Sport, but more generally life, is a question of motivation and for Salernitana, never before has the problem been precisely that. How to face the last four championship matches after a mathematical relegation and a depressed environment at any level? Colantuono has a weakened group on his hands, which he is trying to manage with great professionalism and love for the garnet colours. Unfortunately, for at least two months, Salernitana’s journey appears more similar to a via crucis than a championship, due to the pain of a fan base who, unlike the team, has never given up.
Fight for them, at least to greet the category with a modicum of dignity. This, meanwhile, is the first objective. Incredible to end 2024 without any success. Honour, a word that has been overused in recent weeks for a team that hasn’t been able to keep it up, but the support has. And it is precisely the supporters who deserve at least, in the two remaining home games against Atalanta and Verona, to see the last (for the moment) victories in the top category, in the hope that it is just a goodbye.
Then there is also statistics at stake. The negative record of points is an explosive mine that the Granata have the duty to avoid, so as not to undeservedly consign Salerno football to black history. The negative record in the Serie A with 20 teams and three points belongs to Pescara, who in 2016/17 stopped at just 18 points. The Granata are at 15, -3, and risk becoming “uncatchable” at the top of this miserable ranking. Four games, twelve points up for grabs to avoid an indelible disgrace.
Few, but more than valid reasons to take to the field on Monday evening with the utmost determination even against an opponent who is out of reach. History requires it, Salerno requires it.
