In Assemini, satisfied and reimbursed by the market, Claudio Ranieri looks at the match against Roma, his Roma, with a smile and optimism.
«We lost Goldaniga and Mancosu who underwent surgery, but two players with excellent references arrived», states the Cagliari coach specifying: «We wanted Mina already in the summer, Gaetano is one of the players we had in our sights. They're ready to play, we'll see on Monday evening."
No, it won't be an evening like the others. It certainly cannot be the case for the coach from Testaccio, a Giallorossi heart with a history in Roma both as a footballer and as a coach. «Rome is special for me. The feeling is the same as when I returned to Cagliari as an opponent. It is undoubtedly something that gives you more" , the premise from the press room of the "Crai Sport Center" in Assemini where he tries, as much as possible, to manage emotions.
«But before, during and after we will have to be there hammering because we need points» . And the points against a big team weigh even more, Ranieri specifies: «We've been looking for them for a while and we came very close».
No clue about the lineup, needless to say. Sulemana will certainly not be there: «We hope to find him again on Tuesday when training resumes».
However, there will be Luvumbo, who left immediately after the elimination of Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations and is expected in Asseminello: «Flights permitting, we hope to have him here with us tomorrow morning».
De Rossi's presence on the Giallorossi bench will make Ranieri's match with Roma even more exciting. «I hope – says Ranieri – that the predestined person will have the career he deserves. He was already a coach on the field. I hope with all my heart that this is the right path." The day after tomorrow, however, he hopes to block it.