It is the year of Leonardo Pavoletti . At 35 years old, the Cagliari captain, although he has experienced much better seasons in terms of scoring, is perhaps experiencing the most exciting season of his career. Goal calls goal, you know, and now he's smiling: «It's a good moment», says number 30 on the sidelines of the interview with "Il Cagliari in diretta" on Radiolina, «then the Christmas atmosphere always has that particular magic».

Yet 2023 had not started in the best way. Then, almost suddenly, that evening at San Nicola: «It was a crossroads. That goal gave a boost of energy, it restarted the whole movement, not only of Pavoletti but also of Cagliari, of the fans. He rewound a tape that wasn't doing well. With a stroke of magic we managed to get him back."

Ranieri pampers him, and has carved out a nickname-role for him, that of the rossoblù “ Altafini” : «I like it. When they can identify you for something you do on the pitch it's always nice. Then when they compare you to a great champion... The important thing is that the coach knows he has a man who, regardless of whether he plays one minute or ninety, is always on the ball."

Now, however, this year must end on a high note with the last two matches: «We fought to get some air at this moment. We have matches that on paper we can play and it's right to go and face them in the best way possible."

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