Inzaghi: Boateng prepared to assist Salernitana’s cause

Salernitana coach Pippo Inzaghi admits that starting Jerome Boateng in his debut match against Torino, with just two training sessions under his belt, isn't ideal but necessary due to circumstances.

Chirag

February 4, 2024

Jerome Boateng Ready To Start — Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Salernitana coach Pippo Inzaghi acknowledges that thrusting Jerome Boateng into the starting lineup for his debut against Torino isn’t the ideal scenario, particularly with only two training sessions under his belt. However, it has become a necessity. The match kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at 11:30 GMT.

Boateng finalized his move to the club on February 2, following the closure of the January transfer window, as he was a free agent. Consequently, he hasn’t participated in a competitive match since June 2023 with Olympique Lyonnais. At 35 years old, he’s far from being fully fit, yet he finds himself in the starting XI for his debut this afternoon.

Inzaghi revealed to Sky Sport Italia, “Boateng put himself at our disposal, he hasn’t played for eight months and had only two training sessions, but is ready to help,”

“Unfortunately, losing Fazio, Gyomber and Pirola in one go is not easy, but we will not feel sorry for ourselves. I hope that from today we can start moving up the table.”

“We really ought to have a little time to get players settled like Pierozzi, Zanoli and Basic, but this is the transfer market. In honesty, I am also glad to see them straight away, they’ll train in the match.”

Boateng had been linked with a return to Bayern Munich but opted to join the team currently at the bottom of the Serie A table, seemingly destined for relegation.

Inzaghi remarked, “Someone like Boateng who had this remarkable career and decided to come to Salerno for a new adventure, that is very important for us. His approach has been very positive. I would’ve liked to give him a few more training sessions, but he put himself at the disposal of the squad, like the great professional he is.”

In addition to the injury crisis, Inzaghi also has to contend with the flu bug that has sidelined Boulaye Dia recently.

“Dia is not ready to start, but he is back in the squad. We have been scoring goals recently, I just want us to not concede, as something always seems to happen. We need to be even more concentrated.”