Serie A

Bari Fire Ventura And Hire Mutti

In a move that smacks of desperation, Bari have fired veteran coach Bortolo Mutti to succeed Giampiero Ventura in a last-ditch bid to avoid relegation.

In gaining promotion two years ago to Serie A, Bari was known for its exciting attacking brand of football. But they have really struggled in their second season in Serie A, and all the injuries they have suffered have not made it any easier for them.

After six consecutive defeats the club felt it had to so something and a club statement read:

“Bortolo Mutti is the new coach of Bari and he has signed until the end of the season.”

The 56-year-old, who failed to keep Atalanta in Serie A this season, starts at home to Genoa on Sunday with Bari nine points adrift of the safety zone with 14 games left.