The 1990-91 campaign saw Galletti consolidate their position in a fiercely competitive Serie A, finishing 13th in their first full season at the magnificent, newly-built Stadio San Nicola, a venue that also hosted the European Cup Final that year. Spearheading the attack was the Brazilian star João Paulo, whose 12 goals proved decisive in securing a mid-table finish for the club. The season's defining, most nostalgic moment came when João Paulo netted a memorable brace in a dramatic 2-1 victory over title contenders AC Milan on the penultimate day, a result that famously sealed the Scudetto for Sampdoria and remains a cherished piece of history for the Bari faithful. It was a pivotal year, marking their establishment in the Italian top flight during the golden age of Serie A football.