Ronaldinho arrives in Italy for Ravenna debut at 46

Former Brazil forward Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on Friday, 13 November, ahead of his first competitive match since 2015. The 46-year-old is set to make his debut for Ravenna in Serie C, Italy’s third tier, on Sunday.

He landed on a private jet on Friday afternoon with Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani and director Lorenzo Tonetti, Football Italia reported. His first training session is planned for Saturday morning at the Stadio Benelli, with supporters allowed in the stands.

Derby against Forlì

Ravenna host neighbours Forlì at the Stadio Bruno Benelli on Sunday, 15 November. Kick-off is at 17:00 Italian time, or 18:00 in Riga. “He will play around half an hour,” Ravenna head coach Andrea Mandorlini told a news conference on Friday.

Ravenna are second in Group B of Serie C, with nine wins, two draws and two defeats.

Where to watch

In Italy the match will be shown live on Sky Sport and the NOW streaming service, Sky Sport Italia said. No broadcast in Latvia has been announced so far.

Back after 11 years

Ronaldinho signed for Ravenna in Miami in June. Cipriani, the club president, is a friend of the Brazilian and has said his dream is for Ronaldinho to score the last goal of his career in a Ravenna shirt.

The 2002 World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d’Or winner last played professionally for the Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015. His last appearance in Italy was for AC Milan against Roma on 18 December 2010.

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