After weeks of high tension marked by continuous U-turns and twists, the coach quarrel seems to have been definitively resolved at Salernitana. While the fans prepare the first real protest of the Iervolino era, here is the sporting director Gianluca Petrachi closing a lightning deal with John Martusciello. Having received Latina’s no for Gaetano Fontana and having taken note of Andrea Sottil’s step back and his request not to deposit the contract signed twelve days ago, the club has decided to focus on a professional looking for redemption and eager to demonstrate his value after a series of seasons spent as second. Martusciello, in fact, is Sarri’s historic assistant and has also collaborated at Inter with the current national team coach Luciano Spalletti. His only experience on the bench has not been particularly satisfying: despite an initial advantage of 11 points over the fourth-last team, the coach was relegated to Serie B with Empoli in the 2016-17 season in favor of Crotone by Nicola and after an incredible defeat on the pitch of Palermo, already relegated and without objectives. The official announcement, however, is expected for the late morning and it cannot be ruled out that he will be present at the press conference scheduled for this afternoon at the Arechi stadium.
The sports director will be presented on this occasion Gianluca Petrachi and there will be a lot of talk about the future. The president Danilo Iervolino he reiterated his willingness to pass the baton, although he is aware that it will not be easy to find buyers quickly after the failure of negotiations with the American group Brera Holdings. And so, representing the company, there will be the CEO Maurizio Milan. It will be up to him to answer the many questions of the fans: why does the one who promised Europe and big investments intend to give up after just two and a half years? What are the objectives? What is the budget available to the management? Why is there talk of downsizing when only the parachute guarantees an income of 25 million euros? How come as of July 3rd the departure date for the retreat is still unknown nor the program of the friendlies? Why were negotiations abruptly interrupted for people like Coda, Vandeputte and Tutino who Petrachi had convinced to accept Salernitana? And then, of course, the corporate issue. Iervolino has no desire to stay in the world of football or to invest further money. Having carried out a capital increase for a figure equal to 15 million euros, the patron of Palma Campania will manage the club remotely without public appearances and with Milan who will have full powers. The future of vice president Gianni Petrucci is yet to be defined. In a recent interview, he was categorical: “I will only stay with Iervolino, otherwise I will step aside even though I am tied to the square and to a fan base that has positively surprised me”.
Speaking of fans, we were talking at the beginning about the protest and the climate of bad mood and distrust that is felt in the city and in the province. Tomorrow, at 19:19, the ultras of the South curve will gather outside the Arechi stadium to protest against Iervolino, “guilty” of having failed to keep almost all the promises made on the day of his presentation. The clubs have joined en masse: from the Spartani Salernitana to Coordination Center passing through Mai Sola and Salerno Club 2010. The “zero season ticket” operation could also start, many say they are ready to skip retreats and home games just to send a strong message to the owners. “Easy to escape after a shameful relegation after having promised the left side of the league table, big investments and a cutting-edge sports center. If they decided to bring us to bankruptcy, they should say it openly, is it possible that those who were predicting Salernitana in Europe cannot guarantee a competitive championship in B?” in short, the content of the many press releases issued in the last 48 hours, while in the city a banner was displayed with the words “Salerno deserves respect”.
Finally, there is the delicate issue of the many – too many – players under contract who do not fit into the technical plans, especially for economic reasons. On the eve of their departure for Rivisondoli, the sporting director Petrachi finds himself having to place elsewhere and as quickly as possible the various Sepe, Bonazzoli, Sambia, Bradaric, Bronn, Pirola, Daniliuc, Lovato Lassana Coulibaly, Bonazzoli, Simy, Dia, Mikael and Valencia. Salaries of one million euros and up, partly unsustainable for the category. A potential treasure of 20 million. They have already said goodbye to the company Loum Tchaouna (moved to Lazio for 8 million euros), Norbert Gyomber (termination for a flagship player, there was no agreement for the renewal of the contract) and Trivante Stewart, the flop of the last summer transfer session. Kastanos is travelling quickly towards Verona, Iannoni was redeemed by Perugia for 400 thousand euros, Maggiore is leaving and could be a valuable bargaining chip. Then there is the Candreva issue: there was time until June 30 to pay a penalty and “free himself” with a year’s advance of his millionaire salary. At the moment, however, no official communications have arrived and the fate of the captain is unknown. The playmaker is being courted by Como and Monza. Only Fiorillo, Legowski, Mamadou Coulibaly, Ikwuemesi and the youngsters have a chance of staying Motoc is Sfaitfor the rest, a total revolution of the team is not to be ruled out. The first incoming signing could be Pagano, a young player in the Roma team who has already made his debut in Serie A and in European competitions, earning praise from Josè Mourinho.
