AC MILAN PROGRESS WITH VICTORY OVER BARI | OneFootball

A good start. In front of 71,000 spectators at San Siro, the Rossoneri began the season by beating Bari by two goals to nil, as they progressed to the Coppa Italia second round. Leão gave the hosts an early lead before coming off injured, then Pulisic netted the Rossoneri's second moments into the second half. Bari were organised and defended stoutly, but Allegri's men (he watched on from the stands through suspension) were alert, pragmatic, and productive going forward. AC Milan created many chances and maybe could've come away with a bigger win.

In a 3-5-2 system that reflected the work done in pre-season, the Rossoneri handed competitive debuts to Estupiñan and Ricci from minute 1, then Modrić and Jashari came on to rapturous applause in the second half. Ahead of kick-off, all seven of our new signings were introduced to the supporters at the start of the competitive campaign. With the Coppa Italia first round now in the books, attention turns to Saturday's game against Cremonese at home, another must-win.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v BARI

MATCH REPORT A packed San Siro applauded our seven new signings before kick-off. Then, our 2025/26 season officially kicked off. Bari made a bright start, but the Rossoneri’s first chance fell the way of Fofana, whose effort was saved by Cerofolini. AC Milan began to stamp their authority and took the lead in the 14th minute, when a Tomori cross was headed home by Leão for the team’s first goal of the season. Shortly afterwards, Rafa had to leave the pitch due to a physical problem. The Rossoneri continued to press, and Pulisic came close to scoring twice: first, Vicari made a crucial intervention to force the ball behind for a corner, and then the bar denied Chris in the 25th minute. On the half-hour mark, Cerofolini made his second big save of the game to deny Fofana, while, at the other end, Maignan produced a fantastic stop to keep out a long range left-footed attempt from Sibilli (39’). The first half ended with a low strike from Saelemaekers which was deflected narrowly wide.

The second half began with no changes, and, after persistent pressure, Pulisic finally got his reward in the 48th minute, finishing neatly after a one-two with Giménez to double the Rossoneri’s advantage. Saelemaekers was heavily involved and, minutes later, went close again, this time with his left foot. Bari made changes, as did AC Milan: Modrić and Jashari both came on to make their competitive debuts in the 66th minute. Musah also entered the fray for the closing stages, during which Saelemaekers remained the most dangerous, firing over with his right after combining with Fofana. Luka also had his first moment, producing a double feint in the box before seeing his right-footed effort saved by Cerofolini. Okafor and Gimenez also both threatened late on, but the scoreline remained unchanged: AC Milan ran out 2-0 winners in their opening game of the campaign.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 2-0 BARI

AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Saelemaekers (81' Okafor), Fofana, Ricci (66' Modrić), Loftus-Cheek (66' Jashari), Estupiñan; Pulisic (66' Musah), Leão (18' Gimenez). A disp.: Pittarella, Terracciano; Athekame, Bartesaghi, De Winter, Jiménez, Vladimirov; Chukwueze. Coach: Landucci (Allegri disqualified).

BARI (4-3-3): Cerofolini; Dickmann, Vicari, Nikolaou, Dorval (81' Tripaldelli); Bellomo (52' Verreth), Braunöder, Pagano (67' Partipilo); Pereiro (52' Rao), Moncini, Sibilli. Subs.: De Lucci, Pissardo; Kassama, Mané, Mavraj, Pucino; Onofrietti; Gytkjær, Manzari. Coach: Caserta.

Referee: Arena di Torre del Greco. Goals: 14' Leão (M), 48't Pulisic (M). Booked: 21' Estupiñan (M).

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