Salernitana, following a three-season stint in Serie A (2021-2024), now faces a critical juncture.
The club has formally requested a postponement of the second leg of their Serie B relegation play-off against Sampdoria. This follows a mass food poisoning incident affecting 21 players and staff.
The illness struck after Sunday’s first leg defeat (2-0) in Genoa, during the team’s return flight. The widespread sickness leaves many players unfit to train before Friday’s scheduled match, jeopardizing Salernitana’s chances of avoiding relegation to Serie C.
Salernitana CEO Maurizio Milan expressed concern, stating, “We are deeply disturbed by this incident and the potential impact on the season’s conclusion. Many players and staff are currently unable to attend training.”
While informal discussions with Serie B officials suggest a willingness to consider the postponement, a formal request has been submitted. Additionally, Salernitana has called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the outbreak.
Their current predicament stems from a complex series of events. Initially facing Frosinone in the relegation play-off, a four-point deduction for Brescia due to financial irregularities led to Salernitana’s automatic relegation, with Sampdoria subsequently replacing Frosinone in the play-off.
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