Forwards shine but pair of signings struggle: Player ratings for Milan-Bari from Italian papers

AC Milan began their 2025-26 season in winning fashion, beating Serie B side Bari in the last 32 of the Coppa Italia at San Siro.

Rafael Leao netted the first goal of the new campaign, heading home emphatically from a Fikayo Tomori cross. He was then forced off with what looked like a calf muscle issue, though some reassuring updates have arrived.

Christian Pulisic got the second goal early in the second half, combining beautifully with Santiago Gimenez. It was a job well done in front of over 71,000 fans, a brilliant crowd which shows how the excitement is building.

AC Milan vs. Bari: Player ratings

This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport has their player ratings from the game, starting with the overall team performance which scored a 6.5 out of 10. The man of the match in their eyes was Pulisic, a constant threat in attack who earned a 7, which Pervis Estupinan (5.5) struggled most.

Alexis Saelemaekers looked very lively on the right flank and got a 7 too. Mike Maignan, Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rafael Leao and substitute Luka Modric got half a point less.

Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Samuele Ricci and Santiago Gimenez were given a passing score, while new signing Ardon Jashari (5.5) didn’t quite seem to get into the rhythm.

Corriere dello Sport chose to give 7s to Pulisic, Saelemaekers, Pulisic and Leao. Maignan, Tomori and Loftus-Cheek were praised as well, getting 6.5s. The paper did not give anyone below a 6.

🔢 The player ratings for #MilanBari from @Gazzetta_it and @CorSport.

🤔 Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/pHwKwqW7Q7

— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) August 18, 2025