Cagliari`s captain states: “I don`t know if this will be my last dance; I still feel like a player. But in the future, I want to be a sporting director.”
The veteran striker isn`t ready to quit, even as his knee, his persistent adversary, continues to trouble him. Leonardo Pavoletti has embarked on his ninth season with Cagliari, and while his 37th birthday approaches in November, many expect this to be his final year. But why not a tenth? Pavoletti reveals, “You know I had this `cleanup` procedure in May. After Verona and the crucial relegation-saving goal, I couldn`t train anymore. I`m recovering now, not fully ready yet, but I at least want to score one more goal. That`s my objective. Last season, I aimed for ten, but I only managed two, though before Verona I was consistently well, and I must thank coach Davide Nicola for that.”
Pavoletti also has an eye on the future, studying to become a director and entrepreneur. He muses, “I might enjoy being a sporting director, but I need to see if I`m capable. What`s certain is I don`t see myself with a whistle around my neck.” Despite contemplating a future off the pitch, he still feels profoundly connected to playing: “After Verona, even with my knee in that state, I felt that sensation, so I can`t say this is `the last dance`.”
Veteran Stars in Serie A
While Pavoletti represents Cagliari`s experienced wisdom, the 2025-26 Serie A season welcomes four seasoned champions. Who among Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Luka Modric (Milan), Ciro Immobile (Bologna), and Edin Dzeko (Fiorentina) will make the biggest impact? Pavoletti expresses his anticipation: “I`m curious to see and challenge De Bruyne and Modric because they`ve never been in Serie A. I`m happy for Ciro`s return, and I believe Dzeko might contribute the most. It will be stimulating to compete against these great champions.”
Focus on Cagliari
The discussion then shifts to Cagliari, both the city and the club. Pavoletti expresses approval for the club`s decisions: “They showed courage in betting on Fabio Pisacane, and it`s a sign of belonging. He grew up at Cagliari and then began this journey. He`s a friend, and I struggle to call him `coach.` But what I like most is how passionate he is about his work. He`s doing what he dreamed of. Regarding the squad, I believe young players have a duty to earn their place: they shouldn`t play just because they`re young, but because they`re better than others. As for Prati, who will get his chance in midfield, I`d say he was hindered by the system last season, but for me, he was already ready.”
He continues, “Piccoli? He was a discovery; initially, he did well in bursts, but from January, he became a true player, capable of a leader`s year. I`d think twice before wanting to leave. As for Rog`s return, I`ll just say he`s been through more injuries than me. I care for him deeply and would be happy if he stayed with us.”
Meanwhile, Pavoletti is also venturing into entrepreneurship: “In Sestu, a stone`s throw from Cagliari, I`ll open a rehabilitation center in September. It`s a sports laboratory with partners and professionals. If I had worked on this sooner, perhaps I would have suffered less…”
