ITALY has gone Ronaldinho mad as the Brazilian legend prepares to make his sensational return to professional football at the age of 46.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan superstar is set to play his first competitive match in 11 years when Italian third-tier side Ravenna host fierce local rivals Forli on Sunday.

And excitement surrounding his comeback has reached extraordinary levels, with Sky Sport Italia announcing special television coverage usually reserved for some of the biggest matches in European football.

The broadcaster will set up a pitchside studio at Ravenna’s Stadio Bruno Benelli, with transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio joined by special guests. Commentators Antonio Nucera and Lorenzo Minotti will provide live coverage of the Serie C clash, which kicks off at 4.30pm UK time.

Sky will even introduce a dedicated ‘Ronaldinho Cam’, following the Brazilian’s every movement from his pre-match warm-up to his appearance on the pitch.

Italian commentator Fabio Caressa will also feature in a special introduction, while fans in Britain can watch the match for free on Sky Sports Football’s YouTube channel.

Speaking to CBS, Ronaldinho said: “I’m very happy to be back after 11 years. Ravenna is a great club and I am really excited. Today I do a lot of footy volley. I’m training differently and we will see what happens.”

Ronaldinho fever has swept through Ravenna, with the club erecting a temporary 1,800-seat stand named R10 in honour of the legendary playmaker.

The Brazilian star posted a video of himself doing an outrageous skill, captioning it: “People will say this is AI haha!”

The additional seating in the stadium will increase the stadium’s capacity to around 7,000, while tickets for the eagerly anticipated derby have been selling for as much as £130.

The World Cup winner arrived in Italy on Friday to a hero’s welcome and is expected to start Sunday’s match despite having just one training session with his new team-mates.

Ravenna boss Andrea Mandorlini has confirmed the Brazilian will feature in attack, although the pair will decide how long he remains on the pitch.

Ronaldinho’s remarkable return follows his decision to join Ravenna in June, when he signed for the club and subsequently acquired a minority ownership stake.

The Italian side had been purchased in 2024 by businessman Ignazio Cipriani and investment partner Black Duck, with the Brazilian becoming part of their ambitious project.

Cipriani, who grew up idolising Ronaldinho, insisted the move was about much more than publicity, with the club hoping to climb through the Italian divisions.

The former Ballon d’Or winner has also taken on an ambassadorial role, using his global profile to attract new supporters and investment.

Ronaldinho enjoyed a glittering career with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan, winning the Champions League in 2006 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

He was also part of Brazil’s World Cup-winning squad in 2002 before playing his final competitive game for Fluminense in September 2015 and officially retiring in 2018.

But the 46-year-old has one final landmark in his sights after ending his previous playing career on 299 professional goals.

His Ravenna team-mates are already hoping to help him reach the magical 300 mark, with striker Simone Rabbi revealing Ronaldinho will take any penalty awarded to his side on Sunday.