Salernitana coach Fabrizio Castori has a clear gameplan for their first Serie A season in over 20 years: aim low. ‘Less than a point per game is the average you need to stay in this division.’
The Granata earned promotion by finishing runners-up to Empoli in Serie B last term and fully admit this was unexpected.
“We cannot be compared with, nor compete with, the big clubs,” said Castori in his press conference.
“Nobody wants to lose, let me be clear on that, but if you play against Juventus in Turin, you can pretty much assume that you will.
“Serie A is two different leagues in one, as less than a point per game is the average you need to stay in this division. There are teams against whom we cannot afford to make a single mistake.
“If we get upset or irritable after a defeat to a big club, that means we’re arrogant. I am well aware of what our dimension is and won’t let myself get dragged along by enthusiasm.
“We need to stay focused on the final objective and never lose our heads.”
Their opening Serie A fixture tomorrow is against Bologna.
Salernitana have just signed Nwankwo Simy from Crotone, but don’t expect the striker to start tomorrow.
“To be honest, he is clearly nowhere near fully fit. Naturally, he will start from the bench, but I am convinced he can be useful in the final 15 minutes, should we need him.”