The almost sold-out San Siro for a Coppa Italia round of 32 match in the middle of August means only one thing: there is no lack of enthusiasm around Milan despite the Rossoneri coming off a disappointing season, which also ended with harsh protests from fans against the club. The return of a coach like Massimiliano Allegri, who had already coached here at the beginning of the last decade, winning a league title, has reignited the enthusiasm.
His pragmatism, combined with his vast experience, is perhaps what Milan needed after finishing eighth last year. The Rossoneri have to raise the bar in a season in which, unlike their direct rivals, they will not be playing in Europe and can focus solely on the league.
The Rossoneri also seem to have done well in the transfer market: apart from a few excellent sales (Reijnders), they have put together an interesting midfield (Modric, Jashari, Ricci), while waiting for a big signing in attack (Vlahovic?). In preseason, Milan alternated between good performances and others that left something to be desired: a 4-2 win against Liverpool on their Asian tour and a defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend. The Coppa Italia match against Bari, a Serie B side, will be a sort of dress rehearsal for Allegri ahead of the league opener against Cremonese, scheduled for next weekend. After missing out on the playoffs last season, the Apulians are dreaming of an ambitious championship: Fabio Caserta, fresh from a positive year at the helm of Catanzaro, is in charge.
Odds comparison
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The prediction
Judging by the results of the friendlies, Allegri has not yet completely solved Milan’s defensive problems: only one clean sheet for the Rossoneri, against the modest Australians of Perth Glory, who were overwhelmed 9-0. However, this is an official match and the Livorno coach is keen to get off on the right foot. We predict a victory with at least a two-goal margin for the Diavolo, who will most likely manage to keep a clean sheet.
Probable line-ups for Milan-Bari
MILAN (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek; Leao.
BARI (4-2-3-1): Cerofolini; Dickmann, Vicari, Nikolaou, Dorval; Braunoder, Pagano; Bellomo, Pereiro, Moncini; Rao.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0