Serie B : Why was Salernitana vs Sampdoria relegation play-off abandoned?

The second leg of the Serie B relegation playoff between hosts Salernitana and Sampdoria was abandoned on Sunday after home fans threw smoke bombs and seats onto the pitch.

Sampdoria was leading 2-0 when the match was initially postponed in the 65th minute as Salernitana fans hurled objects onto the pitch.

Play briefly resumed but was ultimately abandoned amid chaotic scenes at the Stadio Arechi.

According to Italian media, Sampdoria are likely to be awarded a 3-0 win, which would secure a 5-0 aggregate victory and guarantee its escape from what had seemed certain relegation to the third tier.

Sampdoria, Italian champion in 1991, was initially relegated to Serie C for the first time in its 78-year history, only to be handed a lifeline after the season ended when Brescia was docked eight points, dropping it below Sampdoria and granting the Genoa club a place in the relegation play-off.

Salernitana also suffered a setback after being hit by food poisoning, which led to the second leg being postponed following Sampdoria’s 2–0 home win in the first match.