: osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease”. It is a genetic pathology that makes bones extremely vulnerable to fractures, even from minimal trauma or spontaneously. It affects around one in 20,000 people and, in the most serious cases, prevents them from walking independently.
Throughout his life, Michele has faced numerous surgeries, with the insertion of plates and nails to strengthen the bone structure. Despite this he does not see the electric wheelchair as a limitation, but as a daily tool that allows him to move and live his passion.
A passion born at school
The love for football has never stopped in front of obstacles. Since primary school, Michele refereed his classmates’ matches during physical education, without a whistle but with surprising authority. That passion, initially spontaneous, transformed over time into a concrete goal. Thanks to the support of sporting realities and decisive matches, he embarked on the path to becoming a referee, obtaining the AIA license after a rigorous training process. An achievement built with study, discipline and uncommon motivation.
Beyond the story, a powerful message
The transition from friendlies to official competitions represents an important leap. In the match between Vittoria Junior and 4 Evangelisti, Michele directed the match with confidence, managing pace, fouls and game dynamics with surprising maturity. The match was intense, but the real result is another: demonstrating that competence has no barriers.
Michele’s story is not just a sporting story. It is a concrete demonstration of how determination, inclusion and opportunities can change perspectives. His dream doesn’t stop here: he wants to continue refereeing, growing and, one day, directing increasingly important matches. His debut is not a point of arrival, but the beginning of a journey that speaks to everyone: talent always finds a way to emerge.
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