The wait is finally over. After weeks of pre-season tours, friendly matches, and endless preparation, the real business is about to begin. Tonight at 21:15 CEST, the lights of San Siro will shine down as AC Milan starts their new season, and the first hurdle is a tricky Coppa Italia first-round tie against a determined Bari side. This isn't just another game; it's a knockout match and the first true test for Allegri's squad.
Key Highlights
- ✓ AC Milan kicks off their first competitive match of the 2025/26 season against Bari in the Coppa Italia.
- ✓ Coach Massimiliano Allegri will be absent from the dugout, serving a suspension from the 2024 final.
- ✓ New signings like Ricci, Modrić, and Estupiñan are in contention to make their debut for the Rossoneri.
- ✓ Historically, Milan is unbeaten in all eight of their previous Coppa Italia meetings with Bari.
- ✓ The winner of this knockout tie will go on to face Lecce at the end of September.
The Rossoneri Return to Business
You can feel the excitement in the air. For Milan, the Coppa Italia isn't just a warm-up; it's a serious goal. Massimiliano Allegri has made it clear that this competition is one of the team's three key objectives for the year, especially with no Champions League football on the calendar. The team seems to have a real fire in their belly, a desire to start the season on the right foot and build some early momentum before the Serie A opener against Cremonese.
All eyes will be on the team sheet tonight. Allegri is expected to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that the team has been working on throughout pre-season. This gives us a chance to see how the new faces fit in. We could see the likes of Ricci, Modrić, and Estupiñan get their first competitive minutes, which is always exciting. At the same time, the pressure is on for the established stars, particularly Leão and a returning Pulisic, to deliver from the get-go.
The coach emphasized the mental aspect of this game. It's about setting a tone, showing discipline, and proving that the squad has the right mentality. As he put it, the time for joking is over. It's all about getting that win and progressing to the next round.
A Touch of Sideline Drama
Here's a fun little twist for the season opener: Massimiliano Allegri won't actually be in the dugout. Instead, he'll be watching from the stands, serving a two-game suspension. It's a carry-over from his time at Juventus, specifically from that incredibly memorable Coppa Italia final win against Atalanta a year ago. If you're a fan of Italian football, you probably remember the moment.
It was pure, unfiltered Allegri. Furious with referee Fabio Maresca for not awarding a free-kick, he absolutely lost it. He stormed over to the fourth official, ripped off his jacket and tie, unbuttoned his shirt, and got himself a red card. As he stormed off towards the tunnel, he was famously heard screaming, "where is Rocchi?!", referring to the head of the referees' association. It was a classic, passionate moment, but the consequences are being felt tonight, with Marco Landucci set to lead the team from the touchline.
Bari: The Ambitious Underdogs
Let's not forget there's another team on the pitch, and Bari are arriving at the "Scala del Calcio" with absolutely nothing to lose and everything to prove. They had a strong season in Serie B, just narrowly missing out on the promotion play-offs. Their coach, Fabio Caserta, has them playing an organized and dynamic brand of football, typically in a 4-3-3 formation.
They play with compact lines and look to use quick play down the flanks to create chances. Caserta has blended experience with youth, bringing in promising talents like Braunöder and Emanuele Rao (on loan from Como and Napoli). Upfront, they have experienced strikers in Gytkjær and Moncini who could definitely pose a threat if Milan's defense isn't sharp. For them, this is a massive opportunity on a huge stage, and they're here to make an impression.
Their coach summed up their attitude perfectly in his pre-match press conference: "This match is certainly a source of pride. We want to go for it, attempting ambitious moves while not giving anything away... I have a group willing to work hard and eager to improve." They’re not just here for a day out.
The History and The Stats
History certainly favors the Rossoneri in this fixture. The two clubs have met 74 times in total, with Milan claiming a dominant 49 wins to Bari’s twelve. When it comes to the Coppa Italia specifically, Milan’s record is even more impressive. They are unbeaten in all eight previous cup meetings, with five wins and three draws, and have managed to keep a clean sheet in the last four encounters.
The last time these two sides faced off was actually in this very competition, back in January 2011. On that night, it was a Milan side also managed by Massimiliano Allegri that ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at San Siro. But here’s the most interesting stat of all: last season, no teams in their respective leagues scored a higher percentage of their goals from inside the penalty area than these two. A whopping 95% of Milan’s Serie A goals (58 of 61) and 95% of Bari’s regular-season Serie B goals (39 of 41) came from close range. Expect plenty of action in the box tonight!
The Coppa Italia So Far
The first round of the Coppa Italia has already provided some drama. We saw Empoli edge past Reggiana on penalties, Sassuolo secure a narrow 1-0 win over Catanzaro, and Genoa cruise to a 3-0 victory against Vicenza. Lecce, who await the winner of tonight's match, beat Juve Stabia 2-0 to book their spot in the next round. The stage is set, and the path forward is clear. Tonight's match will be officiated by referee Alberto Ruben Arena, with Maggioni overseeing VAR.
Conclusion
So, here we go. The first competitive match of the season is more than just a formality; it's a crucial mental test. For AC Milan, it's about starting a long campaign with a statement of intent, integrating new players, and proving they have the hunger Allegri demands. For Bari, it's a golden opportunity to challenge one of Italy's giants. With Allegri watching from the stands and a determined opponent on the pitch, this promises to be an intriguing start to the 2025/26 season.
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