Riccardo Allegretti scored the only goal of the game as Bari claimed all three Serie A points against struggling Livorno.

Allegretti's early free-kick was the highlight of a largely uneventful game, although Sergio Almiron came close to adding a second when he hit the bar after 29 minutes.

The win took Bari ninth, and Livorno remain in the relegation zone.

Bari could have been ahead even before they were, when Brazilian forward Barreto led a counter-attack.

However, he did not see that he had men over - and chose to shoot from just outside the area, his strike drawing a fisted save from Francesco Benussi with the ball rebounding to safety.

The reprieve was short-lived for Livorno, however - and they fell behind after six minutes.

Allegretti's free-kick from 30 yards was not the most powerful, but it swerved to go in off the post - with Benussi slightly late to react.

Bari continued to attack, and Edgar Alvarez did well down the right after 26 minutes - dribbling past a defender before sending in a perfect cross for Allegretti, who freed himself but headed over the bar.

After 29 minutes, Almiron came agonisingly close to doubling his side's lead.

It was another long-range free-kick, but this time the ball swerved over the wall from 30 yards and smacked into the crossbar.

Benussi was then forced to head the ball away from the lurking Barreto.

Seven minutes before the break, Livorno had an effort worthy of the name as Antonio Candreva shot from outside the area - his effort going inches wide of the left post.

Bari were well in control of the first half, but there was less excitement and fewer chances in the second.

Two minutes after the restart, Candreva's long-range free-kick flicked off the wall and needed saving by Jean-Francois Gillet.

At the other end, Alvarez played Barreto through. But the pass was slightly overhit, allowing Benussi to come out and block.

After 64 minutes, Federico Donati crossed for Alvarez - but his effort missed the target.

Six minutes from time, Salvatore Masiello made his way down the left flank before advancing into the penalty area. But instead of playing in Riccardo Meggiorini or Greco - who were better placed in the centre - he decided to shoot himself, and again Benussi saved.

It was the last meaningful action of a second half in which Bari always looked in control without ever really troubling their opponents.

The win was much-needed for Bari, who had failed to score in their previous two matches.