The 1997-98 campaign saw Galletti, newly promoted from Serie B, secure a respectable 11th-place finish in Serie A. Spearheading the attack was the South African international Phil 'Chippa' Masinga, whose 9 league goals proved vital. Masinga's campaign was marked by stunning, decisive goals against title contenders, including a match-winner against AC Milan and a crucial strike in a victory over eventual runners-up Inter Milan, momentarily shaking up the Scudetto race. The season also featured the emergence of future star Gianluca Zambrotta, making it a foundational year for Bari and a memorable chapter of their top-flight consolidation.