AC Milan аdvаnсеd confidently іntо thе Round of 32 of thе 2025/26 Coppa Itаlіа after ѕесurіng a 2-0 wіn against Bari at thе lеgеndаrу Sаn Siro оn Mоndау (August 18, 2025) in the early hours of the morning.
Goals from Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic sealed the victory for the Rossoneri, though the night wasn’t without concern as Leao was forced off with a calf injury, raising doubts about his availability ahead of their upcoming Serie A fixtures.
Thіѕ rеѕult ѕеtѕ uр аn іntrіguіng Coppa Itаlіа сlаѕh bеtwееn Mіlаn and Lессе іn September. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri will be eager for positive updates on Leao’s fitness, especially with a league match against Cremonese looming.
The win also sent a clear message: Milan are determined to compete on multiple fronts this season, pushing for success both in Serie A and in domestic cup competitions.
First Half – Leao Scores, But Injury Strikes
The visitors, Bari, showed no fear at San Siro, pressing high from the opening whistle. Forward Gabriele Moncini nearly silenced the home crowd with a long-range strike that drifted just wide of the post.
Milan, however, gradually found their rhythm. In the 21st minute, Fikayo Tomori delivered a precise cross into the box, which Rafael Leao met with a thunderous header to break the deadlock. The stadium erupted in celebration, only for the joy to be dampened minutes later when the Portuguese winger limped off with a calf issue, leaving fans anxious.
Despite the setback, Milan continued to dictate play. Christian Pulisic looked lively, coming close on multiple occasions. One shot was bravely blocked by Bari’s defense, while another effort struck the crossbar, denying him a first-half goal.
Bari’s best chance came through Giuseppe Sibilli, whose powerful strike from distance forced Mike Maignan into a spectacular save to keep Milan ahead going into the break.
Second Half – Pulisic Delivers the Decisive Blow
Barely two minutes after the restart, Milan doubled their lead. Following a neat link-up play involving Santiago Gimenez, Pulisic calmly slotted the ball home at the third time of asking, having been denied twice earlier in the game.
With the 2-0 advantage, Milan shifted gears, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Bari attempted to mount a response, but the Rossoneri defense stood firm, leaving little space for Caserta’s men to exploit.
The biggest cheer of the night arrived in the 65th minute when two summer signings made their much-anticipated debuts. Legendary midfielder Luka Modric and Swiss star Ardon Jashari entered the pitch, greeted by thunderous applause from more than 65,000 fans inside the San Siro.
From that point, Milan played with confidence and maturity, seeing out the match without further scares. The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory and progression to the next round.
Starting Lineups
AC Milan (Coach: Massimiliano Allegri):
Mike Mаіgnаn; Strаhіnjа Pavlovic, Matteo Gаbbіа, Fikayo Tоmоrі; Pеrvіѕ Estupiñán, Rubеn Lоftuѕ-Chееk, Sаmuеlе Rіссі, Yоuѕѕоuf Fоfаnа; Alеxіѕ Sаеlеmаеkеrѕ; Rafael Lеао, Christian Pulіѕіс.
Bari (Coach: Fabio Caserta):
Michele Cerofolini; Mehdi Dorval, Dimitrios Nikolaou, Francesco Vicari, Lorenzo Dickmann; Riccardo Pagano, Matthias Braunöder, Nicola Bellomo; Giuseppe Sibilli, Gabriele Moncini, Gastón Pereiro.
ALSO READ :
