Bari 0 : 0 Genoa - Bari held by Genoa

Posted Sunday, February 13, 2011 by PA

Bortolo Mutti was denied a winning start at the helm of struggling Bari as they were held to a goalless draw by Genoa in his first game in charge.

Mutti, who replaced Giampiero Ventura earlier this week, discovered how big a task he has on his hands in saving the Apulian side from relegation this season, although they did go close to winning.

A seemingly valid goal from Stefano Okaka was ruled out by the referee late in the second half of a game which provided little in the way of goalmouth action, and a goalless draw was probably a fair result.

Genoa went close to taking the lead in the 10th minute when Rodrigo Palacio's angled shot struck the far post and Kamil Glik cleared the rebound behind.

The danger was not over, though, as Juraj Kucka made Jean-Francois Gillet work with a dangerous header from the corner.

Okaka then hit the crossbar at the other end, although the game had already been halted for a foul.

The last chance of the half fell for Palacio, but he fired over the crossbar with only Gillet to beat.

Okaka was the home side's dangerman and he tested Eduardo with a header in the 65th minute.

And the former Roma striker went close to scoring five minutes later, but Eduardo again denied him.

There was nothing the Portuguese goalkeeper could do to prevent Okaka from finding the back of the net in the 78th minute, but the goal was ruled out for a presumed foul by Jose Ignacio Castillo on Kakha Kaladze.

It was a harsh decision and one which cost Bari all three points as they left the field to jeers from a small crowd at the Stadio San Nicola.