Salernitana wins in a dramatic comeback but the protest triumphs. Despite three goals from Dia, who secures qualification, the still poisoned environment has targeted him and Iervolino. There is much to do and rebuild, but in the meantime, the granata console themselves with an 8-7 victory on penalties, after having been down (0-2, goals by Candelari and Soleri) and 1-3 (goal by Soleri after Kallon at the start of the second half). Then Dia took care of it, and Salernitana secured qualification for the round of 16 against Udinese (September 25), snatching the advancement from Spezia, thanks to their impeccable aim in the penalty shootout.
The memory and the protest
Before the match, Salernitana remembered fan Gianni Novella together with the Coordination Center. Then a minute of silence was observed in memory of warehouseman Gerardo Salvucci, who passed away two months ago. Goalkeeper and captain Sepe laid flowers near his historic position at the sidelines. No banners or flags: the ultras decided to strip the South Siberiano curve as a protest against Iervolino. They accuse him of generating illusions. However, they filled the stands with their usual passion and nonetheless cheered for the granata jersey. The protest knocks on the door of Salernitana, intended as ownership. The ultras clarify: “Petrachi, Martusciello, and the team are not involved.” Iervolino is under pressure and increasingly determined to step aside. He will do so on August 16 as president: he will resign at the Board of Directors. In the background, or rather in the foreground, is the sale of the club. Negotiations are ongoing.
The market scenario
Meanwhile, Martusciello, who had hoped to coach a semblance of a team soon, will no longer have Boulaye Dia, sold to Lazio for thirteen million euros, but will receive Verde in a few hours, who has signed a one-year contract (loan with a buyout option in favor of Salernitana and an obligation of one million in case of promotion to Serie A) and will also test Soriano’s physical and athletic conditions, who is a promised bride of the granata. He will train on trial and then the assessments will be made. A forward is missing. After Dia’s departure, Salernitana will have to use Simy and Valencia in the number 9 role. But only for a short time. Petrachi, in fact, has probed Lapadula, but in the end, he may focus entirely on a surprise name. For the defense, he has inquired about Oier Luengo, a ’97 class player, currently at Real Oviedo. However, the Spaniards have reportedly rejected Salernitana’s first offer of one million.
The corporate structure
Salernitana, still provisional, played against Spezia in front of Ferdinando Elefante, an interested spectator. He is the prospective DG of Salernitana and is the trusted man of Roberto Busso, CEO of Gabetti. The latter is ready to take over as president from Danilo Iervolino, as soon as the Board of Directors accepts his resignation.