Italian football is full of great stories. Some are about big rivalries between equals. But some of the best stories come from matches between a giant and an underdog. The AC Milan vs SSC Bari timeline is exactly that kind of story one side chasing glory, the other fighting for survival, and both leaving their mark on Italian football history.
A Quick Look at Both Clubs
AC Milan, founded in 1899, is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. They have won multiple Serie A titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. Legends like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, and Andriy Shevchenko have all worn the famous red and black jersey.
SSC Bari, founded in 1908, comes from the southern Italian city of Bari in the Puglia region. Unlike Milan, Bari has spent years moving between Serie A and Serie B. They may not have many trophies, but they have a passionate fanbase and a proud identity built on resilience and fighting spirit.
When these two clubs meet, it is always more than just a football match. It is North vs South, power vs heart.
The Early Years: 1929 to 1960
Their first official Serie A meeting took place during the 1929–30 season. In those early decades, AC Milan was already building a strong reputation, while Bari was trying to find a stable place in the top division.
The 1930s saw some interesting results. Bari won 2–1 at home on April 23, 1932, and followed it with a 2–0 away victory on February 18, 1933. However, Milan often showed their power in big wins, like a 4–0 result on February 15, 1936.
One of the most shocking results in this period came just after World War II. In the 1945–46 season, Bari stunned Milan with an 8–0 home win on July 27, 1946 one of the most surprising results in the timeline.
Then the tables turned quickly. On December 17, 1949, Milan destroyed Bari 9–1, with Swedish striker Gunnar Nordahl scoring four goals. This match highlighted Milan’s legendary Gre No Li attacking trio Gren, Nordahl, and Liedholm.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the two clubs met less often because Bari kept dropping down to lower divisions.
The 1970s and 1980s: Tactical Football and Growing Gaps
In the 1971–72 season, Bari managed a historic 1–0 win against Milan. The goal came late through a counter attack and was celebrated as one of the most important results of the decade for Bari supporters.
The 1980s brought a big change. AC Milan signed the famous Dutch trio Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard and became one of the best teams in Europe. In the 1987–88 Coppa Italia, Milan beat Bari 5–0 on August 23, 1987. The gap in quality was becoming very clear.
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The 1990s: Bari’s Best Era and Memorable Upsets
The 1990s were the most exciting years of this timeline. Bari had more stability in Serie A, developed young players, and refused to be pushed around.
In 1992, Bari shocked Milan with a 1–0 home win a result that seriously hurt Milan’s title hopes that season.
During the 1996–97 Serie A season, Milan were struggling domestically after years of European success. Bari produced an unexpected victory that shocked fans and pundits. Their disciplined defensive shape and sharp finishing exposed Milan’s weaknesses it was seen as a turning point and a reminder that Serie A could always surprise.
These were the years when the Bari vs Milan fixture felt truly alive. Bari pressed harder, trusted young talent, and refused to accept defeat before the final whistle.
The 2000s: Milan Back on Top
The early 2000s belonged to AC Milan. With stars like Andriy Shevchenko and a world class squad, they dominated Italian and European football.
On March 18, 2001, Milan beat Bari 4–0 at San Siro, with Shevchenko in outstanding form. Bari, dealing with financial problems and a weaker squad, found it hard to compete.
During the 2009–10 Serie A season, Bari returned to the top division and showed good defensive organization in their first meeting with Milan, holding a tight result. Milan then won more comfortably in the return match, showing their technical quality.
After 2011: A Long Silence
After 2011, the two clubs stopped meeting in Serie A. Bari suffered financial collapse, were relegated, and eventually had to restart from the lower divisions. Their story in the top flight was paused for many years.
During this time, Milan also went through major changes ownership shifts, inconsistent performances, and a slow rebuild.
2025: A New Chapter in the Coppa Italia
After more than a decade without a competitive meeting, the two clubs finally faced each other again. On August 17, 2025, AC Milan hosted SSC Bari in the Coppa Italia at San Siro. Milan won 2–0, reinforcing their historical dominance while Bari showed they could still compete in knockout football.
It was a result that felt familiar but it was also proof that the story between these two clubs is not over yet.
Head to Head Overview
Across all competitions including Serie A and the Coppa Italia, the two teams have met over 77 times. AC Milan have won 51, Bari have won 13, and 13 matches ended in a draw. Milan have scored 182 goals compared to Bari’s 64.
The numbers clearly favor Milan. But football is not just about numbers. Bari’s wins, their upsets, and their fighting performances are what make this timeline worth reading.
Why This Timeline Still Matters
This is not a rivalry built on hate or city pride. It is built on contrast. Milan represent wealth, trophies, and global fame. Bari represent community, identity, and the spirit of southern Italy.
While their meetings have been infrequent in recent years due to league positioning, the historical record clearly favors AC Milan. Should Bari return to Serie A again, fans would welcome the revival of this classic matchup.
Every time these two clubs meet, something bigger than football is happening and that is exactly why people still care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did AC Milan and SSC Bari first play each other?
Their first official Serie A match took place during the 1929–30 season, in the early years of organized Italian league football.
Q2: How many times have AC Milan and SSC Bari played in total?
They have met over 77 times across all competitions, including Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Q3: What is the biggest win in AC Milan vs SSC Bari history?
Milan’s 9–1 victory in December 1949 is the largest winning margin, though Bari’s 8–0 win over Milan in 1946 is also a remarkable result.
Q4: When was the last competitive match between these two clubs?
The most recent match was on August 17, 2025, in the Coppa Italia at San Siro. AC Milan won 2–0.
Q5: Has SSC Bari ever beaten AC Milan at San Siro?
Yes. One of the most celebrated moments in the timeline was Bari’s 2–1 victory at San Siro in the late 1990s considered one of the greatest upsets in the fixture’s history.
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