The 2016-17 campaign saw the return of a local hero and a moment of global recognition for Bari. Though I Galletti finished a respectable 12th in Serie B, the season was defined by the second-half loan arrival of homegrown talent Cristian Galano, whose 7 crucial goals for the club anchored the attack. Earlier in the season, while at Vicenza, Galano had made history by receiving the first-ever 'green card' for fair play, but his true importance was his decisive scoring run at the Stadio San Nicola. It was a turbulent yet pivotal year, showcasing the club's enduring passion and providing a foundation for future promotion ambitions.