Play Out Serie B 2025-2026: Südtirol-Bari, likely lineups

The return match between Südtirol and Bari, scheduled for 8 p.m., will decide who will remain in the cadet league and who will be forced into relegation. After the first leg match, which ended 0-0, the team coached by Moreno Longo has only one result at its disposal to save the category, namely victory, as the Alto Adige team finished further ahead in the standings (41 points vs. 40) than the Galletti.

For the historic Apulian club, it would be crucial to avoid a relegation to the third division that has been missing on the field for more than 40 years, precisely since the 1982-1983 season, although the last appearance in Serie C actually dates back to 2022, when the biancorossa club was forced to rise from the minor categories after bankruptcy in 2018 and restarting from D.

Castori will have to do without the injured Kofler, but all indications are that he will confirm en bloc the eleven that snatched the draw at San Nicola. Adamonis will defend the posts, shielded by the three-man rearguard composed of Pietrangeli, El Kaouakibi and Veseli. The keys to the midfield will be entrusted to the trio of Frigerio, Casiraghi and Tronchin, while former Molina and Davì will have the task of plowing the outside lanes. The weight of the attack, finally, will rest entirely on the shoulders of the Pecorino-Merkaj tandem.

On the opposite front, Longo will reunite Cistana and Verreth, although the two are unlikely to be thrown into the fray from the first minute. Barring any last-minute twists and turns, the Biancorossi’s tactical checkerboard will be the tried-and-true 4-3-1-2. Protecting Cerofolini will be the four-man wall with Mantovani, Odenthal and Nikolaou certain of their places, and the side lane still to be assigned in the duel between Dorval and Dickmann. A few knots to untie in the median, where Braunöder and Artioli strongly challenge Pagano and Esteves for a 1′ jersey. Few doubts instead about the presence of Piscopo and Maggiore, who will act on the flanks to support the Rao-Moncini offensive duo.

Probable formations

SÜDTIROL (3-5-2): Adamonis; El Kaouakibi, Pietrangeli, Veseli; Molina, Frigerio, Tronchin, Casiraghi, S. Davì; Merkaj, Pecorino. All. Castori.

BARI (4-3-1-2): Cerofolini; Mantovani, Odenthal, Nikolaou, Dorval; Piscopo, Braunöder, Maggiore; Pagano; Rao, Moncini. All. Longo.