AC Milan clinched a comfortable 2-0 win in their first competitive game of the 2025-26 season. Christian Pulisic was one of the key players and below are the ratings for the Rossoneri.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.
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Starting XI
Maignan (7): The captain was forced to a very good save, and I mean a very good save, as Sibili tried his luck from distance and fired a rocket towards goal. Aside from that, he wasn’t really tested that much but credit where credit is due.
Tomori (7): There have been concerns about his downward spiral but tonight, he impressed with good movement and above all, great attention in defence. Of course, the assist helps his rating too (it was a great cross) but I’m even happier with the defending. Let’s see if he can keep that up against better opponents.
Gabbia (6): Solid is the word we’re looking for. Bari didn’t really create that many chances through the centre, always only on the flanks and from distance (shots). A such, Gabbia didn’t have loads to do but when called upon, he got the job done.
Pavlovic (6): Just like Gabbia, it was more so a case of keeping the Bari attackers at bay. He distributed the ball well when moving forward too, it must be said, and offered support on the overlap if it was needed.
Saelemaekers (6): You cannot fault his work-rate tonight, nor the flair he added in attack, but it’s also true that he has room for improvement. Defensively speaking it was okay, but it felt like he slightly overdid things in attack at times. He came close to a goal with a couple of good shots, but there were also a couple of poor ones.
Loftus-Cheek (6.5): As we also saw in pre-season, he managed to beat his opponents in the 1v1s thanks to sheer strength. It really helps stretch the play and open up space for his teammates. He also did well on the ball.
Ricci (6): He did what was needed, making himself available and distributing the ball with calmness. It wasn’t anything spectacular, though, and that is probably a good sign in a way. You don’t want your holding midfielder making too much noise.
Fofana (6.5): Some might think the rating is too high, but if you compare it with the pre-season, it was a big improvement tonight. He was actually neat on the ball, combined well with his teammates (nice passing) and created some chances himself, forcing the keeper to a couple of good saves. Yes, he can still avoid some shots, but the display was promising.
Estupinan (6): We saw some good movement from him tonight; a willingness to get forward and catch the defence off guard. Having said that, he could have been better in the deciding moments, in particular with his shot (that Gimenez tapped in) and a poor cross from a good position. Nevertheless, encouraging and just below a 6.5 here.
Pulisic (7.5 – MOTM): It was great to see him back on the pitch, following the ankle injury, and he didn’t disappoint. He was very involved from the start and came close to finding the back of the net in the first half, including hitting the crossbar. In the second half, he finally got it after a good combination with Gimenez. Overall, very positive for him.
Leao (7): First of all, let’s hope that the injury isn’t too serious, and that he can be back against Cremonese at the weekend. Although we only got to see 14 minutes from him today, he opened the scoring with a really good header after nice positioning inside the box.
Substitutes
Gimenez (6.5): Due to Leao’s injury, he came on very early and as we saw against Leeds, he definitely looked up for it. The combination with Pulisic for the goal was great and there were other positive moments from him tonight.
Modric (6): The Croatian showed his class on the ball with some really good (but expected) passing. That being said, he should have taken the shot when he got into the box towards the end of the game, rather than trying to cut it back.
Jashari (N/A): I didn’t see enough to give him a rating here.
Musah (N/A): I didn’t see enough to give him a rating here.
Okafor (N/A): I didn’t see enough to give him a rating here.
Saelemaekers is MOTM for me
Same for me, at least a 7 in my book for Salad. Gimenez and Fofana both should be with lower ratings. Fofana needs to train shots – he had 10+ shots probably, at least 5 with excellent conditions to make at least a good attempt – all wide off mark or in the middle. Also made 1 terrible pass in our half that would 90% cost us a goal against a more serious team. Coach should have given minutes to Bart, if not for anything else to not risk a second yellow for Estupinan
I do love Fofana’s energy both going forward and hustling back on defense. He pushed the ball upfield effectively and made the Bari defense commit. He will be much more effective now that he’s surrounded by Ricci, Jashari, Modric and RLC.
I do wish he wouldn’t try to put a hole in the ball every time he shoots. He gets it on frame about 20% at best.
20% is generous. He shot dozens of time last year too, and they’re rarely on goal, and never actually go in. Allegri needs to have him pass to the finishers instead of wasting so many attacks.
His effort is the best in the pitch, but today he made a lot of mistakes. I don’t know why some players are hailed when they made mistakes and others are destroyed when they did similar ones. Fofana was great today, and he even shoot on target lol
No, he shot off-target repeatedly, wasting repeated attacks. It’s just like last year.
Allegri needs to have him pass to the finishers instead of wasting so many attacks.
You have to be kidding. It’s the same Saleamakers as always. The end product is never there. He can’t shoot to save his life. Yes, his work rate is very good, but that is not enough. He can be a useful bench player but If he’s a regular starter again we are in big trouble. Don’t forget why we got rid of him and why Bologna and Roma didn’t think he was worth buying.
He’s not playing in an advanced position, he was often playing further back.
He had 7 goals and as many assists with Roma. It was their loss.
I agree to an extent but for me he looks better than before. He needs to learn his place at the pitch but let’s be serious here: he is not a world beater, and he never will be that
Roma wanted to make his stay with them permanent. They badly wanted that but Allegri pulled the plug on any deal.
Roma never wanted, Milan would have sell if the right offer came
Roma wanted him but didn’t have the money at the time due to FFP issues that needed to be resolved.
imo he did good but he tried a bit to much at times, he need to relax a bit in build up play, to eager to score and so he gave away the ball to many times as a result, idk but he had probably 5 shots from 20 meters.
Same dor me, if it was anyone else from golden bumch he would have gotten 9. Shame, I always liked the guy, but years of mismanagement and opinions like this plus playing him out of position did the trick. Lets booe he shows this year, he can be as good as Pulisic in my opinion
Agreed. He wad involved in everything and to me, really stood out positively
Good game and the team already seems more cohesive on both attack and defense. I know that Bari is not much of a test or a strong opponent, but the first game of the season is always hard, a lot of pressure involved, especially if we take in consideration that we have a new coach and a lot of new players. This team can improve a lot over time, and Allegri has already brought in stability and confidence that we lacked much. I am happy, greetings to all my Rossoneri brethren ♥️🖤
Saelemakers HAS to be kept. His workrate, fighting spirit and versatility can be very useful.
Too soon to judge the new players, but tonight I didn’t dislike what I saw from Ricci and Modrić.
Loftus-Cheek looked good tonight, if he can stay healthy, he might become a useful player rotation wise.
Fofana is still trying (too hard sometimes) to get his first goal.
Overall, no complains and good first game.
Now onto serie A.
I think Ricci did exactly what we need him for. Always positioned so well to give our defence it’s structure, so calm and clean on the ball, and made fofana and loftus be free to move around.
Defence was solid for the most part. Estupinan seems to be intelligent and a good passers, I liked him tonight. Saelemaekers going on loan did him a world of good. He will definitely be useful this year.
Leao looked serious man, he’s got allegris full trust and he’s ready to deliver.
More importantly, we looked like a team in this one game than we did all of last season. I know it was just against Bari but it looked good. Hopefully have leao back for the season opener and to build on this!
Side note, modric is pure class. The way he passes is unbelievable. So glad to have him
Agree. I must say I was quite doubtful when we signed him. But with just 1 pre season match, I was pleasantly surprised. It looks like the boy been here for many seasons. How he holds the ball, distributes the ball, holding the line, just a joy to watch. Relly curious to see if he can play together with Jashari. As they both pretty much have the same character.
I think he’ll be our best signing of the season. Considering we don’t pay that much for him as well.
Liked what I saw from Ricci to, very mature performance.
I still need more to be convinced by Allegri.
Saelemakers ony has work rate going for him he’s still the headless chicken he was two years ago. Hope to see the new rb in action soon
Good to see both Leão and Pulisic on the scorer sheet. We were physical tonight, hopefully we will carry that into the season. Watching Fofana and Musah playing next to each other gave me a laugh 😂
Saelemaekers was great tonight; only 6??? 7.5 and MOTM. He’s a transformed player after the loan spells. Should be very helpful to the team, this season.
Mike 6.5, great save, didn’t have to do anything else as that was Bari’s only SOT.
Ricci actually did very well; sober, good holding, good passes. Also deserves more than 6. At least 6.5 if not 7.
Fofana actually produced a couple of good shots on target, unlike last season. Nice passing too. 6.5
Estupinan did fairly well especially defensively (although a speedy winger beat him once) but he doesn’t seem to look to see where he should cross the ball. He shows potential but needs to improve. 6
The defense still doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Clean sheet, and all three, Tomori, Gabbia and Pavolovic actually did fairly well but there were some small failures too, against a very weak Bari, so one wonders what will happen when we face better offenses. We need to hire another CB. It seems like Okoli could come but he’s not a world beater either. I’d grant to Pavlovic and Gabbia a 6 and a 6.5 to Tomori given his assist.
RLC obviously is thriving with Allegri’s confidence. Not bad from him, tonight! 6.5
Puli and Rafa, both great, and both deserved 7. Hopefully Rafa’s muscle injury is not serious, but those are always concerning. Rafa is another player who seems to be thriving with Allegri’s trust.
Subs, Santi did well, with an assist and a disallowed goal. 6.5
Modric, still seems uncalibrated. 6.
Okafor, maybe the worst one tonight. 5.5
Musah, had no failures like he usually does and actually had a good run and a good cross. 6
Jashari seemed a bit off and didn’t do much. 5.5
Mister Allegri and his assistant, definitely we look more organized and there is reason to be optimistic although it was only Bari. 6.5
What’s with this Saleamakers nonsense? He’s the same player he always was. Good work rate but the final product is never there. The final shot or pass is always off the mark. But we already knew this about him. That’s why he lost his spot to Messias who was no world beater himself but at least could finish. Why people think it’s going to be any different this time.. If you are impressed by a bunch of dribbling that never leads to anything there’s a guy named Chukuweze that you will love.
No, but Alexis has scored goals for Roma and had assists. I believe, 7 and 7. He’s been more consequential. Today he didn’t score or assist but got really close. I think he is better than Chuk. I think he has improved. He is still young and is still learning but he played well tonight. You’re entitled to your opinion, but I disagree. It seems like Allegri disagrees with you, too.
I like your ratings much more that the articles.
My only disagreement is Jashari. He was very active and available. I’d give him a pass.
why would we consider Fofana’s rating too high.? I think it maybe a bit low. Fofana was everywhere. One minute he was winning the ball back and the next he was in the box trying to get a shot off. Solid performance from Fofana and he combined will with Ricci and RLC. No one cares about the previous game. Ratings should be based of THIS game.
My reason for that is his first touch. If you watch, it is often bad enough he has to adjust to it and this is why some of his passes are off target, off pace etc.
I think 6 is realistic and feel he will be excellent off the bench as Jashari gets up to speed.
His first touch?? Nonsense! He never lost the ball and tracked back to win the ball numerous times. He was solid all game. defending, battling and yes, his passing was absolutely accurate. Only one player looked rusty tonight and that was Gimenez, which is understandable considering he only just returned.
Gimenez a 6.5? no way mate. He was very rusty. couldn’t hold the ball, his passing was sloppy and he actually looked like he hadn’t played in months. You are being very generous with his rating.
Did you miss the fact that he not only helped with building up Puli’s goal but had the final assist? So he had a goal contribution that was one of our only two goals; that’s 50% of the victory. He also had an opportunistic tap in that unfortunately was accomplished from an offside position. Yes, he did deserve 6.5. Sure, he is probably a bit rusty as he was in the Gold Cup and then had to take longish vacations, and has joined the group only recently. I’m confident that Santi will have a good season and will improve even more as his game fitness is back.
I do think he was a bit slow and clumsy at times on the ball. But his movement off the ball opened up a lot of space and opportunities for others to have shots at goal. As good as Leao and Puli are, they don’t move the CBs about enough with their movement.
That assist was what a 9 must do. And that was his only notable contribution. Not enough for a rating like that, considering the other players who played much better than he did, but got the same rating.
“You don’t want your holding midfielder making too much noise.”
Exactly. Ricci was great tonight, composed, available and always on point. But some folk still want every player to fart out glitter and sparks.
Teamwork and combinatorics is what I was impressed the most about tonight. Something we did not see since our Scudetto season. Finally team effort instead of individual glimpses.
I agree. We moved like a team tonight, more than the whole ladt season. Moved forward like a team and defended like a team. It’s only one game and agaisnt bari, still early to judge but definitely an improvement so far. New additions did fairly well tonight as well. I like the new midfield. Richie, jashari will do well in the future. A lot to learn from modric.
Agree he did well. His off the ball play allowed a lot of Tomori’s good play. As he would drop back and support Gabbia. Letting Tomori drift out like a RB.
That’s a very generous use of the word “great” Ted. He was ok but nothing about his performance was great. Oh, that’s right, he’s Italian, he gets judged by different standards. I forgot.
Saelemaekers cuts inside and shoots. again and again. He should do that a little less often. he’ll figure it out.
It was a nice first game. Ricci did all the simple dirty work and covered all the ground needed. I think we did well overall. I think more could have been scored. I’m happy with what I’m seeing with the overall team effort. Of course this is just the first game and we need to continue to see this effort.
Hopefully Leao comes back quickly.
An ok game vs a very poor team.
Not much to draw from this game.
Next week the real season starts.
Weren’t you in love with Emerson? Lol
Nah, im not in love with any player or a person a see on TV.
Don’t project your reality on others. Lol
An ok game lol?
Just typical on here.
Whats the issue here?
Milan played vs a team that finished midtable in serie B last season, not even a midtable serie A team.
As I said, an ok game vs a very poor team.
Next week will see where we at.
LMAO keep at it bud. Milan did quite well.
We have different standards bud.
Its okay.
I have to agree here. Bari was abysmal so there is not a lot to take from this game other than the qualification for next round
Good to start against a poor team. That said there were a couple of defensive mental lapses… a square 40 yard pass on the backline that was intercepted. With a better team that’s a goal. Tomoro covered breakdowns well.
Not really next week.
We go from mid table Serie B (well coaches it seems) to bottom table Serie A.
A jump for sure but not by much (to your point)
Counter to that however is that for the last 4 years we have had trouble breaking down teams that sit back.
So if Cremonese choose to park the bus, then we will see if we can unlock them. That would certainly be progress worth seeing.
RLC started well but faded as the game goes one. Let’s hope he can turn the page with Max. The backline was ok but did have some problems against a weak side. Ricci seems to be missing something I can’t put my finger on. For me he’s a bit lightweight and seem to be farry heavy, but he also does distribute the ball without carrying. Maybe I’ll need to see more but I do think we’re still missing a traditional DM. Estupinan probably need time to get a grip on our league and it WILL take time for him. Saladman was great. He was an engine, helped in offense and defence. There’s no way that’s just a 6. He will be key to our season. Puli and Leao were both out of their preferred positions but they did well. Giminez also came on and had the assist,. though I saw him frustrated on the field at times. I wonder if the rumours of us trying to pursue another striker is playing on his mentals.
Other than that the good thing is we accomplished the task. And unlike seasons past it didn’t feel laboured. However, I wouldnt use this game as an example of our strength..in fact, I’d say we have work to do as they were clearly weaker and they put us in many spots of bother. Let’s hope the first two games of the league can galvanize us and make the team more solid. However as someone pointed out …Max gonna need way more to convince me. We’re in for a loooong ride
Ricci will never out pace anyone or press them off the ball but he will intercept and read the game. With him I’m looking for the link up with Pulisic because Pulisic likes to fill the space between the midfield and backline so if Ricci sees and predicts Pulisic’s movement we will be in dangerous positions. Tho I’m looking forward more to what Jashari could bring then to Ricci.
Coincidentally, Ricci reminds me a lot of Krunic. He is Krunics heir.
But there is a huge difference in how people talked about Krunic compared to how they talk about Ricci even though they are more or less the same player.
Let me know which drugs you take because Ricci and Krunic are as similar as an old card and a new car. And the old car has no engine
Ricci played more forward passes yesterday than Krunic during his whole Milan career. So there’s at least that if you want to compare them.
🤣🤣🤣 very true.
Everyone here missed the most important thing. We played with lion’s share of possession against low block and won easily. Last year this would have turned into a narrow 3-2 win or shock draw/loss. This is a total 180 from last season. Instead of being stretched and empty at times, the midfield seemed the strength of this team today. A completely different looking team from last year. I’m excited to see what more we can do.
And the new signings did well. And this was their first competitive match.
Absolutely. More cohesive team play than we saw at any point last season.
Exactly. And the ball moved waaaaaaay quicker from player to player than ever in the last 3-4 years. It was starting to look like football.
Defense & team work already ok. But it is just serie B team, the real test are next week in serie A. Allegri found his new khedira in RLC anf new matuidi in fofana. Saladmaker play spartan and look like he will become favourite for allegri. Hope leao injury not too serious
Who is comparing Ricci to Krunic? That’s such an insult to Ricci. Some on here owe Ricci an apology.
Bari have a player called Dickmann!
Our two main threats (Rafa and Puli) scores.
Leao was aggressive in the press. And intelligent as well. Very good to see.
Ricci collected the garbage and recycled it well.
RLC bossed the midfield.
Rafa scored on a strikers header (not with dandy footwork) on a sweet sweet cross from Tomorri.
When our subs in the mid field came on, the level only dropped slightly. (And this is the first time Modric and Jashari played together)
Yeah there is a lot to work on. It’s the beginning of the season and that is true for every team except maybe Napoli.
Looking forward to Cremonese.
Yes, Bari are very weak so we shouldn’t read a lot into this. It felt like another pre-season friendly. Still, there were several encouraging tidbits. Like someone said, last season we’d struggle against bad teams with low blocks, and tonight we didn’t. That’s progress.
I dont know what alegri did to leao hes acting like a real striker. Lately he can shoot and add some good heading. He also dont smile alot, seems more serious. If hes staying this phase hes gonna be a balon dor candidate. Of course its only bari. And what i like the most is when we get attacked seems like everyone running back to defend. Totally different compare when theo was here last season. Modric is another level. Our young mfs should learn from him alot. Jashari is nervous and gimenez still rusty. At least he can still learn to linked up like when the goal scored. Rlc is at his best just worried about his stamina. Ricci is the dmf we need, only need to learn some brilian pass from modric. The lads need to learn to shoot from distance. Especially saelamaker n fofana. Shooting can be trained its different with skill n the way of playing. Even puli only heve one on target today. Its rare for him.
In fairness, Pulisic also hit the crossbar with one and had a second which was obviously deflected over by a defender but the officials didn’t award the corner kick.
I agree that it wasn’t his best shooting match but he still was dangerous and scored.
Leao was so mature today. He didn’t get embarrassed when something didn’t go right and instead just kept running. He pressed when he was supposed to. I’m excited to see a grown up version of Leao.
Also Estupido was alot better than I expected. He could be useful.
🤣🤣🤣 estúpdio
Good game by salad. Playing lower than at Roma will require adaptation but just like previously he will become vital for turnarounds. Remembering well how he saved Calabria a million times in his final two seasons with us.
Tomori 7? HAHAHA, you have to be kidding me. He was out of position down the flank several times in the first half and Alexis had to cover for him. His passing was also sloppy. 5,5 from me – an extra 0,5 for a beautiful cross for the goal.
This is the best match I’ve seen from Estupinan for us. The dude covered serious mileage. I also liked Ricci’s game quite a bit, and even Salad was decent as well in his more fitting role in the midfield. Pulisic had some bad misses and decisions in the box, second half much better, but he still needs to get into his rhythm.
Overall, a good game. They need to improve their finishing. We attacked more, but, the end product wasn’t much. We could have gotten at least 10 goals, but, still lacking in our finishing. Defending was good, especially from the middle, aside the shots that they allowed the opponents. Saelemaekers and Fofana have to work on their shooting. Saelemaekers is more sleek, but, a few lessons from Pulisic, will definitely improve his finishing. Attendance was great. Proud to be a Milan fan. Hope for great things this season.
As much as I dislike Allegri’s style, team selections and work in general, and always will, this was decent.
One thing I really appreciated was how little of the ball Maignan, Pavlovic and Gabbia saw compared to last season. Ricci dropping deep and effectively taking the ball off them and quickly moving it forward was very refreshing.
But unless it’s Musah, stop selling players without a superior replacement lined up. They’ve made plenty of money already.