La Viola have last laugh in emotional Ranieri farewell
Veteran Cagliari manager Claudio Ranieri bid an emotional farewell to the Sardinian team as well as possibly soccer management altogether.
His departure was slightly spoiled as Cagliari, which had already secured Serie A safety, lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina in its last match of the season.
Fiorentina snatched the win when Arthur converted a penalty with the last kick of the match in the 13th minute of stoppage time. The result also secured European football for Fiorentina next season.
The match came two days after Ranieri confirmed he would step down as coach of his beloved Cagliari, the team that also launched his impressive managerial career more than 35 years earlier.
Ranieri, who famously steered Leicester City to the English Premier League title in 2016, said he would not coach another club but may consider offers from national teams.
Ranieri already appeared to have tears in his eyes before kickoff when he was given a standing ovation by the fans as well as both sets of players. There was a giant banner unveiled in the stands that read “Eternal gratitude for a great man. Thank you, Mister” as well as plenty of smaller signs expressing the fans’ love for Ranieri.
