Leeds United’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham City last night is making headlines in the Sardinian media. The game saw the reunion of Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino and his former player Gianfranco Zola, now the manager at Birmingham City.
Sardegna Sport have reported on Leeds United’s win over Birmingham City, and the clash of the two Sardinians. Cellino signed Zola from Chelsea in 2003 after he became surplus to requirements with the West London club. The Birmingham City boss would go on to play two seasons under Cellino, making over seventy appearances for the Italian side.
Sardegena Sport report of Birmingham City’s misfortune to not get anything out of the game, but ultimately Leeds United’s Cellino got one over Zola. Isola24 Sport also speak of a great moment for the Leeds United chief, and say that beating Birmingham City has helped the club in their pursuit for promotion to the Premier League.
Both Cellino and Zola in football terms have brought a lot to Sardinia in their own ways. Cellino owned Cagliari for over two decades, and even though he had his controversies whilst at the club for most of his reign they played in Serie A.
It’s well documented what Zola did for Italian and English football in the 90s after the success he had at Parma and Chelsea. Despite only playing for Cagliari in the latter stages of his career it was always an objective of the Birmingham City coach to return to his native island, despite being offered a new contract by Chelsea
