Salernitana have been rocked by a serious case of food poisoning that has hospitalised several members of their squad and technical staff, just days before the crucial second leg of their Serie B relegation play-off against Sampdoria.
The club confirmed on Monday that 21 individuals from the team and backroom staff fell ill during their return trip from Genoa on Sunday, following their 2-0 loss in the first leg. Training was immediately cancelled, and emergency medical services were called upon arrival at Salerno airport, with multiple people hospitalised due to the severity of the illness.
According to Italian media, at least 16 individuals were admitted to hospital, including eight first-team players. Authorities have launched an investigation and visited the hotel in Genoa where the team stayed before the match, which also reportedly prepared the in-flight meal consumed by the squad on their way home.
“We are very concerned about what happened and the series of events which risk undermining our ability to face the final minutes of this season in a normal and calm way,” the club stated. Salernitana have formally requested that Friday’s scheduled second leg be postponed due to the unexpected health crisis.
The incident adds further drama to an already tense play-off situation. Sampdoria, relegated to Serie B in 2023, narrowly avoided a drop to the third tier thanks to a points deduction handed to Brescia. Despite their own internal instability this season—including four head coaches and ownership changes—Samp managed to secure a play-off spot.
The historic Genoa-based club, which boasts past legends such as Alberico Evani and Attilio Lombardo—both now in coaching roles—have been fighting to avoid consecutive relegations. The club is currently owned by Singaporean businessman Joseph Tey, following a bailout led by Matteo Manfredi and former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani, who has since left.
What you should know
Salernitana’s hopes of Serie B survival have been thrown into uncertainty after a mass food poisoning incident affected their squad following a play-off defeat to Sampdoria. With several players hospitalised, the club has requested the second leg be postponed as investigations into the cause are ongoing.
