Davide Nicola re-hired as Salernitana boss just 48 hours after sacking
The Piedmontese coach had been fired on Monday, after the club's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Atalanta. The club, however, after discussions with the team, changed their minds, despite having already come to an agreement with Leonardo Semplici.
The decision from Iervolino was strange, and given the emotion surrounding that heavy loss, lacked thought and process.
He had already been contemplating sacking the coach for some time - would not listen to reason and, on Monday morning, informed him of his decision, which, apparently, was not shared to a large part of the team.
After a confrontation with some members of the dressing room, Iervolino has retraced his steps, despite having already reached an agreement yesterday with Semplici, who was ready to sign with the Granata club until the end of the season.
The choice of the former Cagliari coach, having sounding out the likes of Roberto D'Aversa, Eusebio Di Francesco and Beppe Iachini. But despite that defeat, Nicola's previous work with the club could not be ignored. Salernitana currently sit nine points above the Serie A drop zone and have 20 games of their season in which to improve in their second season in Italy's top flight.
Davide Nicola had his say on the decision on Monday through Instagram as well as his reappointment.
He explained: "I'll tell you the truth. Yesterday I received a phone call from President Iervolino (...) I asked the President with all my strengths to review the exoneration measure, knowing that I was touching the chords of a human soul that has deep sensitivity to understand and strongly wants to build a different football.
"Because I love Salerno and I believe blindly in this project.
"Stories of men doing great things': this is what the President has always told us, who - as I have always acknowledged - was the main architect of last season's salvation (...) I thank the President for calling me, this is proof that the new football is a football of passion and heart, and for this I WANT to repay his trust with all my strength and with all the passion I have.
"With the sporting side led by Morgan De Sanctis, whom I thank for the mediation without which this operation would not have been possible.
Nicola added: "We are expecting weeks of hard work and continuous confrontation to achieve our goals."
Salernitana and Nicola will face another big challenge on Saturday against league leaders Napoli when they visit Salerno. Another big defeat feels likely and this saga could run on even further.