Sampdoria came back from the changing rooms to applaud their travelling fans after the game had been abandoned

Sampdoria Avoid Serie C After Salernitana Play-Off Abandoned

Sampdoria Stay in Serie B After Salernitana Play-Off Abandoned Due to Fan Unrest

Sampdoria will remain in Serie B after their relegation play-off second leg against Salernitana was abandoned and later awarded as a 3-0 victory by the league’s sports judge, securing a 5-0 aggregate win.

The decisive match in Salerno was stopped in the 65th minute after home fans reacted violently to their team’s collapse, throwing smoke bombs, flares, chairs, and other objects onto the pitch. At the time, Sampdoria were leading 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

Fan Violence Forces Decision

Salernitana supporters had shown signs of unrest earlier in the match, with frustration boiling over after a disallowed goal by Gian Marco Ferrari was followed by Massimo Coda’s opener and a second by Giuseppe Sibilli shortly after halftime.

With their side virtually confirmed for back-to-back relegations — having dropped from Serie A just a year earlier — home fans erupted in fury. Officials suspended the game for safety reasons.

Serie B’s disciplinary judge reviewed the events and officially handed Sampdoria a 3-0 technical win, ending Salernitana’s hopes of survival and condemning them to Serie C.

Sampdoria’s Dramatic Escape

Sampdoria’s survival marks an astonishing turnaround. The former Italian champions were initially relegated to Serie C in May for the first time in their 78-year history.

However, post-season sanctions on Brescia, including an eight-point deduction for financial irregularities, moved Brescia below Sampdoria in the final table — granting the Genoa-based club a spot in the relegation play-off.

Punishment for Salernitana

In addition to relegation, Salernitana have been ordered to play their first two home matches of the 2024–25 Serie C season behind closed doors as punishment for the fan violence.

What’s Next?

Sampdoria will look to rebuild and avoid another relegation scrap next season.
Salernitana, now in Serie C, face not only demotion but financial strain and a fractured fanbase.
League authorities may review protocols after another high-profile match was marred by violence.