While there's controversy at the top (see yesterday's exchange between Giuseppe Pistilli and Swiss Pro), on the pitch Olbia continues to live up to its name with a start to the season that, given its initial form and the well-known corporate turmoil, exceeds even the rosiest expectations.

Following the ninth round of Serie D, Giancarlo Favarin's team sits seventh with 15 points and a foot in the playoffs, second only to Cos (+1) among Sardinian teams. The derby against Budoni, won 3-2 with a brace from captain Daniele Ragatzu (the Whites' top scorer with six goals) and a wonder goal from Gianmarco Staffa, plus a penalty saved by Aniello Viscovo (his second of the week) in the first half, reflects a growing group, both physically and mentally, capable of fighting through difficulties, and deserving of continuing their adventure this season under the banner of the over-100-year-old club, which has been battered by disastrous management that, without a certain, solid, and immediate change of ownership, risks ruining everything.

Yesterday, Olbia returned to training ahead of their home match against Ischia, fresh from their victory over Monastir. Willis Furtado will miss the match due to suspension, while Romolo Putzu will miss the injury he sustained on Sunday in Budoni. The severity of the injury is pending the outcome of an MRI scan. From the Gallura derby, Olbia also inherits a warning for Fabrizio Buschiazzo, his fourth yellow card, and a three-match suspension for club manager Riccardo Pecchi, who was sent off as a substitute.

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