Milan host Bari in Coppa Italia as Pulisic returns; Allegri banned

AC Milan head into the Coppa Italia Round of 32 against Bari with a clear mix of optimism and caution. Christian Pulisic has recovered from a preseason ankle issue and is available to start, the club confirmed, reinforcing Milan’s attacking options as Massimiliano Allegri, serving a two-match touchline ban, watches from the stands. The San Siro atmosphere is expected to be electric, with more than 53,000 tickets sold and extra seating opened to accommodate the demand for Allegri’s first home game since returning to the bench.

Milan’s summer rebuild has been rapid and far-reaching, underscored by the arrivals of Luka Modric, Samuele Ricci, and Ardon Jashari, among others. The club finished last season in eighth place, missing European competition and losing the Coppa Italia final to Bologna, which intensified the hunger for a strong start under Allegri. The Coppa Italia is a priority for the new era, alongside Serie A, and Milan are keen to demonstrate progress quickly as they navigate a squad reshaped to balance ambition with durability.

On the field, the initial lineup aligns with Milan’s preferred 3-5-2 setup from preseason, with Pulisic paired with Rafael Leao up front. The...