Sardinian football is mourning the loss of Ninnino Orrù, former president of Cagliari, who passed away today at the age of 84. The Orrù family took ownership of the club in 1987 when Cagliari was facing the threat of bankruptcy. Under their leadership, the team experienced a remarkable revival, achieving back-to-back promotions from Serie C1 to Serie A.
During this transformative period, a young Claudio Ranieri led the team from the sidelines, while the heart of the squad was embodied by Sardinian midfielder Gianfranco Matteoli. Fans were filled with hope thanks to standout players like Enzo Francescoli and Daniel Fonseca, who captured the imagination of a generation.
Ninnino was the last president of Cagliari before the club was sold to Massimo Cellino. He succeeded his brother Tonino, who sadly passed away last year and was at the helm from 1987 to 1991. The legacy of the Orrù family is marked by their significant contributions to the club and its history, especially during a challenging era that ultimately led to a new chapter for Cagliari.
