Claudio Ranieri led Cagliari to a dramatic Serie A return on Sunday, after Leonardo Pavoletti’s stoppage-time goal sealed victory over Bari in their playoff final.
Cagliari were under pressure at a foggy Stadio San Nicola where only a victory would see them promoted. The first leg in Sardinia on Thursday ended in a 1-1 draw; had Sunday night’s return game also ended in a draw, Bari would have gone up after finishing higher in the Serie B table (third to Cagliari’s fifth).
The visitors had struggled to create chances for most of the game but summoned a final push in the pouring rain, and Pavoletti volleyed home from close range in the 94th minute to spark scenes of jubilation.
Cagliari return to the top flight after a one-year absence, joining Frosinone and Genoa, who both won automatic promotion. Ranieri was seen crying on the field as he celebrated with his players.