 On 11 August 2009 a Udine-based company called ""D'Odorico Group"" took over the club from Barba, putting an end to weeks of speculation regarding the future of the club.The new owner confirmed Giannini as coach.Despite being underdogs, Gallipoli managed to earn 28 points, thus ending the first half of the season in 11th place, but the situation crumbled in the second leg.