Cagliari was the last stop of a great career full of unforgettable moments, but it still left an indelible mark in the memories of Gianfranco Zola. Guest at the “Festival dello Sport” in Trento, Magic Box retraced an exceptional story, the one that took him from Oliena and the clay courts of the province of Nuoro to the top of world football.
A Serie A with Maradona's Napoli in 1990, a UEFA Cup with Parma in an all-Italian final with Juventus and a Cup Winners' Cup with Chelsea, where he scored the only goal in the final act with Stuttgart: these are some of the trophies won by Zola, who also played in the European and World Cups. But, in his memory on stage in Trento, his thoughts go to the last two years on the pitch, from 2003 to 2005 with Cagliari: "If I have to be honest, if I have to say a championship and a moment in which I was truly proud and proud of myself, I would say the year in Serie B", he revealed, visibly moved and excited . "It was a year that I wouldn't change for anything, because going to Tempio to play with a full stadium and happy people makes me emotional just thinking about it. It wasn't for my profession: it was for my soul, I chose with my heart and it's a choice I've never regretted".
For Zola, Sardinian identity has given him that extra edge in his career: "Sardinia has always been present in me, identity must be strong to help you navigate difficult waters. Growing up in Oliena, a small town of 7,000 inhabitants, gave me a strong identity and values that helped me face difficult times ."
