After half a century without major silverware, Bologna wrote a new chapter in club history by defeating AC Milan 1–0 in a fiercely contested Coppa Italia final. Dan Ndoye’s second-half goal sealed an emotional victory that brought joy to thousands of fans and redemption for manager Vincenzo Italiano.
A long-awaited ưictory in Rome
It was a night written in club folklore. Bologna’s 1–0 triumph over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final was more than just a cup win—it was a cathartic release of 51 years of longing, near-misses, and underachievement. The last time Bologna lifted a major trophy was in 1974, when they also won the Coppa Italia. Since then, they’ve oscillated between mid-table stability and second-division struggles.
That all changed on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico, when Dan Ndoye pounced on a loose ball in the 53rd minute to score the decisive goal. A failed clearance from Milan’s Theo Hernández deflected kindly to Ndoye, who slotted home with composure, sending the Bologna faithful into raptures.
The win not only delivered long-overdue silverware, but also earned Bologna qualification for the UEFA Europa League next season—a vital achievement for a club striving to re-establish itself among Italy’s elite.
Italiano’s redemption: From heartbreak to history
The moment meant everything to manager Vincenzo Italiano. After enduring three straight losses in cup finals—two in the Europa Conference League with Fiorentina and another Coppa Italia defeat in 2023—the 47-year-old finally stood on the winning side of a major final. “They were three hefty disappointments,” Italiano admitted in his post-match interview. “I didn’t think I could immediately come back and get my own back. But we succeeded, and I’m happy.”
As the final whistle blew, scenes of unrestrained joy erupted. Players lifted Italiano into the air, tears flowed among fans and players alike, and the celebrations were filled with the kind of unfiltered emotion that only football can inspire.
Italiano dedicated the victory to his squad. “I add an important trophy to my mantlepiece and I truly dedicate it to the guys, who were extraordinary,” he said. With the win, Italiano not only reversed his own narrative but also solidified his place in Bologna’s growing legacy under Canadian owner Joey Saputo.
Milan’s season of frustration deepens
For AC Milan, the night symbolized a frustrating end to a turbulent campaign. Head coach Sergio Conceição’s side entered the final desperate to salvage something meaningful from a disappointing season. With only a Supercoppa Italiana win in January to show for their efforts, Milan’s hopes of a domestic double evaporated under the Roman sky.
“It was a hard-fought match, very competitive, where every duel could be decisive. I think that reflects our season,” Conceição told Sport Mediaset. “I am disappointed in losing a final and the opportunity to win silverware, in a difficult season with a very difficult environment.”
Milan now sit eighth in Serie A with just two games left to claw their way into Champions League contention. They trail fourth-place Juventus by four points and risk finishing outside the top four—a scenario that would further compound the pressure on both players and management heading into the summer.
From blood, sweat and tears: A battle on the pitch
The match itself was a dramatic, physically demanding contest that epitomized knockout football. The first half saw both sides create dangerous opportunities, with goalkeepers Mike Maignan and Lukasz Skorupski trading impressive saves. Milan’s Maignan reacted superbly to deny a flicked header from Bologna’s Juan Miranda, while Skorupski executed a crucial double stop to thwart an unfortunate own goal attempt followed by a rebound strike from Luka Jović.
There were painful moments as well. Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson was left with a nosebleed following a brave slide tackle on Rafael Leão, while defender Sam Beukema finished the match with his shirt streaked in blood after a head-on collision with a teammate required immediate medical attention and a bandaged head.
Despite the bruising contest, it was Bologna’s composure and discipline that shone through. After Ndoye’s goal, they sat deeper, frustrated Milan’s midfield, and saw out the game with veteran savvy and sheer determination.
A new era for Bologna?
Bologna’s resurgence under Italiano is more than a flash in the pan. With European football now secured, the club is poised to build on this momentum and attract both talent and investment. The symbolic weight of the Coppa Italia trophy is significant—it signals Bologna’s re-entry into serious football conversations, both domestically and abroad.
For Joey Saputo, the Canadian businessman who has owned the club since 2014, this victory is vindication for years of slow, strategic growth. Bologna’s investment in youth, infrastructure, and long-term planning is beginning to pay off. In a Serie A landscape still dominated by traditional powerhouses, Bologna’s triumph is a refreshing reminder that well-managed, mid-sized clubs can dream—and win.
The road ahead
As the dust settles, both clubs now look ahead to summer with contrasting agendas. Bologna will aim to strengthen for European competition and continue their rise, while Milan face uncomfortable questions about their direction, strategy, and squad depth. But for now, all the spotlight rightfully belongs to Bologna—a team that refused to be defined by its past, seized its moment, and gave football fans a timeless story of perseverance and pride.
