Even if only for one season, he was part of the extraordinary group that dragged Cagliari – at the end of the 1980s – from C to A. And his was a decisive contribution, given that he was a mobile, technical and extremely dynamic on which a very young Claudio Ranieri supported much of the rossoblù’s attacking game.
Gianpiero Piovani, who has just concluded a long experience as coach of the women’s Sassuolo, remembers that year, which culminated in the promotion to Serie B and the conquest of the Serie C Italian Cup, with a bright smile. Which widens further when the discussion falls on Ranieri, his old master capable – after many years – of closing his perfect circle in Cagliari with a new promotion and salvation in Serie A.
Gianpiero, yesterday the coach from Testaccio made his farewell to Cagliari official. You who know him well, how do you “read” this decision of his which, even if (perhaps) only in part, has shocked the rossoblù world?
“I believe that in these last two years in Sardinia the coach has given his all and that now, after two feats achieved one after the other, he has understood that he needs to unplug. Even considering his age. We talk every now and then and I am truly very happy for him: having had him as a coach I can testify that he is first and foremost a beautiful person, and then a very competent coach. The results he has achieved in his career, moreover, speak for him. His decision to leave, as I was saying, for me is linked to the fact that in two years he has dedicated himself body and soul – and even more – to the island cause, and now he probably wants to rest. It also seems normal to me, after such an exciting and challenging adventure like the one he has just experienced.”
So in your opinion it was an exclusively personal choice, and not linked, for example, to hypothetical differences with the management on the technical future of the team?
“I think so. I would rule out that Claudio made this decision due to any differences of opinion with the club regarding certain players to take or not to take. The coach, moreover, has always had the great merit of knowing how to question himself in every phase and circumstance of his career. If he had wanted to give up for reasons other than personal ones, he would have pulled out a year ago, after the surprising promotion to Serie A. Rather, I would say that the last two years, however extraordinary and full of satisfaction, have proven him and have sucked him in lots of energy. Which is why he preferred to say goodbye to his beloved Cagliari public.”
Gianpiero, what assessment can we make of the season that will end tomorrow? An uphill first round was counterbalanced by a much more convincing return round, in which the Sardinians took several points away from the big teams.
“At the beginning the coach had to deal with many injuries. Then, as soon as some key players returned, the team definitely changed gear. The staff may not have been top-notch, but Ranieri’s great work righted the stormy ship. The coach, no matter what anyone says, matters a lot. Especially when he conveys empathy, passion and the desire to fight until the last second. I was part of that fantastic group that, many years ago, brought Cagliari and Sardinia back to where they deserve to be, and therefore I can testify that Ranieri has always had these great qualities.
The rossoblù year was, in the end, more than positive, crowned by a salvation which in my opinion was well deserved.”
