No like that, no like that, no like that. Almost eleven months have passed since the night in Bari and the Apulian journalist’s viral reaction after Pavoletti’s promotional goal. A reaction that comes to mind, but in the opposite direction, looking at the result of the match Cagliari against the Milana 5-1 without appeal.
Joker
No like that, no like that, no like that. An answer that also goes well with the words of Claudio Ranieri in the post-game. From “nothing to say to my boys” to the definition of a “joker” match given to the match at San Siro. In essence, an away match whose result, ultimately, mattered little regardless. A message to everyone that is difficult to accept. An old mantra of little Cagliari in the face of the battleships of A league. A word, joker, which contains the classic “these are not the games in which to score points” which accompanied the approach to the season of Ranieri’s rossoblù and not only that, it would be enough to rewind the tape of less recent memories. Yet it is precisely challenges that are prohibitive on paper, tackled with competitive fury, that are keeping Cagliari afloat outside the red zone called relegation. The five points against Atalanta, Juventus and Inter have marked the gap, still not covered, with those who follow and try to catch up or get closer to the rossoblù. They gave meaning to the duty not to start out beaten, not to shrug in the face of defeats, not to make the best of a bad situation. And then there are those guys to protect, the same ones from electroshock in the form of post-Lazio resignations, now back to wet chicks to be kept safe from criticism and accusations. An aspect that creates further doubts and fears, with 180 minutes to play and that virtual bonus called Fiorentina – thanks to the Viola’s Conference final a few days after the last matchday – to damnably remind us of the night of Venice22 May 2022. A team that has become fragile again, a team that – without the few elements of experience and fundamentals in their roles – seems to have lost its physiognomy, quality and desire to throw its heart over the obstacle.
More or less
Late changes, little reaction to the inertia of the match, choices along the way that made people turn up their noses. Ranieri cannot be free from blame, not only in the 90 minutes but also in the aftermath in front of the microphones. But if the words take away the wind and they can be of circumstance, then there are the facts to act as a counterbalance. Those of a 5-1 difficult to digest, yes, but also those of a ranking that regardless of what happens to theEmpoli, to the Sassuoloto the Verona and to theUdinese will still see Cagliari above the last three positions. And therefore with destiny in their own hands, with all the pros and cons of the case. Among the first are the possible two results out of three in the next away match in Emilia, the psychological aspect of a somewhat painless defeat, the match against Fiorentina as a further chance regardless of what happens at the Mapei Stadium. Among the latter is the story of this and previous seasons, that is, of a Cagliari team that, when it was able to relax, often took the path of obsessive pursuit of sporting suicide. As if in the rossoblù house, Ranieri or no Ranieri, living on the razor’s edge is the only way to get one’s head out of the stormy waters of relegation. Thus creating a nervous tiredness in the environment to be transformed into energy to react.
Wedding ring
Sir Claudio, considering what has been written so far, was wrong, is wrong and who knows, he could be wrong again. Because beyond the act of faith of those who see Ranieri as an infallible guru, the rossoblù coach is also human like everyone else. However, at the same time and without counter-proof, it becomes difficult not to think about where Cagliari would be without him. Meanwhile, we know where he was before his return: on the right side of the Serie B table. Then we know where he arrived, a promotion full of emotions and surprises. And we know where he is stationed now, outside the red zone. A team that finished the previous season fifth in the league, promoted at the last second of the last match and that at San Siro had six elevenths of the starting eleven returning from that ride. With two of the five changes always children of B. In short, a squad inexperienced in the top flight and in some departments also in terms of age and which paid its price in the final part of the season due to absences. A significant detail that gives value to Ranieri’s work, but which at the same time cannot be the justification for every defeat. Question of balance in judgments beyond results, for better or for worse. Because throwing out the baby and the bathwater is an easy mistake to make, but hiding the dust under the carpet of acts of faith is just as easy. Ranieri knows it first, the team should know it: without this awareness the risk of a nightmare ending becomes anything but remote.
Matteo Zizola
