Villa will now face newly promoted Serie A outfit Salernitana on Sunday in a behind closed doors game at Bodymoor Heath.
In an unfortunate blow to Villa’s final pre-season preparations, Spanish side Sevilla are unable to fulfil a widely anticipated friendly at Villa Park. The La Liga team have been forced to withdraw due to an outbreak of Covid-19 within their squad.
STATEMENT
Sevilla FC have canceled their trip to Birmingham and the friendly match scheduled to be played tomorrow Saturday against Aston Villa at Villa Park for reasons related to Covid-19.
SEVILLA FC (OFFICIAL WEBSITE)
As with these pandemic related cancellations, it came at short notice and forced the club into a late scramble to arrange alternative opposition.
The reality of the close proximity to the new season, and the domestic lower leagues commencing this weekend to compound matters, saw Villa cast the net further afield in search of opposition. Salernitana stepped in at the last moment, flying into Birmingham tomorrow.
This change has resulted in the cancellation of a return to Villa Park for many fans on Saturday, with supporters now only able to attend an open training session at the ground if they wish. It’s not what many would have wanted, but the offer and gesture is something at least which younger followers might appreciate.
The match with Salernitana will instead take place on Sunday (2pm GMT) and ticket holders can redeem online to watch the encounter instead. Details can be found on the clubs official website and social channels.
Whilst a game against Andalusian side Seville was appealing given their 4th place finish in Spain’s top flight, it does at least throw up an unusual one-off fixture in it’s place.
Indeed, few can admit to having Italian side Salernitana amongst their ‘watch’ teams; fewer still can honestly say they’ve heard of them before.
Salernitana
Fact Check:
- Promoted to Serie A last season.
- 2021 is their first time in the Italian top flight in 23 years.
- Finished 2nd in Serie B 2020/2021.
- Italian side were formed in 1919
- Notable former players: Gennaro Gattuso & Marco Di Vaio.
- Salernitana last played in England 26 years ago, losing 2-0 to Ipswich Town in the Anglo-Italian Cup.
- Home Colours: Claret/Maroon (excellent choice).