GdS: Allegri won’t allow mistakes against Bari as Milan fans turn up in numbers

AC Milan are getting ready to start their 2025-26 season with the Coppa Italia clash against Bari tonight. In Max Allegri’s mind, there is no margin for error from this point onwards. 

As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), Milan want to start their season at max, even though Max – meaning Allegri – won’t be on the bench due to a suspension has received in the 2023-24 season.

In his place, the trusted Marco Landucci will be leading the team from the dugout. Thanks to their 20 years together, they barely need to speak, looking at football in the same way. That’s why the former Juventus coach, who will be in the stands, is confident ahead of the game.

Allegri restores enthusiasm

By the looks of it, the Rossoneri fans share the same confidence as it will almost be like a big game attendance-wise. Granted that the ticket prices have been low and many football-loving tourists are in town, 66k for a Coppa Italia preliminary game is very impressive.

Without a doubt, this can largely be explained by pointing to Allegri’s return, restoring the confidence and enthusiasm after an incredibly tough 2024-25 season. The Curva Sud will remain silent but the Rossoneri fans, who last season won the Scudetto of fans (a record average of 71,544 spectators per game), aren’t giving an inch.

The word ‘Scudetto’ remains a taboo at Milanello for the time being, but for the fans, with Allegri on  the bench, dreaming is no longer off limits. Even if the club’s main goal is to return to the Champions League, it would be wrong of them not to give it a go.

No margin for error

Among the big clubs, Milan are the first to play a competitive match in 2025-26, entering the Coppa Italia in the preliminaries. The pre-season has restored some enthusiasm for Milan and in recent days, the squad has almost been finalised with the defensive reinforcements.

The jewel in the crown is Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, and even if they lack a striker to alternate with Santiago Gimenez, most of the work has been done. The new players will be presented tonight before kick-off, but the festive atmosphere mustn’t contaminate the team.

Allegri made this clear in his pre-match interview, stating that they cannot afford to underestimate Bari and that the ‘time for joking is over’. Since Allegri is aiming high, mistakes are out of the question at the back. Starting tonight against Bari. The Rossoneri’s enthusiasm must be increased with results.