"Refoundation Bari." Alessandro Gazzi: Team, staff, environment, and club? United we can.

BARI - After a difficult season that ended in obscurity, Bari is attempting to rebuild. They're doing so under the guidance of Fabio Caserta, the former Catanzaro and Benevento coach chosen to lead the Biancorossi's resurgence, with the challenging task of rebuilding a team with a clear technical and character identity. In a context marked by corporate tensions, longtime sponsors leaving, and a strained relationship with the fans, the club is awaiting concrete signs of a revival. The initial signs from the transfer market are clear: reinforcements have arrived, including striker Gytkjaer, goalkeeper Cerofolini, full-back Dickmann, and center-forward Moncini, as well as the young Pagano on loan from Roma.

To analyze this new beginning, Alessandro Gazzi turns his attention to the former midfielder and symbol of poise and dedication while playing for Bari. In town on July 24th for a film festival to discuss the past and present of Bari football, Gazzi analyzes Caserta's profile, the critical nature of Serie B matches, and the sore point of the multi-ownership issue. He also discusses the role of the public and the values that should return to the center of the sporting project.

Gazzi, as a player with a sense of balance, how do you assess Fabio Caserta's arrival as Bari's coach? Could he be the right man to start over?

This kind of assessment depends on many factors. Caserta is coming off an excellent year in Catanzaro. Now, they'll need time to fine-tune their plans. The Serie B league is very balanced. They'll have to fight until the end and keep things on track. The coach's style of play is different from Longo's, who had the difficult task of reinforcing the team after the previous year's struggle to avoid relegation.

Bari and Caserta are called upon to rebuild after a difficult season. What kind of technical and human profile should the squad have to best face Serie B?

More than the profiles, what matters is what develops between the various members of the squad. Not just the players, but also the coaching staff. There needs to be overall coherence that involves not only those on the pitch but also the entire environment, including the coach, the club, and the fans. If there's chemistry between these components, everything flows more naturally.

Looking ahead to next season, what do you think are the minimum requirements to become competitive again in a tough league like Serie B?

To find the overall picture, I insist, we need cohesion among the individual elements. However, that doesn't mean the circle won't close even if the conflicts between the fans and the owners persist. We need to agree on how much and how we want to grow. The fact that Caserta chooses players they've already coached is natural and normal. The more direct knowledge you have of the resources available, the easier it is to immediately find the right mechanisms. Then, the context in which you operate also plays a role.

The timeshare issue remains a central issue. Do you think it could influence the club's strategic decisions in the coming years?

"Above all, there are always goals to achieve. It's important to clarify them from the start. Whether they're top-tier or mid-tier is a relative matter, because Serie B is very balanced, and you never know what might come of it."

The relationship between the club and the fans seems strained. As a former player, how important is the fans' support at times like this?

The fans' support is crucial. I know the crowd, and from what I've seen, there have often been ups and downs. The important thing is that the fans stay close to the team, especially when things aren't going so well. As long as relationships are lived in a spirit of respect and sincerity.

You've always had a strong connection with the Bari fans. What kind of dialogue would be needed today to mend the rift with the fans?

"People's skepticism should be an additional incentive for Caserta and the players to demonstrate that something good can be built even in difficult times. The gaps are only bridged by results. The commitment and genuineness of those involved are the most important aspects, perhaps even more so than victories. The fans appreciate this above all else."

The withdrawal of longtime sponsors like MvLine and Casillo has caused a stir. Is this a signal to be interpreted solely in economic terms or also in terms of identity?

"I think these are moves that shouldn't have too much of an impact. The about-face of some sponsors doesn't necessarily have to be interpreted negatively. I'm no expert on the matter, but when there's a long-term relationship of trust, it generally creates a solid foundation that, for various reasons, can weaken over time."

Betsson has replaced some outgoing sponsors. Could this represent an opportunity or a sign of transition?

"This is a deal that offsets those leaving. It could signal the start of new commercial relationships that will benefit both the club and Bari football."

Bari needs to rediscover its technical and character traits. What values should be at the heart of the sporting project?

I'd return to the value of the team and the relationship with the people. Sometimes, healthy results can arise from disagreements. During Matarrese's time, there was a rift between the club and the fans, but the same success was achieved. I'd focus on what is conveyed on the pitch and what is part of something bigger—connected, that is, to the club's values. I imagine there's the intention to put on a good show aimed at achieving results in line with what is proposed. Many foreign investors are gaining ground in Italy. Buyers must be given the opportunity to initiate discussions with Bari as well. In the meantime, who knows, even with less lofty expectations, we might reach the top this year. Caserta is an experienced coach and could have all the credentials to find a solution immediately.