Sudtirol vs Bari prediction 22.05.2026 | Serie B

The Tyroleans have struggled to reach last season’s standards. A year ago, finishing 10th suggested the club was moving steadily forward. Now, Fabrizio Castori’s side are fighting simply to remain in Serie B after collecting only 41 points from 38 matches. Football can turn quickly like that, particularly in this division where momentum rarely lasts long.

Oddly enough, recent form has not been terrible. Sudtirol are unbeaten in 11 matches after the goalless first leg against Bari, although draws have crept into that run a little too often.

Home form remains a concern as well. The hosts are winless in eight matches at Stadio Druso, yet they lost only three times during that stretch, so games have stayed competitive.

Emanuele Pecorino should continue leading the attack after scoring nine league goals this season. Silvio Merkaj is expected to partner him despite enduring a frustrating campaign in front of goal. Alessio Cragno remains sidelined with a tendon injury, while Filipe Bordon is unavailable because of a metatarsal fracture.

The Cockerels are another side left wondering where the previous season’s momentum disappeared. Bari finished ninth in the 2024-25 campaign and probably expected to push closer toward the playoff places this year, not drift into a relegation fight. Still, the ending to the regular season gave supporters a little hope after back-to-back victories by an aggregate score of 5-2.

The frustration from the first leg likely still lingers, though. Moreno Longo’s men had home advantage and could not break through against a cautious Sudtirol side. Away form also raises doubts ahead of this trip to Bolzano. The visitors lost four of their last five matches on the road, which is hardly ideal preparation for such a high-pressure game.

Gabriele Moncini remains Bari’s biggest attacking threat with 11 Serie B goals this season. Emanuele Rao should support him again after contributing six goals of his own. Unlike Sudtirol, Longo arrives with the luxury of a fully available squad and no reported suspensions or injury concerns.