There have been a few suggestions about which formation Massimiliano Allegri would use against Bari. Now, the AC Milan head coach may have decided.
A cup game in the first round is never fun, especially for a club the size of Milan. However, after last season, it is a chance to remind themselves physically of the results of dropping standards. So, the game against Bari is as much of a point to prove, as much as it is a punishment.
Allegri’s choice
Allegri, reportedly, has been weighing up using a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 for this clash. However, MilanPosts on X relays an image from this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport, suggesting it will be the latter.
In defence, Mike Maignan will start the first official game of the season, whilst Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic will sit as the back three. Of course, it is important to remember the Englishman can play as a right-back too, to allow versatility tactically.
In midfield, Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan will cover the flanks. A midfield trio of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuele Ricci and Youssouf Fofana is expected. Leading the line, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will work together again.
Rather than playing alongside the Portuguese, Pulisic may sit in a deeper role to create a little more.
📰 @Gazzetta_it: Probable XI v Bari pic.twitter.com/SHlUSjZzwA
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) August 14, 2025