Ronaldinho returns to playing after eleven years away from the pitch, and Ravenna celebrates with a win. At 46, the Brazilian plays the first half of the Serie C match in front of a sold-out Benelli stadium, drawing the attention of international media.
His pace is far from that of his glory days, but the technique remains. In the 45 minutes plus stoppage time he plays, he touches the ball fifteen times and takes part in the move leading to the 1-0: he finds Lonardi, who in the 36th minute sets up Donati for the opening goal.
Earlier, he had taken a corner kick from which Donati himself had come close to scoring with a header. In the second half, with Ronaldinho off the pitch, Rabbi doubles the lead in the 57th minute, and Ravenna manage the result from there.
Among those in the stands are Dida and Serginho, who later join their former teammate to greet him, along with Flavio Briatore and Fabio Fognini.
The celebration spreads throughout the stadium: the club store is overwhelmed with fans seeking the special jersey dedicated to R10, while supporters find cardboard cutouts for selfies and, on their seats, a glove replicating his famous goal celebration.
For Andrea Mandorlini‘s side, the three points keep them six points behind league leaders Spezia.
