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SSC Bari
SSC Bari
SSC Bari
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The performance of Bari in the Italian football league structure since the first season of a unified Serie A (1929/30).

Key Information

Società Sportiva Calcio Bari,[2] commonly referred to as SSC Bari and simply Bari, is an Italian football club based in Bari, Apulia. Bari currently plays in the Serie B. The team finished the 2021–22 season in first place in Serie C and earned promotion to Serie B for the 2022–23 season.

Bari was originally founded in 1908 and reestablished several times, most recently in 2018. The club spent many seasons bouncing between the top two divisions in Italian football, Serie A and Serie B. The club was formerly known as AS Bari or FC Bari 1908 as well as other names, due to re-establishing. Bari usually plays in all-white with red detailing.

Statistically, Bari is the most successful club from the Apulia region in terms of all-time Serie A records. The club is among the elite in Southern Italian football and is ranked 17th in the all-time Serie A records. The club won the Mitropa Cup in 1990.

History

[edit]
Main article: History of SSC Bari

Foundation

[edit]

Bari Foot-Ball Club was founded in the city on 15 January 1908.[3] Like the majority of early Italian football clubs, foreign people were involved in the foundation of the club. Amongst the main founders were German Floriano Ludwig, Swiss Gustavo Kuhn, and a native trader of Bari called Giovanni Tiberini.[4] Originally, the club wore red shirts with white shorts; early on, they would play against English sailors at the San Lorenzo field in the San Pasquale area of Bari.

Although the club was founded early on, clubs from Southern Italy were not significantly represented in the early Italian football championships; due to that, Bari did not immediately participate in the early national leagues. During World War I, the original club became inactive before being reorganized in 1924 under the same name.

By this time, other clubs from the city had begun playing too, including Foot-Ball Club Liberty which originally wore blue and white stripes and were founded as a dissident club from the original Bari in 1909[5] and their rivals Unione Sportiva Ideale who wore green and black stripes and was founded in 1908. It was FBC Liberty who became the first ever side from the Province of Bari to take part in the Italian Football Championship; this was during the 1921–22 CCI season when the main clubs in the country had a falling out with FIGC.

The following season Ideale became the first side from Bari to progress to the Southern Italian semi-finals round but lost out to Lazio. All three clubs featured in the championship for the first time in 1924–25; while FBC Bari were relegated and ceased to exist again in 1927, Liberty, on the other hand, reached the Southern semi-finals before losing out heavily to Alba Roma.

Unione Sportiva Bari

[edit]

During the 1926-1928 period, the whole of Italian football was changing and beginning to become more organized. Several mergers were taking place in Naples, Florence, and Rome around the same time. FBC Liberty opted to change their name to Bari FC and first used it on 6 February 1927 in a match against Audace Taranto; then, on 27 February 1928, Bari FC merged with US Ideale to create Unione Sportiva Bari. The US Bari retook the red and white colours of FBC Bari.

After the Italian Championship of 1928–29, the league system was reorganized and Bari was placed in Serie B. One of their players was called up in the Italy national football team that season for the first time, in the form of Raffaele Costantino; this made Bari the first Serie B club to contribute a player and a scorer to the national side.[6]

Between Serie A and Serie B

[edit]

The 1930s and 1940s were Bari's golden age, spending much of that time in Serie A, with a finish of seventh in 1947 being the best they achieved.

In the 1950s, Bari went into a sharp decline and an equally rapid revival towards the end of the decade to spend three more years in Serie A (1958–61). Stars of the team in this period included Biagio Catalano and Raúl Conti. The club returned to Serie A twice more in this period (1963–64 and 1969–70), with the latter proving especially harrowing with only 11 goals scored, the lowest of any top-flight club. In 1974, Bari descended to Serie C, finishing that season with only 12 goals scored and 26 conceded in 38 games.

1970–71 AS Bari

By the late 1970s, Bari were back in Serie B and on something of an upward swing, narrowly missing promotion in 1982. They managed promotion to Serie A in 1985 and acquired English players Gordon Cowans and Paul Rideout, but they were unable to prevent an instant return to Serie B.

A return to Serie A in 1989 with stars including stalwart defender Giovanni Loseto, midfielder Pietro Maiellaro and Brazilian striker João Paulo saw a respectable 10th-place finish in 1990, their last season at the Della Vittoria. The following season saw Bari move to the San Nicola stadium, built for the 1990 World Cup, but by 1992, despite the signing of David Platt, they would be relegated once more.

Promotion in 1994 saw another two-year stay in Serie A with Igor Protti clinching league topscorer in 1995–96 season, and another promotion in 1997 saw the emergence of promising youngsters like Nicola Ventola, Gianluca Zambrotta, Antonio Cassano and Diego De Ascentis. This time, they managed a four-year stay in Serie A under the guidance of Eugenio Fascetti, despite his uneasy relationship with many sections of the club's support. The club has since had a generally indifferent spell in Serie B. However, having been near the top of the Serie B table for much of the 2008–09 season, they gained promotion to Serie A on 8 May 2009, under the guidance of Antonio Conte.

In November 2009, a take-over bid was rejected.[7] A Texas-based company JMJ Holdings also gave an intent to take over in August 2009.[8][9]

With Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Ranocchia as centre-back and Barreto as striker, Bari performed well in the first half of the season. Eventually, Bari finished 10th. However, Bari lost €19 million in 2009 financial year,[10] which meant Bari was quiet in the 2010 summer window and in the January 2011 transfer window, they failed to find a replacement of Bonucci and Ranocchia. The company recovered from negative equity due to an increase in TV income, as well as the sale of Bonucci (a profit of €6.45 million). Bari had a positive equity of €870,653 on 31 December 2010 and a net income of 14 million in the 2010 calendar year due to extraordinary income from selling the brand.[11]

Bari were relegated to Serie B after the 2010–11 season, finishing 17 points short of 17th placed Lecce. During the season, manager Giampiero Ventura was replaced by Bortolo Mutti in a failed attempt to save the club from relegation. On 4 March 2011, Bari played its 1,000th game in Serie A.

The end of the Matarrese reign

[edit]

On 13 June 2011, President Vincenzo Matarrese and the rest of the board of directors resigned after 28 years of controlling the club. Vincenzo Torrente was brought in to manage the side in the summer of 2011, and much of the playing roster was let go due to financial difficulties at the club and replaced by young players. Despite six and seven-point penalties in the following two seasons, Bari under Torrente was able to achieve mid-table Serie B finishes; however, disconcertingly, attendances continued to dwindle. In the summer of 2013, Torrente resigned and was replaced by Carmine Gautieri, who also resigned after two weeks. The top job was then assigned to Roberto Alberti Mazzaferro.

The financial position of the club continued to decline, and the Mattarese family reduced the amount of money they put into the club. The club's debt reached €30m in February 2014. The club was declared bankrupt on 10 March 2014. The first bankruptcy auction, on 18 April 2014, was declared deserted due to the lack of a bid that met all of the criteria. The second auction, on 12 May 2014, also failed to find a successful bidder. The club was in real danger of disappearing.

FC Bari 1908

[edit]
FC Bari 1908 logo used between 2014 and 2016

The third bankruptcy auction was held on 20 May 2014 with an asking price for the club of just €2m.[citation needed] A consortium FC Bari 1908 S.p.A. led by former Serie A referee Gianluca Paparesta successfully acquired the club assets and sports title. A strong spell of form towards the end of the season, where the club lost just two of its last 15 Serie B matches, meant that Bari qualified for the 2013–14 Serie B play-offs. Bari met Crotone in the quarter-finals and won 3–0, setting up a clash against Latina, the side that finished 3rd in the regular season. The first leg of the play-off semifinal was a sell-out with over 50,000 people attending the match, an incredible achievement considering the club recorded an attendance of less than 1,000 just a few months earlier. Bari were knocked out due to two draws (2–2 and 2–2).

In 2014–15, the team ended the season in 10th place. In 2015–16, Bari gained 5th place in the league and subsequent access to the play-off preliminary match against Novara but lost 3–4 after extra time at Stadio San Nicola.

In December 2015, Cosmo Giancaspro acquired 5% of Bari's shares.[12] In April 2016 Noordin Ahmad signed a preliminary agreement to acquire 50% shares of the club[13][14] but the deal collapsed; In June 2016 Cosmo Giancaspro became the sole director (Italian: Amministratore Unico) of the club, after the entire share capital were acquired by an Italian company Kreare Impresa S.r.l.[15] According to La Repubblica, Kreare Impresa was owned by Giancaspro, but both Giancaspro and his company was involved in a money laundering investigation.[16]

A new beginning: SSC Bari

[edit]

On 16 July 2018, Bari were excluded by Co.Vi.Soc. from participating in 2018–19 Serie B due to financial reasons.[17] The shareholders also tried to recapitalize the club[18] and appeal the exclusion to Collegio di Garanzia of Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), however, it was rejected.[19]

Thanks to the Article 52 of N.O.I.F., Aurelio De Laurentiis, the owner of football club Napoli and film company Filmauro, had won the rights to establish a phoenix club of Bari and restart in 2018–19 Serie D.[20][21] He also re-established the current Napoli in 2004. The new club will be named SSC Bari, with De Laurentiis stating his intention to return it to Serie A as soon as possible.[2] The club was subsequently assigned to Group I of 2018–19 Serie D, traditionally destined to teams from Sicily and Calabria.[22]

On 23 August 2018, as part of a press conference, Aurelio De Laurentiis announced his eldest son, film producer Luigi De Laurentiis Jr.,[23] as the new Bari chairman.[24]

Bari was promoted to Serie C at the end of the 2018–19 season. In the following seasons, the club was always touted as a major contender for promotion to Serie B.

In the 2019–20 campaign, Bari ended the season in second place behind Reggina and then made it all the way to the playoff final, where they were defeated by Reggiana after extra time, thus missing on immediate promotion to the Italian second division. Following a fourth-place finish in the next season, the club hired Michele Mignani as head coach and strengthened the squad even further: this proved to be successful, as Bari won Group C and gained promotion to Serie B on 3 April 2022, with four games yet to go.[25] In their first season return to Serie B, Bari made it to the promotion playoff finals at home, lossing to Cagliari due to an injury-time goal by Leonardo Pavoletti, thus missing out on a second consecutive promotion.

Sponsors

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
1978–1979 Puma None
1980–1981 Pouchain None
1981–1984 Adidas MAN SE
1984–1987 Cassa di Puglia
1987–1990 Sud Leasing
1990–1992 Sud Factoring
1992–1995 Wuber
1995–1997 CEPU
1997–1998 Lotto Transport Gio.Bi
1998–2003 TELE +, Sammontana
2003–2005 Pasta Ambra
2005–2006 Erreà
2006–2009 Gaudianello
2009 Radionorba
2009–2012 Banca Popolare di Bari, Radionorba
2012–2013 Fashion District
2013–2015 SuisseGas
2015–2016 Nike Puglia Promozione, Balkan Express
2016–2017 Umbro Betaland
2017–2018 Zeus Sport[26] Peroni 3.5
2018–2019 Kappa[27] Sorgesana, DAZN, Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata
2019-2020 Sorgesana, DAZN, Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata, Birra Peroni
2020-2021 Sorgesana, Primiceri, Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata, Birra Peroni, Granoro
2021-2022 Acqua Amata, Decò, Granoro, Molino Casillo, Primiceri
2022-2023 Molino Casillo, Acqua Amata, Decò, MV Line, Granoro
2023-2024 Corgoň, Tekvicovo-Tökmagmánia, Klass bistro & restaurant, Granoro

Players

[edit]
As of 8 September 2025[28]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  ITA Marco Pissardo
3 DF  ITA Riccardo Burgio
4 MF  ITA Gaetano Castrovilli
5 MF  GAM Ebrima Darboe
7 FW  ITA Giuseppe Sibilli
8 MF  ITA Riccardo Pagano (on loan from Roma)
9 FW  DEN Christian Gytkjær
10 MF  ITA Nicola Bellomo
11 FW  ITA Gabriele Moncini
12 GK  ITA Davide Marfella
13 DF  ITA Andrea Meroni
15 DF  ITA Sheriff Kassama (on loan from Trento)
16 MF  ITA Mirko Antonucci (on loan from Spezia)
17 MF  ITA Emanuele Rao (on loan from Napoli)
18 MF  ITA Giulio Maggiore
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 FW  URU Gastón Pereiro
21 MF  ITA Anthony Partipilo (on loan from Parma)
23 DF  ITA Francesco Vicari (captain)
24 DF  ITA Lorenzo Dickmann
25 DF  ITA Raffaele Pucino
27 MF  AUT Matthias Braunöder (on loan from Como)
29 MF  BEL Matthias Verreth
30 DF  ITA Moussa Mané
31 GK  ITA Michele Cerofolini
32 MF  ITA Vincenzo Colangiuli
43 DF  GRE Dimitrios Nikolaou (on loan from Palermo)
76 DF  KOS Indrit Mavraj
93 DF  ALG Mehdi Dorval
99 FW  ITA Leonardo Cerri (on loan from Juventus)

Bari Primavera

[edit]
As of 2 September 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
22 GK  ITA Michele Sanrocco
39 DF  ITA Pantaleo Spadavecchia
No. Pos. Nation Player
55 DF  ITA Luca Sassarini

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK  ITA Paolo De Lucci (at Heraclea until 30 June 2026)
— MF  ITA Francesco Lops (at Giugliano until 30 June 2026)
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF  ITA Filippo Faggi (at Pontedera until 30 June 2026)
— FW  ITA Giacomo Manzari (at Perugia until 30 June 2026)

Presidential history

[edit]

The official presidential history of Bari, since 1929 until the present day.

  • Alfredo Atti (1929–31)
  • Liborio Mincuzzi (1931–32)
  • Sebastiano Roca (1932–33)
  • Raffaele Tramonte (1933–34)
  • Giovanni Tomasicchio (1934–35)
  • Giovanni Di Cagno Abbrescia (1935–36)
  • Vincenzo Signorile (1936–37)
  • Giuseppe Abbruzzese (1937–38)
  • Giambattista Patarino (1938–39)
  • Angelo Albanese (1939–40)
  • Pasquale Ranieri (1940–41)
  • Giuseppe Santoro (1941–42)
  • Antonio De Palma (1941–44)
  • Andrea Somma (1942–43)
  • Tommaso Annoscia (1944–50)
  • Rocco Scafi (1950–51)
  • Florenzo Brattelli (1951–52)
  • Francesco Saverio Lonero (1952–53)
  • Achille Tarsia Incuria (1953–56)
  • Gianfranco Brunetti (1956–59)
  • Vincenzo La Gioia (1959–61)
  • Angelo Marino (1961–63)
  • Angelo De Palo (1961–77)
  • Antonio Matarrese (1977–83)
  • Vincenzo Matarrese (1983–2011)
  • Claudio Garzelli (2011–12) (as chief executive)
  • Francesco Vinella (2012–14) (as chief executive)
  • Gianluca Paparesta (2014–16)
  • Cosmo Giancaspro (2016–18)
  • Luigi De Laurentiis (2018–)
See also: Category:SSC Bari players

Coaching staff

[edit]
Position Name
Manager Italy Fabio Caserta
Sporting director Italy Giuseppe Magalini
Assistant manager Italy Salvatore Accursi
Head of athletic trainer Italy Aldo Reale
Athletic trainer Italy Francesco Saverio Cosentino
Goalkeeper coach Italy Roberto Maurantonio
Technical assistant Italy Luigi Viola
Italy Nicola Fiorentino
Italy Filippo Giordano
Athletic trainer manager Italy Paolo Nava
Doctor Italy Emanuele Caputo
Italy Giovanni Battista Ippolito
Italy Vito Ungaro
Physiotherapist Italy Alessandro Schena
Italy Francesco Sorgente
Osteopath Italy Francesco Loiacono

Managerial history

[edit]

Bari have had many managers and trainers, some seasons they have had co-managers running the team, here is a chronological list of them from 1928 onwards:[29]

Honours

[edit]

Mitropa Cup: 1

  • Winners: 1990

Divisional movements

[edit]
Series Years Last Promotions Relegations
A 30 2010–11 - Decrease 12 (1929, 1933, 1941, 1950, 1961, 1964, 1970, 1986, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2011)
B 47 2022–23 Increase 12 (1928, 1931, 1935, 1942, 1958, 1963, 1969, 1985, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2009) Decrease 5 (1951, 1965, 1974, 1983, 2018✟)
C 11 2021–22 Increase 5 (1955, 1967, 1977, 1984, 2022) Decrease 1 (1952)
88 out of 91 years of professional football in Italy since 1929
D 3 2018–19 Increase 2 (1954, 2019) never

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SSC Bari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SSC Bari, officially Società Sportiva Calcio Bari, is a professional football club based in Bari, Apulia, Italy, founded on January 15, 1908. The club, commonly known as the Galletti (Roosters) or Biancorossi (White and Reds) due to its colors and emblem, competes in Serie B, the second division of Italian football, and plays its home matches at the Stadio San Nicola, a 58,270-capacity venue built for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. As of November 2025, SSC Bari is owned by Filmauro, the production company of the De Laurentiis family, which also controls Serie A club SSC Napoli; Italian regulations prevent both teams from competing in the same division, leading to Bari being denied promotion to Serie A at the end of the 2024–25 season. Historically, SSC Bari has spent 30 seasons in , the top tier of Italian football, establishing itself as one of the most prominent clubs from and ranking 17th in all-time Serie A records. The club's most notable achievements include two Serie B titles (in 1941–42 and 2008–09), the 1990 —a pre-eminent Central European competition won 1–0 against in the final—and multiple promotions from lower divisions, such as the 2021–22 Serie C championship that returned it to Serie B after financial challenges and a 2018 bankruptcy led to a phoenix club's formation. Additional honors encompass one Lega Pro title each in Groups A and B, three in Group C, and a Serie D Scudetto, reflecting periods of resurgence amid bankruptcies and relegations. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 17, 2025, SSC Bari sits in 15th place with 13 points from 11 matches, following a 1–0 home win over on November 2, 2025, and a 1–1 draw away to Spezia on November 7, 2025. Under the De Laurentiis ownership since 2018, the club has focused on rebuilding, with a emphasizing young talents and a passionate fanbase averaging over attendees, underscoring its cultural significance in Apulian football.

Club identity

Name and symbols

Società Sportiva Calcio Bari, commonly known as SSC Bari, traces its origins to 15 January 1908, when it was established as Foot-Ball Club Bari by a group of Austrian and Swiss students along with local residents, including figures such as Floriano Ludwig and Gustavo Kuhn, in the southern Italian city of . The club's name evolved through various mergers and administrative changes; notably, on 27 1928, Foot-Ball Club Bari (formerly known as FBC ) merged with U.S. Ideale to create Unione Sportiva Bari, marking the first unified professional entity representing the city in national competitions. Following financial difficulties and refoundings, after the bankruptcy of F.C. Bari 1908 in 2018, the club was refounded as Società Sportiva Calcio Bari (initially as a dilettantistica entity) under new ownership—the film Aurelio , who acquired it in August 2018 following its exclusion from due to financial irregularities—starting in Serie D. The current club badge, introduced in , features a stylized standing proudly on a white shield, with the inscription "Bari 1908" arched above it, encapsulating the founding year and the team's enduring identity. This emblem draws symbolic inspiration from 's municipal , particularly the white-and-red color scheme of the city's , while the rooster represents vigilance, courage, and local pride, evoking the spirited resilience associated with the Apulian region. SSC Bari's nicknames reflect its emblematic and chromatic heritage from the early . "I Galletti" (The Roosters or The Little Roosters) originated with the adoption of the rooster as the club's animal symbol in the , symbolizing combative spirit on the pitch, while "I Biancorossi" (The White-and-Reds) stems from the team's adoption of white jerseys with red accents in , directly inspired by the colors of Bari's civic emblem.

Colours and kits

SSC Bari's traditional colours are and , drawn from the bicolour of the city of , which features vertical and stripes symbolizing and martyrdom. These hues have defined the club's identity since their adoption in the late , aligning closely with the and elements in the club's . The home kit typically consists of a shirt accented with detailing on the collar, shoulders, and cuffs, paired with and , while away kits often reverse the palette to a predominantly shirt with accents or incorporate as an alternative. Early in the were heavy woolen jerseys, initially in (a deep red) with white shorts, reflecting the materials and styles common in Italian football at the time before the shift to white-red combination. By the , the club's apparel evolved significantly with the widespread adoption of lightweight fabrics, enhancing player mobility and durability; this transition coincided with partnerships featuring bold, striped designs on synthetic bases. The typically position the main sponsor centrally on the chest for visibility, with secondary sponsor placements on the sleeves and the manufacturer's branding on the opposite sleeve or leg. Following the club's bankruptcy and refounding as SSC Bari in 2018, the 2019 kits marked a deliberate rebrand toward minimalist , stripping away ornate patterns in favor of clean lines, subtle textures, and a focus on the core white-red palette to symbolize renewal. This approach continued through subsequent seasons, with designs emphasizing while incorporating subtle nods to Bari's heritage, such as tonal patterns inspired by local mosaics in recent iterations. SSC Bari has partnered with various kit manufacturers over its history, each contributing to the evolution of design and functionality. The following table outlines key periods:
PeriodManufacturer
1981–1997
1997–2005Lotto
2005–2015
2015–2016Nike
2016–2017
2017–2018
2018–2024
2024–present
These collaborations have ensured the kits remain aligned with standards, balancing tradition with modern performance features like moisture-wicking fabrics.

History

Foundation and early years

The Foot-Ball Club Bari was established on January 15, 1908, in a backroom shop on Via Roberto da by a group of young locals and foreign residents passionate about the emerging sport of football, including Austrian merchant Floriano Ludwig, Swiss nationals Gustavo Kuhn and Giovanni Bach, and local Giovanni Tiberini. This marked the birth of organized football in , with the club initially focusing on amateur matches against regional opponents in 's city center grounds, such as the Campo San Lorenzo parade ground. Ludwig, who served as the club's first and a guiding figure for over three decades, played a pivotal role in its formative operations. The early years were marked by intermittent activity amid the pre-professional era's challenges, including limited resources and competition from other nascent Bari teams like U.S. Ideale. led to the club's disbandment around 1915, halting operations as many members were affected by the conflict. The Foot-Ball Club Bari was re-founded on January 16, 1924, by a new group of enthusiasts, reviving the original name and colors of white and red—drawn from 's municipal —to continue amateur and regional play. In 1928, amid efforts to strengthen Bari's football presence, the re-established FBC Bari merged with rival U.S. Ideale on to form Unione Sportiva Bari, consolidating local talent and resources. This union enabled the new entity to compete in official regional competitions, including the Terza Divisione league, representing a key step toward structured organization while maintaining initial home venues in the city center.

Rise to prominence and Serie A eras

Bari's ascent in Italian football gained momentum in the mid-, with the club securing promotion to for the 1935–36 season after a strong performance in under manager András Kuttik, including the title in 1941–42. The team maintained a presence in the top flight through the late and early , marking the club's initial era of national relevance despite the interruptions caused by . Notable managers during this period included József Viola, who took charge in the and helped stabilize the squad during the reorganization of the leagues. The post-war years saw Bari come close to major success, finishing seventh in the 1946–47 Serie A season, a performance that earned the team the nickname "Stella del Sud" (Star of the South) for its strong showing among southern Italian clubs. The club experienced multiple stints in Serie A throughout the mid-20th century, including seasons in 1955–58, 1963–64, and 1977–78, often bouncing between the top two divisions but establishing itself as a competitive force in the south. These periods were characterized by resilient performances, with the team avoiding relegation through key wins and solid defensive play, though trophies remained elusive. The 1980s and 1990s brought renewed prominence under the long-term influence of the Matarrese family, with Bari achieving consistent participation from 1989 to 1992 and again from 1997 to 2001, bolstered by the title in 2008–09. A highlight was the 1990 victory, where the team defeated 1–0 in the final, providing one of the club's few European honors and showcasing southern Italian talent on the continental stage. Star players like Antonio De Vitis contributed significantly during these years, scoring crucial goals in league matches. In 1995, under manager Eugenio Fascetti, Bari earned promotion to by finishing second in , leading to a four-year stay in the top division marked by mid-table finishes. The early 2000s extended this era of visibility, with Bari returning to in 2009–10 and 2010–11, finishing 16th and 18th respectively before relegation. These campaigns highlighted the club's ability to compete against larger northern sides, with representative examples including draws against and Juventus, underscoring Bari's growing reputation despite limited resources.

Decline, bankruptcies, and Serie C period

Following the club's last Serie A appearance in the 2010–11 season, AS Bari suffered relegation after finishing 18th with 41 points. Subsequent years in were marked by instability, including multiple points deductions for financial irregularities; in the 2011–12 season, the club was docked six points, contributing to a 16th-place finish. Further deductions followed, such as one point for financial issues and three for other administrative violations in 2013–14, exacerbating on-field struggles and leading to mid-table finishes or near-relegations throughout the mid-2010s. The end of the long Matarrese family ownership in 2012, after Vincenzo Matarrese's tenure since 1983, signaled the onset of deeper financial mismanagement. The sale to new investors like Francesco Vinella marked a shift, but the club soon became embroiled in scandals, notably the 2011–12 Italian match-fixing probe, which implicated several Bari players and staff, including former defender , resulting in arrests and bans. A separate 2013 investigation charged 24 individuals connected to Bari with match-fixing, further tarnishing the club's reputation and leading to internal turmoil. Ownership instability persisted with Gianluca Paparesta's acquisition in 2014 and Cosmo Antonio Giancaspro's takeover in 2016, the latter facing probes for financial irregularities from 2013 onward. Under Giancaspro, unpaid bills mounted, including a €6,000 utility debt that prompted service cutoffs in 2018. Fan discontent peaked amid poor results and ownership woes, with protests escalating against management in the 2017–18 season, including demonstrations over financial crises and performance slumps. That year, Bari finished sixth in but faced a potential two-point deduction for irregularities, postponing ; ultimately, the club was excluded from . In July 2018, AS Bari—rebranded as FC Bari 1908 since 2014—was declared bankrupt due to insurmountable debts, leading to the formation of a phoenix club, SSC Bari, which began in Serie D. In the 2018–19 Serie D Group I season under the new entity and interim Giancaspro involvement, SSC Bari dominated with 24 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, clinching the title 11 points ahead of runners-up ASD Turris and earning direct promotion to Serie C via the league championship. This marked the end of the immediate post-bankruptcy era, paving the way for subsequent revival efforts.

Modern revival under SSC Bari

In July 2018, following the bankruptcy and exclusion of the previous incarnation of the club from professional football, film producer acquired the assets and reformed the team as Società Sportiva Calcio Bari (SSC Bari), placing his son in charge as president. The new entity began competing in Serie D, the fourth tier, and quickly achieved promotion to Serie C by winning the 2018–19 Serie D Group I title. Under 's leadership, the club continued its ascent, clinching the Serie C Group C championship in the 2021–22 season with 22 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, earning 75 points and securing direct promotion to after finishing 8 points ahead of runners-up US . SSC Bari's return to Serie B marked a period of consolidation in the second tier. In the 2022–23 campaign, the team finished third with 17 wins, 14 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 65 points, but fell short of promotion after losing to Cagliari in the playoff final (1–2 aggregate). The following 2023–24 season saw a mid-table finish in 17th place, with 8 wins, 17 draws, and 13 losses for 41 points, avoiding relegation comfortably amid a league-high 17 draws that reflected defensive solidity but limited attacking flair. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 17, 2025, Bari sits in 15th place with 14 points from 12 matches, following a 1–0 home win over Cesena on November 2 and a 1–1 draw away to Spezia on November 7. Key developments during this revival have emphasized long-term sustainability. The club has invested in its youth academy, integrating young talents into the senior setup to build a for future success, aligning with Luigi De Laurentiis's vision for self-sufficiency. has been maintained through prudent management, avoiding the pitfalls of previous ownerships and positioning Bari as an attractive asset in Italy's lower divisions. Additionally, matches at Stadio San Nicola have returned to full capacity operations, with the 58,270-seat venue hosting record attendances, such as 48,877 fans in 2022, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that supports the club's resurgence.

Facilities and infrastructure

Stadium

The serves as the primary home venue for SSC Bari, located in the San Paolo district of , . Constructed specifically for the , the stadium officially opened on June 3, 1990, with an inaugural match between Bari and , ending in a 5–1 victory for the home side. Designed by renowned architect , the stadium's innovative structure features a distinctive spiral form composed of 26 concrete "petals" that radiate outward, creating a lightweight and open appearance reminiscent of a blooming flower or spacecraft—earning it the nickname "L'Astronave" (The Spaceship). This design optimizes sightlines for spectators across its two tiers of seating, with the upper ring separated into independent sections for enhanced safety and acoustics, while drawing on local Puglian architectural influences through its curved, organic shapes. The venue has a total capacity of 58,270 all-seated spectators, making it the third-largest stadium in and the largest dedicated to a single club. Beyond football, has hosted major international events, including matches in —such as Argentina's 2–0 win over the —and numerous concerts by prominent artists like , , and , underscoring its versatility as a multi-purpose arena. For SSC Bari, it has been the stage for historic campaigns in the late 2000s, though maintenance challenges in the led to periods of limited use during the club's lower-division stints, with only select sections opened to reflect attendance demands. Since SSC Bari's promotion to in 2022, the stadium has been used at near full capacity for league matches, though ongoing maintenance challenges persist as of 2025, including flooding and facility deterioration, with record attendances such as 48,877 fans during a December 2022 fixture against , symbolizing the club's revival and the venue's enduring role in Bari's football culture. As of October 2025, negotiations for a new usage agreement beyond the current expiration in May 2026 have been delayed, amid discussions for potential renovations to position the stadium as a venue for Euro 2028. During earlier financial difficulties and bankruptcies in the , the team occasionally relied on alternative arrangements for select games, but San Nicola remained the core home ground.

Training grounds

The primary training facility for SSC Bari is the Centro Sportivo , located in Modugno on the outskirts of . This site, integrated into the larger SKF industrial complex, features a dedicated that was upgraded with synthetic turf and made available to the first team in late following completion of adaptation works, including the installation of synthetic turf to meet standards; however, as of , the club's overall has been described as woefully inadequate. The facility now serves as a key venue for weekly sessions, complementing other locations like the Antistadio training pitches at the . In , the team conducted preseason at the Roccaraso Summer , highlighting continued reliance on external sites for intensive preparation. Historically, SSC Bari has relied on a variety of training sites, reflecting the club's financial challenges and evolution. Prior to the , the team primarily used municipal fields such as Campo San Lorenzo in for practice, which also hosted early home matches for the founding clubs that merged to form the team. Following the 2018 bankruptcy of the previous incarnation (FC Bari 1908), the newly formed SSC Bari, starting in Serie D, temporarily relocated training to available municipal and shared facilities while rebuilding operations at the complex. These shifts underscored the need for stable infrastructure, leading to investments under owner since 2018, including the 2024 enhancements aimed at integrating first-team and youth academy preparation for better compliance and development.

Management and staff

Presidents and ownership

The presidency of SSC Bari has been marked by several influential figures who shaped the club's stability and trajectory amid financial challenges and ownership shifts. Antonio Matarrese served as president from 1977 to 1983, laying the foundation for long-term family control, before handing over to his brother Matarrese, who held the role from 1983 to 2011, representing the longest tenure in the club's history and providing operational continuity during periods of participation. Vincenzo's leadership emphasized infrastructural development, including contributions to the construction of the for the , which enhanced the club's facilities and regional prominence. Ownership transitioned dramatically in the 2010s due to financial instability. After Vincenzo Matarrese's resignation in 2011, the club experienced fragmented control until Cosmo Giancaspro acquired a majority stake in 2016, but his tenure ended in scandal when he was arrested in September 2018 for bankruptcy fraud related to the associated , leading to the club's declaration of in July 2018 and relegation to Serie D. This crisis prompted a curatorship to manage affairs temporarily until a buyer emerged. In August 2018, film producer , owner of , acquired the club through his Filmauro, with his son appointed as president, marking a shift to external investment from a prominent entertainment family. Under Luigi De Laurentiis's presidency since 2018, the club has undergone a financial stabilization, progressing from Serie D to by 2022 through consecutive promotions and implementing prudent management to avoid past fiscal pitfalls. This era contrasts with the Matarrese period's internal stability by introducing professionalized operations backed by the De Laurentiis family's resources, fostering a revival focused on sustainable growth.
PresidentTenureKey Notes
Antonio Matarrese1977–1983Initiated family ownership; later FIGC president influencing national developments like stadium builds.
Vincenzo Matarrese1983–2011Longest-serving; oversaw stints and infrastructure investments.
Cosmo Giancaspro2016–2018Majority owner amid financial probes; tenure ended in .
2018–presentLed post- recovery and promotions under family investment.

Current coaching staff

The current head coach of SSC Bari is Fabio Caserta, a 47-year-old Italian who was appointed on 18 June 2025 with a contract running until 30 June 2027. Caserta, a former midfielder with over 300 appearances for clubs including Juventus and Napoli, began his coaching career in Juventus's youth system in 2019 before leading senior teams such as Cittadella, , , and . At Bari, he employs a primarily 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing compact defensive organization and quick transitions to exploit wide areas. Supporting Caserta is assistant manager Salvatore Accursi, 47, who joined alongside him on 18 June 2025 under the same contract terms; Accursi has collaborated with Caserta at multiple prior clubs, including and , contributing to tactical preparation and player development. Another assistant manager is Dario Migliaccio, 44, a former defender who previously assisted at clubs like and has focused on defensive coaching strategies since transitioning to staff roles in 2020. The fitness training team is led by head athletic coach Aldo Reale, 34, appointed in July 2025, with prior experience at and emphasis on injury prevention through data-driven conditioning programs. Supporting him is Francesco Saverio Cosentino, who specializes in recovery protocols and has worked with 's youth sectors before his senior team promotion. Roberto Maurantonio, 44, has been with since 2023 and renewed for 2025-26; a former professional for clubs like and , he focuses on distribution and shot-stopping techniques. Technical assistants include Luigi Viola, who serves as collaborator tecnico, providing video analysis and set-piece design, with past roles at Serie B sides like Ternana. Match analyst Nicola Fiorentino rounds out the core group, handling opposition scouting and performance metrics using advanced software tools. The 2025-26 staff represents a full rebuild following the departure of previous head coach after the 2024-25 campaign, where Bari finished 9th with 48 points; no mid-season changes occurred during that season, allowing continuity under Longo until his contract expired on 16 June 2025. This transition aimed to inject fresh tactical ideas for promotion contention in the current term.

Managerial history

The managerial history of SSC Bari reflects the club's turbulent yet resilient journey through Italian football, with over 70 head coaches since its professional inception in 1928. Early appointments were dominated by Central European tacticians, setting a foundation for defensive solidity in . Egri Erbstein, a Hungarian coach, was the first manager, serving from 1928 to 1929 and introducing organized methods that helped the club adapt to competitive league play. His tenure was followed by fellow Hungarian Josef Uridil (1929–30), who emphasized physical conditioning, and János Hajdú (1930–31), under whom Bari achieved mid-table stability. Árpád Weisz, another Hungarian, led the team from 1931 to 1932, implementing a more fluid 2-3-5 formation that improved goal-scoring output. Erbstein returned briefly in 1932–33 alongside Lászlo Barr, navigating the club through the challenges of the expanding structure. The pre- and post-World War II eras saw frequent turnover due to financial constraints and political instability, with short stints by Italian coaches like Federico Allasio (1950), Ambrogio Alfonso (1950), and Mario Sandron (1950–51). This period averaged over five managers per decade, hindering long-term development. A turning point came in the 1980s with Bruno Bolchi's appointment in 1983, who guided Bari to promotion to Serie A in 1985 after a long absence from the top flight, achieving a 45% win rate across 120 matches through a balanced 4-4-2 system. Bolchi's impact extended to the 1983–86 seasons, where he integrated youth talents and secured mid-table finishes. The 1990s marked a golden era under Eugenio Fascetti, who managed from December 1995 to April 2001, overseeing 190 matches with a 48% win rate and securing promotion to in 1996–97 via the . Fascetti's pragmatic approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-piece efficiency, resulted in three consecutive survivals (1997–2000), the longest top-flight spell in club history at the time, and established as a competitive Southern Italian side. His departure amid relegation struggles in 2001 ended a stable period of just three managers over six years. Subsequent decades featured high-profile names like (2007–09), whose 58% win rate in 84 matches included a title in 2008–09, promoting Bari to with an attacking 4-3-3 style that averaged 1.8 goals per game. (2009–11) followed, maintaining status with a 42% win rate before the club's decline. The 2010s were marred by instability, particularly the season, where eight coaches— including Stefano Colantuono, Andrea Camplone, , and —rotated due to poor results and ownership turmoil, culminating in relegation to Serie C after a 22% win rate across the campaign. Bankruptcies in 2018 led to a Serie D restart under new ownership by , ushering in relative stability with fewer changes. Giovanni Cornacchini (2018–19) achieved promotion to Serie C with a 62% win rate in 36 matches, emphasizing youth integration. Vincenzo Vivarini (2019–20) and Gaetano Auteri (2020–21) built on this, with Auteri securing a playoff spot despite a mid-season slump. Michele Mignani's tenure from 2021 to 2023 was transformative, winning Serie C in 2021–22 (67% win rate in 38 matches) and earning consecutive promotions to by 2023 through a high-pressing 3-5-2 system. From 2019 to 2025, managers included Vivarini, Auteri, Mignani, Pasquale Marino (2023–24), (Feb–Apr 2024), Federico Giampaolo (Apr–Jun 2024), (2024–25), and Fabio Caserta (2025–present), reflecting a period of turnover but progress under De Laurentiis's ownership. Caserta's current role prioritizes a 4-4-2 formation for defensive organization and quick transitions in .

Team and players

Current squad

As of November 17, 2025, SSC Bari's first-team for the 2025–26 season consists of 29 players, with an average age of 26.8 years and a total market value of approximately €22.45 million. The team features a mix of experienced Italian players and international talents, bolstered by several high-profile arrivals during the summer . Vicari serves as captain, while Mattia Maita is the . The squad is structured as follows, with jersey numbers, positions, nationalities, ages, and market values listed for key players (full roster details available via official sources). Ages and values are current as of November 17, 2025.

Goalkeepers

No.PlayerNationalityAgeMarket Value (€)
1Marco Pissardo27500k
1227400k
2227600k
31Paolo De Lucci1975k

Defenders

No.PlayerNationalityAgeMarket Value (€)
3Riccardo Burgio (LB)24300k
13Andrea Meroni (CB)28600k
23Francesco Vicari (CB, Captain)31800k
43 (CB)271m
93Mehdi Dorval (LB)France24500k

Midfielders

No.PlayerNationalityAgeMarket Value (€)
4 (CM)283.5m
5 (DM)232m
6Mattia Maita (CM, Vice-Captain)301.2m
8Riccardo Pagano (CM)21800k
10Nicola Bellomo (AM)37200k
17Giulio Maggiore (CM)272.5m
27Matthias Braunöder (CM)251m
30Matthias Verreth (DM)27800k
77Filippo Faggi (CM)22300k

Forwards

No.PlayerNationalityAgeMarket Value (€)
7Giuseppe Sibilli (RW)271.5m
9 (CF)35700k
11Gabriele Moncini (CF)291.8m
16 (LW)27800k
17Emanuele Rao (FW)22500k
21Anthony Partipilo (RW)33600k
28Hemsley Akpa-Chukwu (FW)20200k
99 (CF)231m
During the summer 2025 transfer window, SSC Bari focused on strengthening the midfield and attack with several notable acquisitions, including on from (no fee), Giulio Maggiore from Salernitana (€1.5m), Gabriele Moncini from ( with option to buy), and on from Roma. Defensively, additions like Meroni from Reggiana (€500k) and Riccardo Burgio from Potenza (free) were made. Key departures included players on , resulting in a net positive transfer balance. As of November 17, 2025, the squad faces several injury challenges: Captain Francesco Vicari is sidelined with a muscle injury, has a thigh injury ruling him out until late November, and Sheriff Kassama remains out due to an overload issue.

Youth system and academy

The of SSC Bari, referred to as the Settore Giovanile, operates a structured spanning categories from Under-6 to Under-19, emphasizing technical development, tactical , and physical conditioning tailored to age groups. The program includes competitive teams such as the Primavera (U19), Under-17, Under-16, Under-15, and younger squads like Under-12, participating in national youth leagues organized by the Lega Pro and FIGC. This setup fosters progressive pathways, with regular evaluations and training sessions designed to identify and nurture talent from grassroots levels upward. The Primavera team, the academy's top tier, competes in Campionato Primavera 2 during the 2025–26 season, where it is currently positioned 3rd in the standings as of November 17, 2025. Training and matches for the youth squads are primarily conducted at the Centro Sportivo Principe di Piemonte in Triggiano, a synthetic-pitch facility that supports multiple age groups including the Under-17, Under-15, and Under-12 teams, ensuring integrated development with access to professional-level resources. Key successes of the academy include the Primavera squad's promotion from Campionato Primavera 3 to Primavera 2 at the end of the 2022–23 season, achieved through strong playoff performances that underscored the system's growing competitiveness. Notable graduates, such as Gaetano , have transitioned successfully to senior professional levels, contributing to both club and national teams after emerging from Bari's youth ranks. The club's Bari Generation initiative bolsters the network across Puglia and beyond, partnering with over 50 affiliated societies to engage approximately 10,000 young players in regional talent identification and development programs.

Notable former players

SSC Bari has a rich history of producing and nurturing talented players who have left indelible marks on the club through significant contributions, such as exceeding 100 appearances or achieving major impacts like top-scoring honors. Selection for notability often emphasizes longevity, goal-scoring prowess, and roles in key promotions or Serie A campaigns, with players like defender Giovanni Loseto exemplifying loyalty by amassing 359 appearances for the club across 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993, including stints in Serie C, B, and A. One of the club's most iconic figures is Italian striker Igor Protti, who joined Bari in 1992 and became the all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals in 119 appearances over four seasons, culminating in a top-scorer award in 1995–96 when he netted 24 goals despite the team's relegation. Protti's predatory finishing and leadership propelled Bari to mid-table stability, and after departing for in 1996, he continued his prolific career, winning additional top-scorer titles in and C1 while earning 13 caps for . Antonio Cassano, a Bari native and youth academy product, burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old in 1999, making 50 appearances and scoring 6 goals in two Serie A seasons before a high-profile €28 million transfer to Roma in 2001. Known for his flair and vision, Cassano's early exploits, including a memorable debut assist against Inter Milan, marked him as a prodigy; post-Bari, he amassed over 400 top-flight appearances across clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Inter, while earning 39 caps for Italy and contributing to the 2006 World Cup triumph. Other prominent alumni include versatile full-back , who featured in 74 appearances from 1997 to 1999, honing his all-action style that later earned him a place in 's 2006 World Cup-winning squad after successful stints at Juventus and . Defender , during his 2009–10 Serie A loan, played 38 matches, solidifying Bari's backline and launching his trajectory to Juventus stardom, where he won nine Scudetti and 37 caps. Loseto's enduring legacy is further honored by the retirement of his number 2 shirt, the only such tribute in club history, symbolizing his defensive reliability and deep connection to Bari's identity.

Supporters and culture

Fanbase and attendance

The fanbase of SSC Bari is renowned for its passionate and vocal support, particularly embodied by the groups in the Curva Nord section of . The Curva Nord, one of the club's oldest and most influential supporter organizations, was founded in 1976 under the leadership of figures like Franco Marvulli, known as 'Florio', marking the emergence of organized ultras culture at the club. This group has since become the epicenter of the club's supporter identity, fostering a through coordinated displays and unwavering loyalty, even during periods of financial instability and lower-division play. Attendance at Bari matches has shown significant growth in recent years, reflecting renewed enthusiasm following the club's promotion from Serie C. In the 2021–22 Serie C season, the average home stood at approximately 11,696, drawing strong local support despite the third-tier status. Upon returning to for the 2022–23 campaign, figures surged to an average of 24,057 per home game, highlighting the fanbase's excitement for higher-level competition. By the 2024–25 season, the average home stood at 15,892 across 19 matches, underscoring sustained interest amid competitive challenges. In the 2025–26 season, the average home stands at 12,857 after three matches as of 2025. The club's record is 56,874, set on 13 January 1991 during a match against at . Bari's supporter culture is characterized by vibrant traditions, including rhythmic chants that echo through the stadium and the frequent use of flares to create an intense, electrifying atmosphere during key moments. These elements, often led by the Curva Nord, emphasize unity and regional pride, with fans waving flags and banners to rally the team, contributing to one of Serie B's most animated environments.

Rivalries and derbies

SSC Bari's most prominent rivalry is with , known as the Derby di Puglia, which has been contested since the clubs' first meeting on December 8, 1929, when secured a 1-0 victory in . This fixture, embodying regional pride within , has seen over 50 competitive encounters, with Bari holding a slight edge at 21 wins to 's 18, alongside 19 draws. The matches often carry intense cultural significance, reflecting the competitive spirit between the two largest cities in and drawing widespread media attention for their passionate atmospheres. Notable Derby di Puglia clashes have included moments of high drama and controversy, such as 's 1-0 win in 1999, marked by Alessandro Conticchio's decisive goal amid heated local tensions. Violence has occasionally overshadowed the rivalry, including a 2020 incident where set fire to fans' buses during clashes at a service station en route to a match, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. Due to such history, authorities have imposed fan bans, notably ordering the January 2011 derby in to be played behind closed doors over security concerns. Beyond , Bari maintains regional rivalries with FC and , both rooted in Apulian football dynamics and fan antipathies. The Bari- matchup, known for its fierceness, has featured intense encounters like Taranto's historic moments against Bari in the , though league disparities limited official games after 1993 until recent lower-division revivals. Similarly, the Bari- derby, absent for two decades until 2017, has continued in lower divisions since, underscoring the enduring regional fervor. These derbies amplify Apulian identity, often resulting in extensive media coverage and occasional supporter restrictions to mitigate risks.

Sponsorship and finances

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

SSC Bari's current kit supplier is , which returned as the official technical sponsor in a four-year agreement starting from the 2024–25 season, providing match kits, training gear, and merchandising for the team and staff. The kits feature designs inspired by Bari's history and art, such as the 2024–25 home shirt in white with red accents drawing from historic mosaics and floral motifs. For the 2025–26 season, Betsson Sport serves as the main shirt sponsor, with its logo prominently displayed on the front of the home kit unveiled in July 2025. Secondary sponsors include Go Up and Granoro, which continue in roles such as placements on shorts and other kit areas from the 2024–25 season. In recent history, supplied kits from 2018 to 2024, including special editions in collaboration with LC23. Prior to that, provided kits from 2005 to 2015, followed by Nike (2015–16), (2016–17), and Zeus Sport (2017–18). Sponsorships have evolved similarly, with MSC Crociere as an official partner in 2022–23, featuring its ship logo on kits, and earlier main sponsors like Sorgesana (2018–21) and Peroni (2017–18). Going further back, Banca Popolare di Bari was a prominent sponsor during the and .
PeriodKit ManufacturerMain Shirt Sponsor(s)
2024–28Go Up, Granoro (2024–); Sport (2025–26)
2018–2024Sorgesana (2018–21); Casillo (2021–25)
2017–18Zeus SportPeroni
2016–17Betaland
2015–16NikePuglia Promozione
2005–15Various (e.g., SuisseGas 2014–15)
1997–2005LottoBanca Popolare di Bari (1990s–2000s)
1981–97 (1981–84); Cassa di Puglia (1984–87); Sud Leasing (1987–90)

Financial history

SSC Bari's financial trajectory has been marked by periods of growth followed by significant instability, particularly in the late . During the long presidency of the Matarrese family, which spanned from the late 1970s through the early , the club achieved notable expansion in the 1990s, coinciding with its debut in and the construction of the for the . This era saw increased revenues from higher league participation and matchday income, though specific asset figures remain undocumented in public records. However, by the , mismanagement and reduced family investment led to accumulating debts, culminating in the club's first major crisis in 2014 when FC Bari 1908 declared bankruptcy with approximately €30 million in liabilities, forcing a restart in Serie D under new ownership. The financial decline intensified in the mid-2010s, with ongoing operational deficits and irregular accounting practices under subsequent owners, including former referee Gianluca Paparesta. By 2018, persistent debts and non-compliance with licensing requirements resulted in the club's exclusion from and another effective , relegating it to Serie D as a phoenix club. This second crisis highlighted systemic issues in Italian lower-tier football, where clubs like Bari struggled with high wage bills and limited revenue streams amid economic pressures. , owner of , intervened that August by acquiring the sporting title through his company for €1.2 million and establishing Società Sportiva Calcio Bari S.p.A., providing capital to stabilize operations. This equity injection effectively bailed out the club, allowing a fresh start in Serie D with a focused on gradual promotion and fiscal prudence. Post-relegation to Serie C in 2019, SSC Bari implemented stringent cost controls, prioritizing youth development and reduced player acquisition spending to align expenses with modest revenues. from Lega Pro and ticket sales from the San Nicola stadium—drawing average attendances of 10,000–15,000—formed the core income, supplemented by limited sponsorships. These measures helped narrow losses: €7.46 million in 2020/21, €7.01 million in 2021/22, €2.14 million in 2022/23, and €3.46 million in 2023/24, with revenues around €24 million in 2022/23 and stadium income dropping to €3.5 million in 2023/24 primarily from TV deals and matchday earnings. For the 2024–25 season, revenues are estimated at €20–25 million as of early 2025, reflecting increased broadcasting allocations but ongoing challenges in achieving profitability amid rising personnel costs. Ownership under has provided bridging loans, but the club remains dependent on parent company support, with consolidated losses contributing to Filmauro's overall figures while Napoli's success offsets group-wide risks.

Achievements and records

Domestic honours

SSC Bari has achieved success primarily in the second and third tiers of Italian football, with two titles to its name. The club won its first championship in the 1941–42 season, securing promotion to under manager Benjamin József, finishing with 51 points from 30 matches. Their second triumph came in the 2008–09 season, led by coach , where Bari topped the table with 80 points from 42 games, earning promotion back to the top flight after a seven-year absence. In the third tier, now known as Serie C or Lega Pro, Bari has lifted the trophy five times, reflecting periods of resurgence following relegations. These victories occurred in the 1954–55 season (as Serie C Group A champions), 1966–67 (Serie C Group C), 1976–77 (Serie C Group C), 1983–84 (Serie C2 Group C), and most recently in 2021–22 (Lega Pro Group C), where the team clinched the title with 75 points from 36 matches under Michele Mignani, marking their return to Serie B. Additionally, Bari captured the Serie D championship in the 2018–19 season, winning Group I with 78 points from 34 matches and securing promotion via playoffs, a pivotal step in the club's recovery from bankruptcy in 2018. On the individual front, Bari players have earned notable accolades in domestic competitions. Striker Igor Protti claimed the award as Serie A's top scorer in the 1995–96 season, netting 24 goals in 33 appearances despite the team's relegation, sharing the honor with of . The club's best Serie A finish was 7th place in the 1946–47 season.

Divisional movements and league performance

SSC Bari has primarily competed in Italy's and throughout its professional history, with sporadic appearances in Serie C, reflecting its status as a mid-tier club from . The club has participated in 30 seasons in Serie A up to 2010–11, 36 seasons in Serie B since 1929, and 8 seasons in Serie C/Lega Pro (historical, plus 2019–20 to 2021–22 following promotion from Serie D in 2018–19), with 8 instances of relegation from Serie A and 5 from Serie B. The following table summarizes Bari's all-time performance records in the top three divisions, based on completed seasons up to 2024–25:
DivisionSeasonsMatches PlayedWinsDrawsLossesGoals (For:Against)Goal DifferencePoints
301,0302652954701,000:1,540-5401,095
361,3684784264641,629:1,689-601,880
Serie C/Lega Pro830414510851362:192+170543
These records highlight Bari's competitive but inconsistent presence across divisions, with a slight positive in lower tiers but struggles in . In the ongoing 2025–26 season, as of November 17, 2025, SSC Bari's position is [updated based on latest match results; e.g., 14th place with 13 points from 11 matches (3 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses)], following recent fixtures.

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