Bari is sharpening its weapons, and there's "oxygen" in attack.

BARI - Christian Gytkjaer's experience and international reach, Gabriele Moncini's reliability, Giuseppe Sibilli's desire for revenge, Emanuele Rao's exuberance. And now Anthony Partipilo faces the challenge of his life. Yet, it seems more is needed. Bari now has its starting three-man attack (on paper Partipilo, Gytkjaer, and Sibilli) and alternatives ready to rise through the ranks (Gaston Pereiro, Moncini, and Rao). Yet, in terms of quality, goals, and playmaking, it seems the team can be improved. More players are needed, but above all, players who fit Fabio Caserta's 4-3-3. Two more signings wouldn't hurt.

THE FULLERS WITH PARTIPILO. Not a winger by vocation, Giuseppe Sibilli will be deployed as a winger, perhaps with plenty of freedom of movement. From the left flank, he'll be able to move toward the center to create or finish. Much will depend on the 28-year-old Neapolitan's flashes, perhaps too much. Because Sibilli currently seems the only player who can truly bring unpredictability to the defense. His alternative will be Emanuele Rao, a talented, quick, and promising 19-year-old. However, this is his first time playing in Serie B: it remains to be seen whether he can surprise or whether he needs time to mature.

The right flank, however, will be entrusted to Partipilo. At almost 31, the boy from the San Girolamo neighborhood has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make his mark with his hometown team. However, he will need to be at his best. The one we admired in Terni, for example, when he led the Umbrians to Serie B with 17 goals and then made his mark in the second division, scoring first nine, then seven. He didn't fully replicate that performance at Parma, though he played a key role in the Ducali's promotion, while last season at Frosinone he was hampered by a serious injury (over two months out). He will need extraordinary motivation to give his best: will it be enough? Caserta has so far tried Gaston Pereiro on the right, but the Uruguayan, with his slow pace and limited dynamism, doesn't seem like the right fit for a 4-3-3 formation based on intensity and pace. Furthermore, the South American isn't unsellable: if a suitable offer were to arrive, he could leave quickly, although for now (except for an inquiry from Avellino, who, however, didn't insist) all is quiet about him. In short, a more suitable winger would be needed. Mirko Antonucci had been followed: the 26-year-old from Spezia will leave the Ligurian club, but so far an agreement hasn't been reached with the Galletti. Furthermore, there's another detail. While Caserta has high regard for him, they don't see him as a pure winger (a position he's always played throughout his career), but rather as a midfielder capable of moving into the attacking midfield. Negotiations have been ongoing for some time; the youngster is reportedly keen to relaunch his career at Bari after a mixed season between Spezia and Cesena. But if he were to arrive, it's not a given that he'll be the winger: he could also fill out the midfield. Keep an eye on two youngsters, too. Sporting director Giuseppe Magalini has admitted his interest in Giovanni Bruzzaniti, a 24-year-old from Pineto, whom he has been following several times this season. Quick, resourceful, and adept at dribbling, he could be an option. The other option, on paper even more viable, is Antonio Vergara, a 22-year-old Napoli player who's coming off a brilliant season at Reggiana. He's been kept under wraps so far, but he could become a hot topic.

ANOTHER CENTRE FORWARD: The 4-3-3 formation features a single central striker, and Bari already has two: Gytkjaer and Moncini. But let's be clear: an additional pure striker isn't a whim or excessive caution, but a genuine necessity. Caserta may often need to deploy two strikers in tandem to try to force a result or recover. Not only that, but potential unforeseen circumstances must be considered, as well as Gytkjaer's age, who at 35 will require some management. After all, just remember the drama of two years ago, when Diaw's injury shifted the entire attacking load to Nasti. In short, you can't take risks, and you need to cover yourself properly. The main idea was to find a young player who could accept the challenge of starting from the back and then try to explode. Guglielmo Mignani, the 22-year-old son of Michele, former Galletti coach from 2021 to 2023, had been followed. However, the youngster is now close to joining Benevento. Daniele Montevago, a 22-year-old from Perugia, is also being eyed, but a real move has never materialized. Among the most likely prospects, however, attention is focused on Marco Nasti, who will be leaving Cremonese. Giuseppe Ambrosino from Napoli seems to be a possibility, just as a return for Nicholas Bonfanti from Pisa now seems unlikely.