AC Milan 2-0 Bari: Five things we learned

The 2025-26 season has arrived, and AC Milan started with a Coppa Italia spherical of 32 conflict towards Serie B facet Bari at San Siro.

This summer season has been an lively one for Milan with plenty of departures and arrivals. There’s nonetheless a little bit of a state of flux too, with extra exits anticipated like Noah Okafor and probably Yunus Musah, plus the signing of a brand new striker anticipated too.

With every week left earlier than the beginning of Serie A, the sport towards Bari was take a look at for the Rossoneri and introduced us with an thought of how Massimiliano Allegri’s facet would possibly look, even when he was suspended and thus not on the sidelines.

Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic began as the 2 forwards and it will likely be intriguing to see if this continues. Each of them received on the scoresheet, with the Portuguese netting a header within the first half earlier than going off injured, then the American scored not lengthy after the break.

That being stated, what did we be taught from the curtain-raiser at San Siro?

1. A promising begin

Leao had an encouraging preseason and followers shall be hoping that Allegri is the coach to take him to the following degree, however there’s loads of work nonetheless to do to search out that consistency.

Having stated that, Leao began off the season nicely as he scored a beautiful headed purpose, one thing that he wants so as to add extra of given his peak and construct. As soon as once more he appeared snug main the road, though it isn’t his pure place.

There isn’t an excessive amount of to speak about after that given he was subbed off early on, however he did his job. The truth that he was withdrawn with discomfort and the panic this brought about solely demonstrates additional his significance to this facet.

2. Captain America is again

Pulisic missed fairly a little bit of pre-season on account of an ankle damage, however he was again in fashion with a beautiful purpose the place he began the sequence mixed with Santiago Gimenez and ended up scoring the purpose.

The winger has been very constant all through the previous two years however Milan lacked stability and at instances he even performed damage. The hope now could be that with an improved squad and with an skilled coach like Allegri, Pulisic can proceed to guide by instance.

Rafa and Pulisic have proven their qualities on a number of events, the duty now could be to search out consistency and be true stars, whether or not that’s with each flanking a brand new striker, and even persevering with as ‘break up strikers’ in a 3-5-2.

3. Promising indicators on the again

It’s nonetheless unclear if Allegri will stick to the three-man defence, however towards Bari it appeared fairly efficient and the clear sheet is a proof of this.

Enjoying towards a facet from the division beneath isn’t precisely an acid take a look at, although we noticed an encouraging show from the three central defenders chosen. There have been no main errors and so they additionally received concerned within the build-up.

The one standout has to Fikayo Tomori as he performed very well in each phases of the sport and received the help on Leao’s purpose too. The Englishman has struggled for kind previously couple of seasons and it’s good to see him this steady.

4. The maestro dazzles

Luka Modric got here on within the second half and while he solely received a 28-minute cameo in the long run, we did see sufficient to be impressed as he showcased his passing accuracy and ball management in tight areas.

His capturing, or lack there of, was the one slight gap in his recreation. Late on he had the possibility to take a shot within the opposition field after a wise dribble, however took an additional contact and opted to search for a cut-back as an alternative of firing which proved to be the mistaken resolution.

Regardless, his calmness and management shall be essential for Milan this season as he gives a assure in that midfield. Along with that, he ought to be very helpful in relation to breaking down the low block too.

5. Wasteful up entrance

While Leao and Pulisic received a purpose every it’s truthful to say that Milan ought to’ve scored fairly just a few extra objectives. Maybe it was the shortage of a typical striker that’s partly responsible for that, although there was additionally some erratic capturing.

Gimenez received an help after coming off the bench however we didn’t actually see him in goal-scoring conditions and he is perhaps needing time to get to full health so we gained’t be too harsh on him. The Mexican is the one striker within the squad although, so objectives shall be anticipated from him.

The Rossoneri had 24 complete photographs, of which solely 5 have been on the right track. In addition they had 12 corners however didn’t make any of them rely, so the failure to be scientific is definitely an space to deal with, particularly towards higher opponents.

The constructive although was that Milan did look fluid going ahead, managing to stretch a Bari facet extra keen on sitting deep to frustrate (for apparent causes). In weeks to come back, we hope to see the defence-first Allegri stereotype absolutely squashed.