Salernitana director Walter Sabatini insists ‘it’s not over’ after the thrilling draw with Cagliari. ‘We survived everyone declaring our premature demise.’
The battle remains wide open with six teams fighting to avoid the three relegation spots going into the final two rounds of the campaign.
When Simone Verdi converted a penalty and the decision to assign a stoppage-time spot-kick to Cagliari was revoked for a foul on Luigi Sepe, Salernitana thought they had made it 16 points from an available 18 in the last six games.
However, Giorgio Altare’s bullet header from a corner at the 99th minute made the final result 1-1 at the Stadio Arechi.
Serie A | Salernitana 1-1 Cagliari: Last-gasp drama at the Arechi
“There is huge disappointment, but at the same time we know that we survived,” Sabatini told DAZN.
“Nobody expected us to be in this position, as they all considered us to be relegated already, so just being able to play it was a privilege.
“It’s disappointing because we could’ve sealed it today, but now we have a week to prepare against Empoli, a side who play some of the best football in Serie A.
“We have always fought hard and this was just a stumble, we are ready to overcome it. This has always been a good squad and proved itself, despite some frankly unkind criticism.”
Salernitana are still unbeaten in six, managing four victories and two draws, with coach Davide Nicola effectively kicking off a whole new season when he took over.
“Being able to play for safety with two rounds left is an honour, because we survived everyone declaring our premature demise.
“I am not interested in personal gratification, but in securing Salernitana’s safety for these people, these fans and this city. Quote aside from this evening’s result, Salernitana are achieving a miracle, or at least something totally unexpected. We are very proud, but we know it’s not over.”
😱 This relegation battle is going right down to the wire…
Giorgio Altare has given Cagliari a fighting chance at survival with a late goal at Salernitana.
A header in the 9th minute of added time. Wow. pic.twitter.com/HZZ7c26UTX
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 8, 2022