The return of the prodigal son after an intense, lengthy, and often lonely rehabilitation programme was lauded by the supporters on Wednesday night - and, after so long out, it was nothing short of miraculous that he came through virtually the whole game.
As recently as December 4th, one newspaper claimed that Paolo would probably be out for three months with the cartilage tear he picked up against Southampton.
But it reckoned without Paolo's sheer will-power - not to mention powers of recuperation.
Paolo is contemptuous of a Sunday newspaper article while he was away that implied he had gone missing, and ill-informed critics that have claimed he enjoys going back to Bologna as it is in his home country miss the point that his immediate family live in England - and that he hails from Rome, a long way from Bologna.
In fact, such was Paolo's dedication to getting back as soon as possible, when lesser characters might have not rushed back so soon for a dogged relegation fight, that he was even working on Christmas Day at the rehab centre.
"Someone said 'apparently' I was in Bologna but I showed that I was in Bologna," he says.
"I am happy to be back and I worked very hard - and I showed against Blackburn that I am professional."
Not only did Paolo win - and of course, score - the equalising penalty, but, with the captain's armband firmly in place, he galvanised supporters and players alike.
That he was not on the pitch when Jermain Defoe scored the winner did nothing to dampen his celebrations after both the goal and the game.
Nonetheless, Paolo adds a note of caution amongst the delight - and rightly so.
"What we did on Wednesday is nothing and we have to carry on this way, full stop," he explains.
"It is a good start, we are happy, but it is not enough, and from Thursday we have to forget what we have done.
"But I am delighted for the 36,000 supporters, and I hope it helps the confidence, of course."
Also back was Fredi Kanoute after his own rehab work, and he adds: "It has been difficult not playing; it was one of the first times I was on the sidelines, but Wednesday was all about team work.
"I am still struggling to come back to match fitness but I have worked hard in rehab - I did everything, and it was good."
Fredi had to acquaint himself on the field with two players he had not played with before, having replaced another new team mate in Les Ferdinand.
Stepping out to play alongside Glen Johnson and Lee Bowyer meant a chance to get to know their style of play, and Fredi says: "I had to make my mark with other players and it was good to win."
He hopes his injury problems are behind him now, and he admits: "I have never had such a bad injury - for a muscular problem it did not seem possible."