Introduction
The AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline represents a storied rivalry in Italian football, spanning nearly a century of encounters across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and even early divisional leagues. While AC Milan, one of Italy’s most decorated clubs, has often dominated this matchup, SSC Bari’s resilient performances have added layers of drama, with unexpected wins and high-scoring thrillers punctuating their history. This article delves into the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline, highlighting key goals, wins, and defining matches that have shaped their head-to-head narrative. From Milan’s crushing victories to Bari’s rare upsets, the timeline showcases the evolution of both clubs amid Italy’s competitive football landscape. With over 80 meetings, the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline offers insights into tactical shifts, legendary players, and moments that resonate with fans of Serie A history.
Early Years: The Foundations of Rivalry (1920s-1930s)
The AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline begins in the late 1920s, during the Divisione Nazionale (DN) era, Italy’s precursor to modern Serie A. Their inaugural clash occurred on October 31, 1928, when Milan hosted Bari and secured a convincing 5-1 victory, setting an early tone of dominance. Bari responded in the return fixture on March 16, 1929, holding Milan to a 2-2 draw away from home, showcasing their potential for resilience even as underdogs.
As the 1930s unfolded, the rivalry intensified with the establishment of Serie A. In the 1931/32 season, Bari achieved one of their notable upsets, defeating Milan 5-2 in Milan on November 28, 1931—a high-scoring affair where Bari’s counterattacks overwhelmed the hosts. Milan bounced back in the return leg, winning 2-1 at home. The decade saw Milan assert superiority, with wins like 4-0 in 1932/33 and 1935/36 seasons. A standout moment came in the 1936/37 Coppa Italia quarter-finals, where the teams drew 2-2 in Bari before Milan won the decider 3-1 at home. Goals flowed freely, with Milan netting 23 across these early encounters, while Bari managed 15, highlighting the offensive flair of the era.
By the late 1930s, Milan’s tactical discipline under coaches like József Viola began to shine. The 1937/38 season featured a 5-1 home win for Milan and a narrow 3-2 away victory, underscoring their growing prowess. These foundational matches in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline laid the groundwork for a rivalry defined by Milan’s ambition and Bari’s spirited challenges, often fueled by home advantage at the Stadio della Vittoria.
Post-War Dominance and Drama (1940s-1950s)
The post-World War II period marked a golden era for Milan in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline, with the Rossoneri delivering some of their most emphatic wins. In the 1945/46 Divisione Nazionale Girone Finale, Milan crushed Bari 8-0 at home on July 27, 1946, in a match that exemplified their rebuilding strength. This was followed by a 2-0 away win, contributing to Milan’s total of 10 goals without reply that season.
The late 1940s saw even more lopsided results. On January 4, 1948, Milan hammered Bari 8-1 at home in Serie A, with legends like Gunnar Nordahl contributing to the onslaught. Bari managed a 3-0 upset away win in 1946/47, but such victories were rare. The pinnacle of Milan’s dominance came on December 17, 1949, with a staggering 9-1 home victory in Serie A—the highest-scoring match in their history. Nordahl and Nils Liedholm starred, netting multiple goals as Milan ran riot.
The 1950s continued this trend, though Bari occasionally held firm. In 1958/59, Milan won 4-2 at home and 2-0 away, with José Altafini emerging as a key scorer. Draws like the 0-0 in 1960/61 added tension, but Milan’s wins outnumbered Bari’s, with 12 victories to Bari’s 4 in this decade. Goals totaled over 40 for Milan, reflecting their attacking philosophy under Nereo Rocco’s influence. These years solidified Milan’s status as giants, while Bari’s relegations interrupted regular meetings, making each clash a highlight in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline.
Mid-Century Shifts and Cup Encounters (1960s-1980s)
The 1960s brought sporadic but intense meetings in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline, with Serie A and Coppa Italia providing platforms for drama. Milan won convincingly in 1963/64, 2-0 home and away, but Bari stunned with a 3-1 away win in 1960/61. A defining Coppa Italia quarter-final in 1967/68 saw a 1-1 draw in Bari followed by Milan’s 4-1 home win, advancing them en route to European success.
The 1970s featured one of Bari’s greatest upsets: a 5-0 away thrashing of Milan on January 17, 1970, in Serie A—a rare humiliation for the Rossoneri. Milan responded with a 1-0 home win earlier that season. Meetings dwindled as Bari fluctuated between divisions.
The 1980s saw both clubs in Serie B at times, adding grit to the rivalry. Milan won 1-0 and drew 1-1 in 1980/81 Serie B, then dominated 3-1 home and 4-1 away in 1982/83. In Serie A 1985/86, a 0-0 home draw for Milan preceded a 1-0 away win. The decade’s highlight was Milan’s 5-0 Coppa Italia win in 1987/88. Goals were scarcer, with tactical defenses prevailing, but Milan’s 12 wins to Bari’s 2 underscored their ascent under Arrigo Sacchi.
Modern Era: Serie A Battles and Bari’s Resilience (1990s-2000s)
The 1990s revitalized the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline with frequent Serie A clashes. Milan started strong, winning 4-0 home and 1-0 away in 1989/90. Coppa Italia quarter-finals in 1990/91 ended in a 1-0 aggregate win for Milan after a 1-0 away victory and 0-0 home draw.
Bari’s upsets shone: a 1-0 away win in 1994/95 and a stunning 5-3 away triumph on January 15, 1995, where they overcame Milan’s star-studded lineup. Milan retaliated with wins like 3-2 home in 1995/96. The late 1990s featured draws (0-0, 2-2) and Milan’s 2-0 victories.
The 2000s continued with Milan’s 4-0 home rout in 2000/01 and 3-1 away win. Bari held to draws in 2009/10 (0-0 home, 2-0 Milan away). This period saw Milan score 35 goals to Bari’s 20, with stars like Andriy Shevchenko defining matches.
Recent Encounters: Cup Revivals and Milan’s Supremacy (2010s-2020s)
In recent decades, the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline has been shaped by Coppa Italia reunions, as Bari’s lower-division stints limited Serie A meetings. The 2010/11 season was action-packed: Bari’s 3-2 home upset in Serie A on November 7, 2010, followed by Milan’s 3-0 Coppa Italia win and a 1-1 Serie A draw.
Friendlies like Bari’s 0-1 loss in 2015 kept the flame alive. In 2023 Coppa Italia, Milan won 4-1 after Bari scored first. The latest chapter unfolded on August 17, 2025, with Milan’s 2-0 Coppa Italia victory at San Siro, goals from Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic sealing the win. These matches highlight Milan’s modern edge, with 6 wins and 2 draws since 2010.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Across 81 matches, AC Milan holds 42 wins, SSC Bari 21, and 18 draws. Milan has scored 147 goals to Bari’s 78, averaging nearly 2 goals per game. In Serie A alone, Milan’s dominance is clearer, with fewer Bari wins. Home advantage plays a role: Milan boasts a strong San Siro record, while Bari has pulled off 10 home victories.
Defining Matches and Key Moments
Defining matches in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline include Milan’s 9-1 demolition in 1949, symbolizing post-war resurgence. Bari’s 5-0 upset in 1970 remains a fan favorite, defying odds against a European powerhouse. The 1995 5-3 Bari win showcased underdog heroism, with goals from Igor Protti. Recent defining moments, like the 2025 Coppa Italia clash, underscore Milan’s tactical evolution under Stefano Pioli’s successors.
Conclusion
The AC Milan vs SSC Bari Timeline encapsulates Italian football’s essence: tradition, passion, and unpredictability. While Milan has claimed most wins and goals, Bari’s triumphs add enduring charm. As both clubs navigate modern challenges, future meetings—perhaps in Coppa Italia—promise more chapters in this captivating saga.
FAQ
How many times have AC Milan and SSC Bari played each other?
AC Milan and SSC Bari have faced off in over 80 matches across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and other competitions, with Milan winning the majority.
Who has more wins in the AC Milan vs SSC Bari rivalry?
AC Milan has significantly more wins, with 42 victories compared to Bari’s 21, reflecting their historical superiority.
What was the last official match between AC Milan and SSC Bari?
The most recent match was on August 17, 2025, in the Coppa Italia, where AC Milan won 2-0.
Has SSC Bari ever beaten AC Milan?
Yes, SSC Bari has secured memorable victories, including several upsets like the 5-0 win in 1970 and 5-3 in 1995, often at home.
What is the highest-scoring match in their history?
The highest-scoring encounter was AC Milan’s 9-1 victory over SSC Bari in Serie A on December 17, 1949.
Could AC Milan and SSC Bari meet again soon?
Future meetings depend on league standings and cup draws, but Coppa Italia often brings them together, given Bari’s lower-division status.