Repatriation of the Cagliari coach to greet the old teammates, recognized one by one: “This is the Billellera, but is there still water?”. The technician accompanied by his sons Filippo and Niccolò
SIP. Leonardo Semplici was up to his word: he returned to Sorso 32 years after his experience as a footballer and was greeted by the affectionate embrace of his former teammates with whom he had played in the Serie C2 championship in the 1988-89 year. Punctual, accompanied by his sons Filippo and Niccolò, the coach who performed the miracle of guiding Cagliari towards a salvation that seemed unexpected, kept his promise by responding to the messages that encouraged him for weeks, especially in difficult moments.
The architect of the repatriation was Battistino Gallu, a quality defender, one of the flagships of Sorso and with important experiences with Torres and Olbia.
It has been a jackhammer, every week since Semplici was called by President Giulini to attempt a desperate undertaking. «I made him the table – he says in a joking tone – and he answered me he put the symbol of the joined hands. And Cagliari went up, point by point, to salvation ». The other companions of the Sorso also cheered on “Leo”. Hundreds of kilometers, from one part of Sardinia to the other, on Thursday evening, just before 8pm, the technician arrived in Sorso. A tour of the city, greetings and applause in the bars, the square, the fountain of the Billellera: “But is there still water?”.
And they are ready in formation: goalkeeper Antonello Fiori, Leonardo Semplici immediately sees him: «But did you stay like this? – he says – you are in shape ». He recognizes them without error: Battistino Gallu makes no text, unmistakable. He talks constantly: he remembers every detail and sows jokes. “Leo” is in the game: Claudio Merlo coach of that Sorso of kids had not given the captain’s armband to Gallu, so Mr. Semplici repairs the wrong, folds the sleeve of his shirt: “Here, I’ll appoint you captain.” Laughter and applause, even with Nicola Sanna, the “professor”: “What do you teach?”. White hair, lean body, the teacher replies: «English, if you need I am available». Simplici smiles, even in front of the Masia brothers – Riccardo and Franco – two natural talents. Asks, Semplici: inquire about what families do.
Gianpiero Tirotto is almost as tall as he is: “Tirotto!” Says the coach pointing his finger, and hugs him. The only hesitation in front of Marco Piana: a few extra kilos, glasses. Effort and help are needed: «Piana? I wouldn’t have recognized you. But of course now yes, it’s you. ” Headquarters of the reunion is the restaurant of Vittorio Mura, super fan. At the table: a flurry of appetizers, challenging challenge. It seems to be over there. Instead, it’s just the beginning: one dish after another: «What is a wedding?» Exclaims Semplici. And Battistino Gallu rages: «If you need someone to distribute the shirts, remember me».
It’s a real party, Mr. Semplici expected it like this. He found them as his comrades had left them. Respect and simplicity. And the first to set an example is the Cagliari coach: one who made himself, from Excellence to Serie A. Dozens of photos with anyone. Then the training. «It was a great evening guys, I’m really happy to be back». Two thoughts on the season that restarts: “I’m ready to start, I have a team of smart guys.” After midnight, the departure from Sorso thanks to Franchino Asara, also available for a historic reunion.
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