Serie B focus: Bari and Parma back to the big time?

With just nine games remaining in the Cadetti Bari look likely to be gracing Serie A once again after an absence since relegation from the big time in 2001. Currently they are first on 63 points, 9 points clear of 3rd place Livorno in the race for automatic promotion. Of course there is likely to be twists and turns over the remaining nine games for the Bari faithful, but few now would bet against a return to Serie A for the southern club. Indeed it has been a good season all told for the club from Apulia with marksman Barreto also riding high in the top scorers chart on 15 goals, and with the fans pouring back into the stadium once again as they lead the attendance standings in Serie B as well. They have attracted an average gate of 12,002 this year and have a season high attendance of over 18,000 against Vicenza.

Parma also look like they may well make a quick return to Serie A after a one year absence. Parma, currently second on 59 points, belong in Serie A after the success they had in both Europe, Serie A and the Italian Cup throughout the 90s. Unfortunately for their followers they never quite secured the Scudetto they deserved at some point in the 90s, and there financial demise followed shortly after. But there fans should take hart from the progress both Napoli and Fiorentina have made in recent years, two clubs that financially and competitively sunk far lower than Parma have yet. Hopefully they can get back to where they belong and at least stay in Serie A for years to come. They may not have the financial backing they used to have, but they are still a great name and that alone should attract some quality when they return to Serie A.

The final spot is still up for grabs and could go anywhere to be honest, although many may fancy Livorno to pull through here thanks to the divisions top scorer in Tavano. The former Roma and Valencia hitman has struck 18 times this season, and few would be against the quality striker hitting a similar mark if Livorno make it to Serie A next season, but they will at least have to hold off Serie B heavyweights Empoli and Brescia first before any dreams of Serie A are realised.