"I hope he said it badly. Because otherwise the meaning of the reasoning is not clear." Roberto Ragnedda is the mayor of Arzachena, the capital of the Costa Smeralda. And he did not take kindly the statements of Nicola Riva, son of Gigi and board member of Cagliari Calcio, commenting on the chants of the Milan fans during the match against Cagliari at San Siro. "You will return to Serie B," the ultras shouted in one voice, referring to the bleating of sheep. After defending the agricultural and pastoral culture of Sardinia, Riva then added, sarcastically: " Thank you, because with these chants you give us energy. If you really want to hurt us," he warned, "call us Costa Smeraldini."

And it is on this last statement, and it is obvious, that Ragnedda's attention has been focused. His premise is: "I do not want to create controversy." But this seems an inevitable consequence.

The mayor does not attack, but asks for explanations: «We all agree with Riva when he defends the identity of Sardinia, therefore with the first part of the reasoning. But only if it is valid for the whole island».

So not if we exclude one of its most famous areas in the world. Riva, perhaps, was referring to the Costa Smeralda as seen by some “mainlanders” who, as tourists, have shown a rowdy and boorish nature. Some “who have been here, but not only here,” says Ragnedda. Who rejects the alleged supremacy of identity: “We are proud of our land, which has given visibility to Sardinia throughout the world. It cannot and must not be associated with something negative. Here, I hope Riva said it badly and we would like explanations.” The message is sent.

Enrico Fresu

© Riproduzione riservata