Bari host Parma at the Stadio San Nicola for the first round of their Coppa Italia clash.
Having finished third in Serie B last season, their first presence in the division in four years, Bari managed to remain in the second tier. However, they missed out on promotion to Serie A after Cagliari beat them in the playoff finals.
The Cockerels will look to begin the new season on a positive note, and prevailing in the cup will also help build some momentum ahead of their opener.
Bari, though, had been relatively inactive in the summer, playing only two friendly games, but won both by a score of 5-0. They first beat Il Delfino before seeing off Gravin by the same scoreline.
Parma also missed out on promotion to Serie A last season after losing out in the playoffs. Having finished fourth in the regular season, the Crusaders sealed a place in the playoff semi-finals, but Cagliari beat them 3-2 on aggregate.
Over the summer, Fabio Pecchia's side played in four friendly games, going unbeaten in all of them and winning twice.
Bari will look back upon their result the last time Parma were in town for inspiration, but the Crusaders have improved since then.
Another 4-0 defeat is unlikely, given their promising pre-season campaign. We expect to see these sides settle for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Bari 2-2 Parma
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
Read on sportskeeda.com