Bari: Emiliano backs new owners, city deserves Champions League push | OneFootball

Michele Emiliano, former president of the Puglia Region and a historical figure in local politics, offered an in-depth analysis of the current situation of Bari in an interview with Repubblica.

Bari, Emiliano open to ownership change: “The De Laurentiis have run out of steam. The city deserves a Champions League project”

His words outline a strategic crossroads: according to the former governor, the club is ready for an ownership change that could inject new energy and reconnect the team with the city's ambitions.

“The time for the sale is ripe”

Emiliano acknowledges the De Laurentiis family for restoring stability and credibility to Bari after its bankruptcy. However, he points out that this virtuous phase seems to have come to an end:

“I believe the time is ripe for the sale of the club. The current owners have done important work, but today it is clear that their driving force has run out. It is natural that their best energies are directed towards Napoli, a club competing at the highest levels in Italy and Europe.”

According to Emiliano, the managerial dualism between Napoli and Bari has inevitably reduced the focus on the biancorosso project.

Identity, passion, and the role of the fans

The recent discontent expressed by the Bari public reflects, according to Emiliano, a deep need to reconnect with their identity:

“I understand the fans who took to the streets. For them, Bari is not just a team, but a civic symbol. It is natural for them to demand a project worthy of the city's traditions and aspirations. In football, love for a team cannot be divided on two fronts.”

The former governor does not make it a personal issue with the De Laurentiis family but highlights a structural dynamic: to fuel a dream, exclusive dedication is needed.

Leccese, institutional dialogue, and possible support

The mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese, has announced his intention to meet with president Luigi De Laurentiis to clarify future prospects. Emiliano confirms:

“Knowing Leccese, I know he will keep his word. And, if necessary, he can also count on my support.”

This reiterates how the Bari issue is not only sporting but also institutional and identity-related.

Memories and behind-the-scenes: dinner with the Russians and the Matarrese chapter

Emiliano recalled some stages of the club's corporate history, remembering the Matarrese era and an attempted sale that eventually fell through:

“All true. A meeting was held at my mother's house with Antonio Matarrese and some genuinely interested Russian investors. In hindsight, considering the evolution of the international scenario, it was better that the operation did not materialize.”

The Puglian politician also reevaluates the Matarrese management, fondly mentioning Vincenzo Matarrese and linking himself to the memory of the last promotion to Serie A, which occurred when he was mayor.

Favorite teams and the future Bari

Emiliano finally recalls some of the most iconic Bari teams in recent history:

“Antonio Conte's Bari was extraordinary. Eugenio Fascetti's team was also very strong, often surprising Inter. But, as a Bari native, I cannot forget Enrico Catuzzi's team, a symbol of spectacular and genuine football.”

Regarding the club's future, his thoughts are clear:

“The team of such a vibrant and attractive city can interest international investors. I believe Bari is a city for the Champions Cup.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.