Peppino Soglia, the President – The City of Salerno

Today it is still hard to believe that it is no longer there. Yet ten years have passed since the dear Don Peppino he left us. It was November 12, 2014. It may seem strange and perhaps out of time, but the feeling is that it is always present. Whenever we talk about <a href="http://www.world-today-news.com/palermo-bad-news-official-he-cant-play-anymore/" title="Palermo, bad news OFFICIAL | He can't play anymore!”>Salernitana the deeds of that man stolen fromSalerno construction business and partly also to the family, who with their wit and stubbornness managed to make a dream real, that of returning to serie B. Who knows why the promotion achieved on 3 June 1990 is the most remembered one, which still links the Vestuti fans to unique and indelible memories.

He was among the members of FI.SA. who had acquired the Granata company from Archangel Japicca. Within a few years he took over entire ownership. It was a challenge that involved him from the beginning with positive and negative experiences. As a sports journalist I had the honor and pleasure of knowing him already when he was in charge of the Youth Sector and I was struck by the clarity of the ideas. Subsequently as President he had the strength to convey to those close to him the great desire to do everything to make the dream come true to a fan base who then loved and contested him without discounts, even going well beyond what was permitted.

I was impressed by his great humanitywhich characterized a good part of his presidency. In every one of his interventions he had the ability to listen but at the same time always find the solution to all the problems that were presented to him. There would be many moments to remember but I cannot erase some significant moments from my mind. The home defeat against Palermo in the 1989/90 championship, when there was already talk of a football disaster, Don Peppino showed firmness and determination and had the strength to raise awareness among an entire fan base, bringing ten thousand Salerno residents to Brindisi. The promotion was the apotheosis, a deserved triumph. Under the ashes, however, the fire of destabilization smoldered. The players’ protest for the promotion prize immediately after the match and, uniquely in the world, the president of a football team promoted to Serie B after 23 years forced to desert the celebratory party in Piazza della Concordia and forced, reluctantly, to leave the city with his family. A stain that will never be possible to remove.

His unconditional esteem he demonstrated it to me amply when he wanted me at his side with the role of press officer. An unforgettable time it made me grow not only professionally but as a man thanks to his teachings. It is absolutely not possible to forget it. As far as I’m concerned, I will always remain tied to his person with affection and gratitude. The whole of Salerno should do the same, not just football. Maybe too late they remembered Peppino Sogliaonly after his death. Too little for a Man of Great Thickness.

Thanks Don Peppino