Salernitana's struggle against relegation gets disrupted due to a case of food poisoning.
In the midst of the chaos, Salernitana's battleground for survival has taken a bizarre twist. A mass food poisoning case looms over the squad, leaving a significant chunk hospitalized mid-way through their relegation fight against Sampdoria[1].
Amidst the fighting to steer clear of Italy's third tier, the Serie B team has pleaded for postponement of the second-leg match against Sampdoria. The players and coaching staff are battling severe illness, making it impossible to train and prep for the crucial face-off[1].
This catastrophe piles onto the month-long saga that saw Brescia being relegated to Serie C by court order due to financial misconduct, with Sampdoria being given a shot at avoiding a humiliating demotion[1]. Previously, having a better shot at slipping into the third division for the first time in their 79-year history, Sampdoria's chance for redemption was unexpectedly granted by Brescia's woes[1].
The recent drama unfolded on Salernitana's plane en route home following their 2-0 loss in Genoa, plaguing 21 players and staff members, with many ending up in hospitals[1].
"We are taken aback by the sequence of events that threaten to derail Salernitana's steady march towards the season's climax," expressed club CEO, Maurizio Milan, in a statement[1].
The outbreak has plunged Salernitana into a frustrating wait, barring them from slugging out in the gym to prepare for the high-stakes encounter[1]. Having dropped from Serie A last season, the club now faces the dark possibility of consecutive demotions if they can't overturn their first-leg deficit[1].
"The situation is such that many players and staff are currently incapacitated, unable even to attend the training facility," added Milan[1].
The club has already initiated informal talks with Serie B officials, reporting a generally favorable response to their postponement petition[1]. Moreover, Salernitana urges an investigation into the root causes of this widespread and severe health episode[1].
With every second counting, the players are racing against time to recover, and league authorities grapple with the decision to grant extra time[1]. Reuters.
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[1]: Salernitana's upset caused by massive food poisoning[2]: 21 players and team staff stricken by food poisoning[3]: Eight players, 13 officials hospitalized following food poisoning incident
In an extraordinary turn of events, Salernitana is appealing for a postponement of the crucial match against Sampdoria due to a widespread health emergency, causing a food-and-drink related illness that affects both players and staff. The team's focus has diverted from the health-and-wellness of its members and their pre-match preparations, impacting their science-backed training routines and tactics.
