Daniele Faggiano is considered Salernitana`s key summer signing. This marks a significant shift from the previous management under Valentini, whose tenure was marked by numerous errors, from the delayed sacking of Breda to the ineffective January signings, ultimately culminating in relegation despite any self-defense of his work. The club has now entrusted an experienced and passionate director who previously achieved success in Serie C, contributing to the revival of a storied club like Parma.
If the start is any indication, things look encouraging. Raffaele, the new coach, is full of enthusiasm and ideas, the main architect behind the `miracle` at Cerignola. After a series of `big names` whose stints ended in dismissals, Salernitana needed hungry, motivated individuals ready to seize `the most important chance of my career.` Raffaele approaches it with a smile and the awareness that winning the championship requires not only quality play but also a willingness to fight and adapt to a division where Salernitana, in terms of prestige, is akin to Juventus in Serie A.
Faggiano has repeatedly urged the fanbase to set aside the past, and he sent a clear signal yesterday afternoon by officially announcing the signing of striker Franco Ferrari. Ferrari was a key player for Vicenza over the last two years and was previously linked to Salernitana back in 2019 during Fabiani`s time. After passing his medical, the Italo-Argentine striker spent his first day in the city experiencing the affection and support of the fans online. Many more official announcements are expected shortly.
Deals for defenders Matino, Capuano, and Casasola are reportedly close. Midfielder Capomaggio is also nearing a move, while Achik from Bari is the target for the left wing. The attacking lineup will be further strengthened by Roberto Inglese, who has joined on a free transfer from Catania, maintaining a good relationship with the sporting director. Should all these players arrive, Salernitana would undoubtedly be promotion favorites, regardless of the league group they are placed in. Catania defender Anastasio is also highly rated, and Ternana midfielder Salvatore Aloi has been proposed.
Significant work is also needed to offload players. The general feeling is that most current squad members will depart, including those who seemed to have a chance of staying like Tongya, Dalmonte, and Fiorillo. Numerous players have already left, including Simy, Bronn, Stojanovic, Cerri, Raimondo, Wlodarczyk, Jaroszynski, Amatucci, Hrustic, Corazza, Tello, Caligara, Girelli, Guasone, Lochoshvili, Christensen, Soriano, Verde, Gentile, Ruggeri, and Ferrari (the one who left, presumably the only one considered for a renewal recently). The club needs to find new teams for players like Ghiglione (who had a disastrous season), Sepe (due to his salary of over one million euros, unsustainable for Serie C), Lovato, Sambia, Bradaric, Maggiore, Daniliuc, and Legowski. Midfielder Adelaide has already rescinded his contract, and young Gerardo Fusco has left unexpectedly.
Changes are also expected in the club`s organizational structure. President Iervolino will take a more direct role again after partially stepping back a year ago, supported by CEO Maurizio Milan. Team manager Salvatore Avallone is leaving after 11 years and is expected to be replaced by former Catania staff member Matarazzo, a trusted associate of Faggiano. Secretary Dibrogni is also likely departing. Vice President Petrucci (absent from the stadium since March 16, 2024) and President Busso (who stepped aside last November after fan criticism) are no longer involved with the club, and SLO Domenico Napoli will almost certainly leave as well. The kit sponsor is changing from Zeus to Puma.
The first two home games will be played behind closed doors following the fan protest on June 22nd, which resulted in a 0-3 forfeit loss against Sampdoria. Salernitana is considering a targeted season ticket campaign to re-engage fans, who are largely skeptical and convinced that `the club must build a super team by investing millions, otherwise they should leave after leading us from Serie A to Serie C with a failed project that robbed us of our sporting dignity.` Given the anticipated lower attendance compared to the recent past, it`s not ruled out that only the Curva Sud and Tribuna sections might be opened, similar to previous Serie C seasons under Lotito and Mezzaroma.
The fan coordination center (“Centro di Coordinamento”) has called for a policy aimed at involving students, football schools, social associations, families, and under-14s because `with this double relegation, we risk losing the new generations permanently.` For public order reasons, the police authorities (“Questura”) have requested that Salernitana be placed in Group B of Serie C, citing the risk of at least 8 away game bans if placed in other groups, which would be detrimental to the team. The league authorities will make a decision shortly.
Finally, the legal battle for reinstatement in Serie B is not finished. The first ruling from the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) is scheduled for July 8th. Regardless of this decision, Salernitana will continue the process through the sporting justice system, appealing urgently to the Federal Court of Appeal (Corte d`Appello Federale). At the end of the month, in case of further rejections, the club is prepared to file a new appeal with the TAR and potentially take the case all the way to the Council of State (Consiglio di Stato) to highlight the inconsistencies and perceived unfairness of the decision issued on May 18th. The club believes it has suffered a series of injustices, including shifted dates, postponements, the cancellation of the playout match just 24 hours before it was due to be played, the food poisoning incident (where medics advised playing the following week for player health), and refereeing errors, with the performance of referee Doveri specifically mentioned as potentially being the subject of a separate report.
