Bari’s heart will be full of joy, love, and tears of happiness. As the locals say: “People like us never give up.”
THE RED AND WHITE OF BARI
In Bari, the city of “priscio,” on January 15, 1908, Bari Foot-Ball Club was founded through a notarial deed signed by Floriano Ludwing and a group of European merchants. The club’s colours were chosen to match the city’s municipal coat of arms: red and white.
Throughout their history, the “Biancorossi” have experienced numerous highs and lows, including notable successes in the 1980s and 1990s, but also setbacks, including a financial collapse in 2018.
In its early years, Bari Foot-Ball Club was divided into two factions: Unione Sportiva Ideale and, in 1909, Foot-Ball Club Liberty. With Italy’s entry into World War I in 1915, Bari Foot-Ball Club suspended its activities, while Liberty and Ideale, though not fully active, continued to exist.
The red and white club did not resume operations after the war, as many of its players moved to Liberty. However, in 1924, Bari was re-established as Foot-Ball Club Bari, retaining the original colours from 1908.
Through an initiative by Bari’s federal secretary, Leonardo D’Addabbo, Foot-Ball Club Bari and Ideale merged to form Unione Sportiva Bari. This gave rise to a unified club, adopting the rooster as its official mascot. From that moment on, the Biancorossi became known as the “galletti” (roosters).
WONDERFUL FAILURE
In the 1930s, Bari alternated between Serie A and Serie B, managing a record six consecutive seasons in Serie A. The club’s best-ever finish came in the 1946-1947 season, where they placed seventh.
In 1990, the “galletti” secured their first international trophy, winning the Mitropa Cup, with standout players like Gerson, Antonio Di Gennaro, Joao Paulo, and Lorenzo Amoruso.
Bari’s last appearances in Serie A came during the 2009-2011 seasons. Antonio Conte had guided the team to promotion, and under the management of Giampiero Ventura, they finished tenth in the league, narrowly missing out on European qualification.
Relegation in 2011 marked the start of one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. Bari faced what came to be known as the “wonderful failure .”
GREAT THINGS CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE TEAM, FANS, AND CLUB UNITE
Amid near-financial collapse, the “Old Star of the South” managed to reach the playoff semifinals before being eliminated. However, during that season, Bari showcased its passion and resilience, with an impressive 70,000 fans filling the stadium—proving that great things can happen when the team, fans, and club unite.
After narrowly avoiding two separate financial failures, in July 2018, under the leadership of Cosmo Giancaspro, the club officially declared bankruptcy.
Bari was forced to start over from Serie D, with the city’s mayor granting the club’s title to the De Laurentiis family (also the owners of Napoli).
After just one season in Serie D, Bari returned to professional football, playing in Serie C for three seasons before earning promotion to Serie B under coach Michele Mignani.
PEOPLE LIKE US NEVER GIVE UP
It would be the same coach who led the Biancorossi to the playoff final in the following season, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Cagliari. The loss is widely regarded as one of the most painful in Italian football history.
The sorrow was shared by the 60,000 fans at the San Nicola Stadium, who, despite the pouring rain, watched as the long-awaited promotion to Serie A slipped away in the final 120 seconds. For Bari, this would have marked a return to the top tier after years of hardship.
The pain was felt across the city—by children, the elderly, and fans of all ages—but through it all, they never abandoned their team.
Instead, they applauded them for their efforts and were grateful for the journey. With renewed hope, fans continue to pack the stands, demonstrating their unwavering love for their team, travelling across Italy to fill the away sections in every match.
We don’t know when Bari will finally return to Serie A, but when that day comes, the entire city will celebrate. Bari’s heart will be full of joy, love, and tears of happiness. As the locals say: “People like us never give up.”
ALL WORDS FROM BT BOZZI NICOLÓ DAMIANO – CRONACHE DA STADIO