A European champion for Bari: Castrovilli's "sprint" in midfield

A European champion for Bari. Now it's no longer a fantasy: Gaetano Castrovilli is truly one step away from a sensational return to the red and whites. A story of undeniable charm and marked romance. But also a true gamble. Perhaps even a gamble. Because on the one hand, the red and whites urgently need to inject quality and experience into a midfield currently short of options. And on the other, here's the top player itching to relaunch a rapidly evolving career, halted by a double, serious injury that has relegated him from a top-tier star to a sporadic appearance over the last two years. And to proclaim to the world that he's making the breakthrough, he's choosing his favorite team: the one where he grew up and left too soon, without enjoying it. Now, however, Castrovilli and Bari are ready to join hands and cross an ocean of uncertainty together. With only one certainty: that if their respective plans come to fruition, an unforgettable fairytale could unfold.

BROKEN PARABLE He's only 28 years old, born in Canosa but raised in Minervino Murge. Football has been his lifelong passion, and dance is a hobby that allows him to be elegant, agile, and often unstoppable on the pitch, even in the tightest of spaces. Having grown up at Bari, where he made his debut at just 18, he began to find his feet in the 2016-17 season, making ten Serie B appearances under Roberto Stellone and then Stefano Colantuono. Then, in January 2017, Fiorentina took a chance on him, but his breakthrough came during the following two years at Cremonese, in the second division. Upon his return to Tuscany, Vincenzo Montella created him as a left midfielder, and Gaetano played the role with the class bestowed by mother nature, combining grit and pace. His rise to prominence was rapid: he became a fixture in Fiorentina, earning the number ten jersey (no small feat in Giancarlo Antognoni's reign), and then Roberto Mancini made him a permanent member of the national team. He made only four appearances, but he was also part of the triumphant European Championship squad in 2021. In April 2022, the first rule came: his knee shattered against Venezia, requiring surgery and being sidelined for 252 days. He returned, but in the Coppa Italia final against Inter, the limb gave way again, forcing him into another long layoff. In 2023, the doors to the Premier League opened, but he failed a medical at Bournemouth. Another arthroscopic operation followed, and he was now shining in flashes in Florence, so last summer he moved first to Lazio, then to Monza, but only managed to score a few stints. Now, he has the determination to feel like a key player again.

FRANTIC HOURS Gaetano's family is red and white at heart, and he himself is imbued with motivations that make a huge step backwards in terms of technique and salary go unnoticed. Castrovilli wants to get back in the game, but he's convinced every assumption is valid. And he would never allow himself to make false promises at home. That's why he's ready to sign according to the terms proposed by Bari: a Serie B salary and a one-year contract with the option to extend if certain conditions are met. The results of the latest medical tests are pending, but discussions are progressing quickly and the road is clear: a yes has never been so close. On the other hand, it's in everyone's interest to get started as soon as possible. Castrovilli has seen his form quickly return, and Bari can't wait much longer. If everything is finalized soon, realistically, he'll be back in action after the break following the first two matchdays.

ANOTHER SIGNING NOW. Bari, however, is in a hurry to strengthen their second line. This is why further reinforcements are expected very soon. There's talk of a possible return for Giulio Maggiore, but for now, that's a remote possibility: the 26-year-old Ligurian is paid a very high salary at Salernitana. Discussions could only be rekindled if there's a radical change in conditions (a termination of his contract with the Campanian club?). A return for Nunzio Lella, on the other hand, is much more likely: the 25-year-old, originally from Santeramo, currently playing for Venezia, is pushing for a new chance at the Biancorossi. However, in the last few hours, 24-year-old Ebrima Darboe, owned by Roma and a Gambian international, has been linked with the move. A muscular midfielder with excellent physical strength and pace, he can also operate as a pure center back. Negotiations with the Giallorossi are on the basis of a permanent purchase, and the player would be tied to a three-year contract. The deal could be completed soon: Bari has surpassed Frosinone, who had him on loan last season, and would like to keep him. Darboe's possible arrival wouldn't necessarily rule out Lella, but to secure both of them (along with Castrovilli), the departures of Filippo Faggi (who has requests in Serie C), Giacomo Manzari (courted by Crotone), and Gaston Pereiro (a potential move abroad is emerging) would be essential. There are no news, however, regarding Francesco Vicari and Mehdi Dorval: both could stay.

DEFENDER AND FORWARD: The hunt is also underway for a central defender and a versatile forward. Giorgio Cittadini, the 23-year-old from Atalanta, is attractive, but the final details have yet to be reached. Andrea Giorgini, the 23-year-old from Sudtirol, is also in the running, but his asking price is rather high and a loan deal is not currently an option. Federico Barba, a 31-year-old free agent, remains in the background. Finally, a move to the attacking line is needed: the ideal candidate is a winger capable of playing other positions as well. Discussions have been ongoing for Mirko Antonucci, the 26-year-old from Spezia: currently, there is a disagreement regarding his salary, but the youngster is pushing to join Bari. Coach Fabio Caserta worked with him in Cosenza and appreciates his tactical flexibility, which allows him to be deployed as a winger, as an attacking midfielder, as a central midfielder, and even as a false center forward. Two youngsters are possible alternatives: Luigi Cherubini, a 21-year-old from Roma, an attacking winger who can also operate as a second striker, and Giovanni Bruzzaniti, 24, from Pineto, another player capable of playing multiple positions in the attack, from his preferred winger role to a more central striker. Negotiations are underway: now they need to get there. The league season kicks off on Sunday with a trip to Venice, and Bari desperately needs to strengthen.