Federico Barba, from Italy for Persib Bandung

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - Italian player Federico Barba has officially made Persib a star-studded team in the BRI Super League 2025/2026. Barba's experience in Europe is expected to elevate Persib's achievements as well as the quality of the Indonesian league.

After bringing in the defensive midfielder of the Indonesian national team, Thom Haye, Barba was officially announced by Persib on Wednesday (27/8/2025). Barba, who is contracted for only one year, becomes the second Italian player for Persib after Stefano Beltrame. Beltrame led Persib to victory in the 2023/2024 competition season.

Barba, a player born in Rome on September 1, 1993, joined as a free transfer. His contract with the Swiss club, FC Sion, is set to expire in July 2025.

"Wilujeng sumping, Federico Barba. Persib welcomes you with open arms. We believe your experience and qualities will make a significant contribution to the team this season," said Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, on Wednesday.

Adhitia stated that Barba is the answer to Hodak's need to strengthen the defense line. Not only is he strong, but Hodak also desires a defense line that can employ various tactics.

Currently, Persib is reinforced by three foreign defenders. The two center-backs are Patricio Matricardi from Argentina, Julio Cesar de Freitas (Brazil), and Frans Putros (Iraq).

Local players owned by Persib are also not just any players. Names such as Hamra, Rezaldi Hehanusa, Kakang Rudianto, and Alfeandra Dewangga are athletes with above-average abilities compared to Indonesian players.

Federico Barba has made a long mark in various top European competitions. The graduate of the AS Roma academy has played for several Serie A clubs in Italy, such as Empoli, Chievo Verona, and Como. He is also noted to have represented the Italy U-21 national team twice.

Not only in Italy, he is recorded to have played in the German Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart. Barba also explored LaLiga in Spain with Sporting Gijón and Real Valladolid.

"Barba is a player with the character and experience that matches the team's needs. We are confident that he can adapt quickly and become an important part of Persib's journey this season," said Adhitia.

Persib coach Bojan Hodak stated that new players are needed to strengthen the team's performance. He wants to have a variety of player options to accommodate different playing styles.

"Besides defending the title, this season we want to make more of a difference in Asia," he said.