Austrian Matthias Braunöder and Bari are in crisis – both on and off the pitch. © SSC Bari

Ahead of FCS's away game: Bari is sinking into chaos

FC Südtirol has been waiting for a win in Serie B for 10 games. They hope to change that on Saturday afternoon against Bari. However, their opponents from southern Italy are not only traveling to Bolzano with sporting problems, but are also in the midst of a kind of identity crisis.

10 December 2025

From: dl

Bari fans have long been openly at odds with the De Laurentiis family, the club's owners, and the conflict is threatening to escalate. Just this Monday, numerous supporters gathered in the city with banners and chants to publicly express their discontent. Simultaneously, the organized fan groups made a collective decision to boycott the home game against Pescara, rather than attending it in person.

Background: Aurelio De Laurentiis owns two clubs through his film production company "Filmauro": Serie A club Napoli and, since 2018, SSC Bari, whose president is his son Luigi. Many supporters see this co-ownership as a problem for the club's identity and its future. Banners with messages like "Looking for a serious club" – as well as whistles and protest chants against the team and club management – ​​are frequently seen.

Bari fans have been protesting against the club's management for a long time.

Many Bari fans feel let down by the club's management – ​​due to poor results, lack of effort, and poor communication. The Apulian supporters want to know where the club is headed and dream of a return to Serie A. After all, their home stadium, the San Nicola, with a capacity of 58.000, is one of the largest in Italy.

Things aren't going well on the sporting front either.

Two and a half years ago, Bari came agonizingly close to promotion to Serie A. Back then, the southern Italians narrowly missed out in the playoff final, losing in the last minute. In the semifinals, Bari had eliminated FC Südtirol. Since then, however, the club's fortunes have declined. This year, they are once again battling relegation. Currently, Bari sits just one point ahead of FC Südtirol, who occupy the first relegation playoff spot.

Gaetano Castrovilli's Bari are only one point ahead of FC Südtirol in 15th place. © Domenico Bari

Former coach Fabio Caserta, who had only taken over at the start of the season, was dismissed at the end of November. His successor has only managed two points in three games. In Monday's 1-1 draw against Pescara, Bari's Gabriele Moncini missed two penalties after the referee ordered the first to be retaken. Late in the game, new coach Vincenzo Vivarini, club official and former captain Valerio Di Cesare, a defender, and even the team doctor were all sent off with red cards. Tensions are running high at FCS's upcoming opponent.