Italian football`s lower leagues, particularly Serie C, are no stranger to drama, both on and off the pitch. But a recent request from the club Salernitana has ignited a debate reaching beyond tactical formations and transfer market moves. Citing concerns over public order due to the high number of teams from the Campania region clustered in Girone C (the Southern group), Salernitana has formally asked the league to be reassigned to Girone B (the Central group) for the upcoming season.
This proposal, seemingly a practical solution to potential security headaches, has met with sharp criticism from various figures within the game. Among the most vocal is experienced coach Gaetano Fontana, who views the request not as pragmatic problem-solving, but as a potential threat to the league`s integrity and a worrying sign of capitulation.
Speaking on a recent broadcast, Fontana didn`t mince words. He labelled the idea of moving a team based on security fears alone as a “dangerous precedent.” His logic is straightforward: if one club is granted such an exception, based on factors like geographical cluster or potential fan issues, what stops others from making similar requests for their own perceived disadvantages, be they security, travel costs, or competitive balance? “If this is true,” Fontana stated, “it`s clear the League and the Federation must be ready to protect all involved parties. But this must be done by guaranteeing security, not by moving teams.” He acknowledged Salernitana`s potential economic concerns from playing behind closed doors, but insisted creating a precedent risks giving “everyone the right to ask for exceptions.”
Fontana argued strongly that this approach avoids confronting the core issue. “If a warning light comes on in the car,” he quipped, “we can`t just cover it with our finger. We must face the problems.” He pointed to other nations, specifically England, where significant fanbases and intense rivalries exist, yet leagues manage security without resorting to altering fundamental structural divisions. “I live in Ascoli,” he added, referencing the anticipation for the derby with Sambenedettese. “We need education and responsibility, not shortcuts.”
Perhaps most poignantly, Fontana highlighted what is lost when security fears dictate such drastic measures: the very essence of football passion – the derbies. “The concrete risk in these cases is having derbies without fans,” he lamented. “Which are the beauty of football: look at Genoa-Samp, Torino-Juve, Roma-Lazio…” He expressed disbelief at the idea of simply accepting that certain matches “cannot be played” in Serie C. “If we surrender to the idea that certain matches cannot be played in Serie C, we have lost.” This perspective underscores the fear that prioritizing avoidance over confrontation could sterilize the matchday experience for countless fans. It`s a rather bleak prospect: admitting defeat to hooliganism by simply moving the goalposts (or the teams, in this case).
While the security argument is the stated reason, the competitive landscape is also undeniable. Salernitana is reportedly building a formidable squad aiming for promotion. The quality of opponents differs between Girone B and C. However, Fontana dismissed this as a justification for a move. “Yes, but if you have to win, you win anywhere,” he asserted, though he acknowledged the competitive differences. He quickly pivoted back to the importance of internal club factors: “Attention: buying isn`t enough. You need unity of purpose, compactness, alignment with the club`s mission. Without this, you don`t go anywhere.” This subtly reinforces his main point – focus on the real issues, whether they be security or club cohesion, rather than structural avoidance.
Ultimately, Fontana`s message is one of responsibility and principle. While security is paramount, the proposed solution of moving teams is seen by many, including Fontana, as a dangerous shortcut that undermines the integrity of the league and sets a troubling precedent. The hope remains that authorities will address the root causes of security risks directly, ensuring fans can safely experience the passionate rivalries that define Italian football, rather than surrendering to the idea that they simply “cannot be played.” The traditional geographical divisions, which reflect genuine regional rivalries, should ideally be maintained, forcing a confrontation with the problems, not an evasion.