Leão and Pulisic Inspire Milan to Cup Progress in Allegri’s Return

Key Takeaways:

• Milan defeated Bari 2:0 at home to advance to the second round of the Coppa Italia
• Goals came from Rafael Leão (14′) and Christian Pulisic (48′) in a dominant performance
• Allegri marked his return to Milan’s wheel in victorious manner

Match Analysis

AC Milan made a confident start to their 2024–25 Coppa Italia campaign, overcoming Serie B side Bari 2:0 at the San Siro. This victory marked Massimiliano Allegri’s official return to the Milan dugout, although he watched from the stands due to suspension. Employing a 3-5-2 formation, Allegri saw his side dominate proceedings from the off, with early control translating into goals by Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic.

Leão opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a well-placed header after a measured cross from Fikayo Tomori. Moments later, the Portuguese attacker was forced off due to a calf injury and was replaced by Santiago Giménez. Pulisic doubled the advantage shortly after the break, capping off a slick move involving quick one-twos with Giménez before slotting home from close range in the 48th minute.

Player Debuts and Tactical Set-Up

While seven new signings arrived during the summer, only two were handed starts — Samuele Ricci in midfield and Pervis Estupiñán at left wing-back. Also returning from a loan spell at Roma, Alexis Saelemaekers lined up on the right flank. The attacking duties fell to Leão and Pulisic, who both justified their selection with decisive contributions.

Through to the second round ✅#MilanBari #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa
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— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 17, 2025

Bari, setting up in a 4-3-3 formation, fielded Gastón Pereiro, Gabriele Moncini, and Giuseppe Sibilli up front. Despite some early efforts, including a missed attempt by Moncini within the first minute and a notable save forced from Mike Maignan by Sibilli in the 38th, they struggled to exert sustained pressure on the dominant hosts.

Ceremonial Moments and Fan Protest

Prior to kick-off, Milan held a special presentation on the pitch to introduce their new signings including Luka Modric, Ardon Jashari, goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano, centre-back Koni De Winter, and right-back Zachary Athekame. Each received a warm reception from the home supporters.

A minute of silence honoured Matthias Verreth’s 14-month-old son, who recently passed away. Simultaneously, the Curva Sud ultras section maintained a symbolic silence in protest against management decisions involving restrictions on banners and a lack of season ticket availability.

Second Half and Substitutions

Milan continued to dominate post-interval with further attacking intent. Besides Pulisic’s goal, efforts from Saelemaekers, Fofana, and substitute Giménez kept Bari under sustained pressure. Late in the match, Luka Modric and Ardon Jashari made their Milan debuts off the bench. Modric nearly marked the occasion with a goal in the 76th minute after beating his marker and firing goalward, only to be denied by Bari goalkeeper Michele Cerofolini.

Bari struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with late attempts from substitutes like Emanuele Rao missing the target. Meanwhile, Milan will be encouraged by their fluid attacking play and the smooth integration of new faces.

Looking Ahead

With this win, AC Milan progress to the second round of the Coppa Italia and will next host Lecce, who previously saw off Juve Stabia with a 2:0 victory of their own.

Match Summary

Starting Line-ups