The 2010–11 campaign saw Ventura confirmed as head coach. Due to a poor transfer market and a rash of injuries, Bari sat in last place at the midway point of the season. However, Bari won the "Derby di Puglia" against rivals Lecce on 6 January 2011, thanks to a goal from loan signing Stefano Okaka. On 10 February 2011, with Bari sitting last in the table with only one win in four months and nine points from relegation safety, Ventura agreed to part company with the club and was replaced by Bortolo Mutti.