The Bari football team faced a disappointing defeat against Cittadella, losing 3-1 on May 9, 2025, in a match that saw them take an early lead but crumble in the second half. The game, held at the Tombolato Stadium, started positively for Bari, who scored first through Favilli in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from Dorval. Just moments later, Bari came close to doubling their lead when Oliveri struck the crossbar, signaling a potential turning point in the match.
However, the second half proved disastrous for the visitors. Cittadella equalized just two minutes after the break, with Rabbi scoring in the 47th minute, taking advantage of a corner kick situation. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Cittadella, who were eager to secure vital points for their survival hopes in the league.
As the match progressed, it became clear that Bari was struggling to regain their composure. Cittadella took the lead in the 66th minute when Palmieri scored, expertly anticipating a cross from Salvi. Bari's attempts to respond were thwarted when Lasagna's 72nd-minute goal was ruled out for a handball by Maggiore, a decision that left the Bari players and fans frustrated.
In the 81st minute, Cittadella sealed their victory with a third goal from Pandolfi, who scored from a well-placed pass by Rabbi. The defeat was particularly painful for Bari, as it not only ended their playoff hopes but also highlighted their struggles in the second half of the season. Coach Moreno Longo was notably absent, serving a suspension, and his assistant Dario Migliaccio took charge for this crucial match.
The loss leaves Bari with 47 points, putting them in a precarious position in the league standings. They are now trailing behind Cesena, who currently sit at 50 points, while Modena and Südtirol are both at 45 points. The playoff aspirations for Bari are now hanging by a thread, relying on favorable results from other matches to keep their hopes alive.
As the season nears its conclusion, the next round of fixtures will be pivotal for Bari. They must regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to avoid slipping further down the table. Fans are left wondering if this defeat will mark the end of their playoff ambitions or if the team can rally back for a final push.
Looking ahead, Bari will need to address their second-half performance issues, which have plagued them throughout the season. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been their Achilles' heel. With the pressure mounting, every point will matter in the remaining fixtures as they aim to salvage their season.
The match was officiated by referee Luca Massimi, with assistants Francesca Di Monte and Mario Davide Arace by his side. The players are now left to reflect on this disappointing loss and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the final stretch of the season.
