Sportish travels to Salerno, the city where it is forbidden to support Napoli

It was April 30, 2023. All of Naples was on its feet. Journalists from all over the world had traveled to the city to capture the evening when the team would also win the Scudetto. The opponent was Salernitana, who were fighting to remain in Serie A.

Everything looked like it was going to be an easy afternoon for the Neapolitans. However, the game did not go as expected. The game ended 1:1. Pull. All the fireworks, all the local celebrations had to be extended for a few days. The championship was not yet won.

Still 47 kilometers away the atmosphere was completely different as the fans of the Salerno team took to the streets and celebrated the draw as a victory. Well, how come the residents of a city that’s in the same prefecture as Naples do that? This question was asked by several netizens given the festive atmosphere in Salerno. The answer is much simpler than it seems: the two teams Napoli and Salernitana hate each other to death.

You’ll understand that from the moment you enter Salerno. There is no blue flag, no scarf, no blue ribbon hanging from the balconies anywhere. In fact, the problem has taken on proportions in recent days as the city government essentially bans all Napoli fans from celebrating their third championship in the city in public.

Therefore, nothing reminds us that they are essentially two cities, only half an hour apart by train.

The roots of the rivalry between the two teams and cities go back to the early 20th century. Salernitana was founded in 1919, seven years before Naples. The local derbies were always strong, but things often got out of hand as fans from both teams held hands.

After the end of World War II, Naples now had the first word in the Campania region. The rivalry between them has reignited following Salernitana’s promotion to Serie A in 2021. The potential of the two teams may be unequal, but the local derbies between them always have a different grace.

In Salerno they are waiting for you. It’s a good opportunity to outperform the big rival. And what happened on the night of April 30 was the most ideal scenario. As you walk around the city, you can see the impact the team has had on the lives of local people.

The streets are littered with graffiti featuring the signature walrus that adorns the team’s crest, burgundy ribbons in the club’s colors, and jerseys bearing the names of Ribéry and Ochoa. In the small souvenir shops you will find everything your heart desires.

Jerseys, scarves, magnets and even pillowcases with the face of the Mexican goalkeeper and the French midfielder, who were and remain the big stars of the team. However, it is no small feat to see world-renowned players in Salerno within two years.

Salernitana managed to stay in the division. To annoy the Neapolitans, they decided to follow their example and put up posters above the pedestrian streets with the names of the footballers who had won the historic duel at the Diego Maradona Stadium. Everyone has their eye on the next season.

Sunday night (4/6) is expected to be the same as everyone else. No celebrations, no smoke bombs, no slogans. Although just 47 kilometers away, one of the biggest football festivals the planet has ever seen will be taking place at the same time.