Bari and the excitement of AC Milan. De Trizio: "Some nights, it's important to be able to have fun."

BARI – Next Sunday, under the lights of San Siro, Bari will once again breathe the air of great football. The first round of the Coppa Italia pits the red and whites against AC Milan, in an undeniably fascinating match that evokes indelible memories for those, like Giorgio De Trizio, who experienced those emotions on the pitch. The Meazza is preparing to welcome a veritable exodus of Apulian fans. Thousands of them, ready to paint the stands red and white and make their support felt even hundreds of kilometers from home. Numerous "people" like those present at training yesterday and this afternoon and at the final training session tomorrow morning, before Fabio Caserta's presentation press conference and the departure for Milan.

Yet, behind the excitement of this luxurious trip, the shadow of a season ticket campaign lingers. It's a sign of a bond that needs to be strengthened and of the trust that Fabio Caserta's team will have to earn on the pitch. While awaiting the transfer market moves that are still lacking, the spotlight remains on the squad's most recognizable faces: Nicolò Bellomo and Anthony Partipilo, symbols of a "Bari-ness" capable of igniting the pride of the fans.

The upcoming Serie B season promises balance and intense battles. For Bari, coming off a mixed bag of seasons, the challenge will be to find consistency and consistency, avoiding the costly missteps that come at a high price in such a competitive league. De Trizio, who knows a thing or two about difficult seasons, is watching the management's moves with an expert eye and is open about his expectations regarding the reinforcements they can bring in.

Between memories of legendary matches against the Rossoneri and analyses of the present, the former Biancorossi icon takes us on a journey that unites past and future, emotion and realism. Because Milan-Bari, regardless of the predictions, remains a story that will make your heart skip a beat.

Coach De Trizio, the first round of the Coppa Italia is played at San Siro on Sunday. What kind of match do you expect, and what challenges do you see for Bari against Milan?

Regardless of the team's strengths, to cause problems for a team like Milan, you need to show up with a proven team, well-oiled in their playing mechanics. It seems to me that Bari is still a work in progress, even though some reinforcements have arrived from the transfer market. To see even a modicum of a real team, we'll have to wait at least a month and a half. Sunday looks very complicated, especially given the strength of their opponents. Even at Milan, there are new players who will want to shine and make a splash against a lower-division Bari. It wouldn't be easy for anyone, not even Juventus. These are evenings where you can still enjoy yourself because, since it's always summer football, any surprise can come along. Like what happened in De Tommasi's first year, when he scored to overcome Altobelli and Zenga's Inter.

There's talk of an exodus of red and white fans to Milan. How much impact do you think this warm support in such a prestigious stadium has?

"It's a strong signal that the fans aren't abandoning the team. They never have, and they won't this year, especially away from home. The protests, I imagine, will be more intense at home."

The season ticket campaign is seeing lower-than-expected numbers. What do you think has most influenced the lukewarm response?

Given the somewhat slow transfer window, there doesn't seem to be any real interest in making things go smoothly. In Naples, a lot is done. In Bari, almost nothing. The team could suffer from the crowd's coldness. It's disappointing, because playing in front of so many spectators is one thing, and being booed at the first mistake is another. I don't think the San Nicola will be left nearly empty. People from Bari are attached to their habits; they love going to the stadium to spend time with friends. In the end, heart will prevail over protest. It should be noted that the club's recent decisions have been wrong, both at the managerial and technical levels, if you like. The decisions they make don't respect the city of Bari.

You've faced Milan several times in your career. Which match has made the biggest impression on you, and why?

I remember champions like Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, and Maldini. When you entered San Siro, they were impressive, physical beasts and technical monsters. How can we forget the Coppa Italia match against the Rossoneri in Sacchi's first year? Enrico Catuzzi was on the bench for us. It was August 23, 1987, and we lost 5-0. Despite the defeat, we played a great game. At the end of the game, manager Janich was overjoyed and congratulated us. In those days, Milan won in spades against everyone.

Is there a particular anecdote, linked to a match against the Rossoneri, that you'd like to share?

Yes, the one on January 5, 1986. We drew 0-0 away, and I had to mark Mark Hateley because Loseto was sent off for a second yellow card. It was a feat. I called him offside at least twenty times. He'd kick the ball and immediately go into the box to receive a cross. I did the same. It seemed too easy to do, and I never understood how I managed it so easily.

Caserta's current team boasts two players with strong ties to the city, Bellomo and Partipilo. How much of an impact will being from Caserta have on the upcoming season?

I know them well. They're two of my protégés. Strong and built over time without gifts from anyone. The captain's armband belongs to Bellomo, at least when he plays. Or, at least, he should be in the locker room, where he should have more say than the others. I coached Nicola for a year with the Under-17s, but he had a knee problem. Partipilo, on the other hand, was coached by Giovanni Loseto. I've seen him grow, making giant strides. We're talking about a top player in the category. He'll be able to make a big difference.

How do you judge Bari's transfer market moves so far?

"We've got top-class players who are useful for repeating last season's success. With a shakeup, though, you can be lucky. But if it doesn't go well, you'll have to resort to the January transfer window to repair the damage."

In your opinion, what roles or profiles are still needed to make the team more competitive?

We need a central defender with personality. A truly strong one. A playmaking midfielder like Totò Lopez, and a striker like Lele Messina, with a strong personality. I don't see that profile right now. Gytkjaer is good, but he's getting older. He needs someone who can take all the weight off his shoulders up front.

The next championship promises to be balanced and challenging: how far can Bari realistically go?

"Right now, if all goes well, they could finish mid-table, just before the playoffs. Otherwise, without the necessary reinforcements, they'll have to fight to avoid relegation."

What advice or encouragement would you like to give to the red and white fans on the eve of such an important season?

"The team must never feel alone. The owners are the De Laurentiis family, but Bari belongs to the people of Bari and represents the city."