The "Gran Gala del Calcio Sardo" (Sardinian Football Grand Gala), organized by the FIGC's Sardinia Regional Committee, was held yesterday in the conference room of the "L'Anfora" hotel in Tramatza. Approximately one hundred clubs, victorious in regional championships and cups, from the senior categories to the youth and futsal tournaments, were awarded the Disciplinary Cups and the Young Player Development Project for the 2025/2026 season. All the key figures in the island's football movement were in attendance.
Hosting the evening, hosted by Valentina Caruso and Enrico Pilia, was President Gianni Cadoni, accompanied by the top regional federal sports officials. "It's a day of celebration. We're celebrating not only the winning teams," Cadoni commented, "but also the 500 clubs that are part of our regional football movement. My congratulations to everyone for this extraordinary achievement." Special guest was Bruno Perra, President of CONI. "I'm delighted to be here," Perra stated. "I thank President Cadoni, the board, the club, and the management for the sacrifices they make, with passion and enthusiasm."
The ceremony began with a video celebrating the season's long and eventful activities. The awards ceremony began with Ossese, the victorious team in the Excellence tournament, receiving the trophy and a hand-crafted artwork by Alice Ruggeri, and Iglesias (Disciplinary Cup). The following teams, from Promotion on down, began with Terralba F. Bellu, Alghero, winners of their two groups, and Bonorva, promoted after the playoffs, passing through the teams crowned in the First, Second, and Third Categories, the Women's Excellence tournaments, the men's and women's youth tournaments, and finally the five-a-side football and Disciplina Cup.
The prizes were also awarded in the competition created by “L'Unione Sarda”, in collaboration with the Sardinian Football Federation, now in its fifth edition, which consecrates the best players and top scorers of Excellence and Promotion for the 2025/2026 season.
In the top regional tournament, Matteo Vinci of Ferrini Cagliari won with 25 votes. "I'm truly happy and honored by this recognition," Vinci commented. "It's a wonderful personal achievement, which repays all the sacrifices I've made. I can't deny that Ferrini's relegation leaves a bitter taste in my mouth; I would have gladly traded this award for the team's survival. I'm very disappointed that things didn't go as we hoped, but that's football. The important thing is that every football season gives us the chance to bounce back and prove our worth to everyone. I want to thank all my teammates, the staff, and the club; if I was able to perform at my best, it's largely thanks to them. I wish Ferrini a quick recovery and a quick return to where they deserve to be."
In Promozione, Group A, the award went to Andrea Girseni of Freccia Parte Montis, who received 28 votes throughout the season. "Receiving this award is a tremendous satisfaction and a great emotion for me," said the Freccia Parte Montis midfielder. "It's recognition of the work, commitment, and sacrifices I've made over time, and on a personal level, it has a truly special meaning. I want to thank the club, the coach, and everyone who believed in me, giving me the opportunity to prove my worth. A special thanks also goes to my family and my girlfriend, who have always been by my side and supported me along this journey." In Group B, the award went to Marcelo Gavim Bruno of Macomerese, who received 23 votes.
Among the top scorers, Blas Dante Tapparello is the king of the Eccellenza league goalscorers. The Ossese striker has scored 16 goals in 27 appearances.
In Promozione, Group A, Andrea Sanna leads the way with 32 goals in as many appearances, spearheading Terralba's climb to Eccellenza. "I certainly didn't imagine I'd win another personal award at the start of the season," Sanna says. "It's something unexpected and extraordinary that I achieved thanks to the club, staff, and teammates who believed in me." In Group B, the top scorer is Diego Barboza of Alghero, with 33 goals in 32 appearances, crucial to the Giallorossi's dominance.
President Cadoni also awarded four "Regional Merit Awards" to Franco Frenda, a leading figure in sports justice; to Dr. Giorgio Demuro, a sports physician; to Costanzo Chessa, who had been on the field since 1959; and to Angelo Loi (first on the bench in 1966). In memory of Claudio Deiana, a referee who passed away prematurely, awards were given to the best referees. The best referee was Gabriele Sari, from the Alghero section, while Samuel Fronteddu, from Nuoro, and Alessandro Scanu, from Oristano, were honored among the assistant referees. The best futsal referee was Andrea Sechi.
