CONI chief Gianni Petrucci sent a letter to Bari mayor Michele Emiliano saying "the mere intention of organising the Games" was not enough and any application had to be made according to the "essential, basic conditions laid down by the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Charter".
Critics had questioned whether Bari, with a population of just over 300,000, had the capabilities to host an Olympic Games. Petrucci, who also dismissed Palermo's chances of bidding for the Games two weeks ago, added that Rome and Venice are the only two serious bidders.
Bids must be presented to the International Olympics Committee by the end of 2011 and the winner will be announced in 2013.
