Twenty-one members of Salernitana’s squad and staff were reportedly taken to hospital following a suspected case of food poisoning after their Serie B play-out match against Sampdoria in Genoa. Italian media said that the club, which lost 2–0 at the Marassi Stadium, experienced a health emergency during their return journey to Salerno on a charter flight.
It is understood that several individuals began to feel ill mid-flight, prompting emergency services to meet the team upon landing at Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi Airport. Ambulances transported many of the affected to hospital for treatment.
Some critics suggested that the illness may have been caused by a packed lunch, reportedly rice, prepared earlier in Genoa. The club has reportedly provided statements to the police to assist with an ongoing investigation.
By the following morning, the majority of those hospitalised had been discharged, but the scheduled training session was cancelled as a precaution. Reports indicated that Salernitana were considering a formal request to postpone the return leg of the play-out against Sampdoria, which is currently set to take place on Friday evening at the Arechi Stadium.
In a statement released to the press, Salernitana confirmed the cancellation of training due to what they described as a serious case of food poisoning affecting 21 individuals. The club said the incident required medical intervention at the airport and hospital care for many of those involved.
Salernitana stated that it had taken all necessary health and legal steps and had informed the authorities. The club added that it was evaluating possible actions to defend the interests of both the team and its players, especially given the importance of the upcoming match.
CEO Maurizio Milan was quoted as saying that the club was shaken by the events, which he feared could undermine their preparations for a critical point in the season. He said informal talks had already taken place with Serie B officials, who appeared open to discussing a possible postponement, and he hoped for a fair and swift resolution.
