Milan 2-0 Bari: Leão’s Heroic Header Marred by Injury, Pulisic Adds the Kill-Shot
AC Milan advanced into the next round of the Coppa Italia with a 2-0 victory over Serie B side Bari at San Siro, but their celebrations were dampened by an early injury to star forward Rafael Leão.
The game’s first spark arrived in the 14th minute when Leão soared above the defense to power home a precise header from Fikayo Tomori’s cross. Within moments of his goal, however, the Portugal international was forced off due to a calf injury, an alarming development for Milan ahead of their Serie A opener.
Despite the setback, Milan held firm through halftime. Pulisic came close twice before the interval, including a shot that rattled the crossbar.
Early in the second half, he finally broke the resistance by converting a slick exchange with Santiago Giménez (who’d replaced Leão) and coolly slotting home on his third attempt, setting the score at 2-0.
Shortly after the goal, AC Milan gave their fans a taste of the season’s depth by introducing new signing Luka Modrić from the bench. The 39-year-old World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner made his debut at San Siro to a thunderous ovation from over 70,000 spectators.
Despite dominating possession and chance creation, Milan couldn’t extend their lead, but ultimately, the result was the only number that mattered.