Former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho is set to make his Ravenna debut on Sunday, 15 November, when the club hosts Forlì in a Serie C Group B derby. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 local time at the Stadio Bruno Benelli.
The match is set to be Ronaldinho's first competitive appearance since his final game for Fluminense in September 2015, more than 11 years ago.
Ravenna confirmed the appearance on its official website on 23 October, announcing that Ronaldinho would wear its yellow-and-red colours in an official league match against Forli.
When will Ronaldinho make his Ravenna debut?
Ravenna published the confirmation on its official website on 23 October, announcing that Ronaldinho would wear its yellow-and-red colours in an official league match against Forli.
Ravenna mayor Alessandro Barattoni had announced the date earlier that day on the Fattore R programme, according to Corriere Romagna.
Ticketing details remain unconfirmed by the club. Il Resto del Carlino has reported that season tickets will not be valid for the match and that stadium capacity has been reduced, but Ravenna has yet to publish its full arrangements.
Club president Ignazio Cipriani described Ronaldinho as the first Ballon d’Or winner to wear Ravenna’s shirt. The Brazilian won the award in 2005.
Will Ronaldinho start against Forlì?
Ravenna have not disclosed Ronaldinho's expected role in the match. Head coach Andrea Mandorlini will decide whether he starts and how much playing time he receives, but has not publicly outlined his plans.
Ronaldinho was cautious about his playing role when asked at a public presentation in Marina di Ravenna on 20 August. He told reporters, as reported by AFP: "Will you see me play? I don't know, only the coach knows that."
At the same event, Cipriani said he hoped Ronaldinho would score the final goal of his career in a Ravenna shirt. He also insisted that the player's involvement was not a marketing stunt.
Ronaldinho, who has become a shareholder in the club, has spoken about the possibility of scoring his 300th career goal during his Ravenna appearance.
Why Ronaldinho joined Ravenna and how his comeback took shape
The move first emerged in June, when Gazzetta dello Sport reported Ronaldinho’s signing. Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida later told Panorama that the Brazilian would feature in an event match but would not play for the club in Serie C that season, partly because of his age.
Ravenna later confirmed that Ronaldinho would be registered as a player, with the agreement formally presented in Miami on 23 June. Club president Ignazio Cipriani described the former Barcelona star as his childhood idol.
Cipriani also confirmed that Ronaldinho would not feature in Ravenna's opening league match away to Reggiana.
His scheduled appearance against Forlì on 15 November would resolve earlier uncertainty over whether he would feature in a competitive league match.
Ravenna finished third last season and were second in Serie C Group B in late October, with 20 points from 10 matches. Forlì won the most recent derby at the Stadio Morgagni, beating Ravenna 3-2 in March.
Ronaldinho played for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011, having previously represented Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. He scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil.
