The San Nicola side was propelled into the top flight on Friday evening without having to kick a ball, as third-placed Livorno lost 1-0 at home to Triestina, meaning the leaders cannot be caught.

“We started out with the primary objective of getting people back into the San Nicola stands and return the enthusiasm to a city disappointed by so many bitter campaigns,” explained the 39-year-old Coach.

“It is such a great feeling for us and the whole city of Bari. I am so happy for the lads.”

His squad has been at the top of the table since February 28 and the celebrations exploded in the city late Friday night. The team will play at Piacenza’s Stadio Garilli this afternoon.

“As the rounds went by, we realised that we could aim our ambitions high. Now we will enjoy the party. It has been an extraordinary achievement. I don’t know if we are living a dream or on Candid Camera!

“We deserved this promotion, more than any other team, and we got there by playing good football.”

Bari last tasted the top flight in 2000-01, when a young Antonio Cassano had just broken into the first team.

In recent years they had struggled and played to often empty stadiums, as fans protested by demanding owner Vincenzo Matarrese – who has been at the helm since 1983 – sell up to new investors.

This season had begun with meagre targets of mid-table safety, but Conte saw the turning point in the January transfer window.

“That was very important, as when we realised that we could go after a more ambitious goal, we brought in Stefano Guberti, Vitalii Kutuzov and Davide Lanzafame. From that moment on, we never stopped.

“There were many decisive moments, although perhaps the 3-1 victory away to Sassuolo stands out, as the way we dominated gave us the belief we were on the right track.”

Parma could secure the other automatic promotion spot from Serie B this afternoon when they welcome Pisa to the Tardini.