Bologna FC sealed an emotional and historic Coppa Italia victory on Wednesday evening, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final at the Stadio Olimpico. The triumph marks the club’s first major silverware in 51 years, with the last trophy secured in 1974. The hero of the night was Swiss forward Dan Ndoye, who scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute, ensuring Bologna’s place in next season’s Europa League.
For AC Milan, the defeat was yet another bitter blow to a club that has been struggling to regain its former glory. Despite dominating possession and creating some promising chances, Milan’s inability to convert led to a disappointing conclusion for their season, as they failed to win the Italian Cup for the 22nd consecutive year. The Rossoneri’s last Coppa Italia triumph was back in 2003.
A Tense First Half
The first half of the match was a cagey affair, with both sides failing to break the deadlock. AC Milan, led by manager Stefano Pioli, had more of the ball and looked the more dangerous side going forward. Despite this, Bologna’s defense, marshaled by captain Lewis Ferguson, stood firm, denying Milan any clear opportunities.
The best chance of the half came late on when Milan’s Luka Jovic thought he had put his side ahead. After a quick break, the Serbian forward found himself with a golden opportunity inside the box, but Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was equal to the task. Skorupski pulled off a superb double save, first denying Jovic’s close-range effort before gathering the rebound to keep the scores level.
Bologna, meanwhile, had their own moments but could not find a breakthrough. Ferguson had a half-chance in the 37th minute with a long-range shot that flew over the bar, while Ndoye and Riccardo Orsolini looked lively on the counter-attack. However, Milan remained resolute, and both teams entered the break with the scoreline still at 0-0.
Ndoye Breaks the Deadlock
The second half was where the match truly came to life. Just eight minutes after the restart, Bologna stunned Milan with the opening goal. A loose ball in the penalty area fell kindly to Ndoye, who reacted quickest, lashing a powerful shot past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Stadio Olimpico erupted as the 23-year-old celebrated his first-ever goal in a major final, and Bologna fans could hardly believe what they were witnessing.
The goal seemed to jolt Milan into action, but they struggled to break down Bologna’s well-organized defense. Pioli’s men tried to respond with a series of attacks, but Bologna stood firm. Skorupski continued to excel, keeping Milan at bay with several routine saves as the Rossoneri’s frustrations grew.
A Historic Victory
Bologna’s win in the Coppa Italia was more than just a trophy – it was a symbol of resilience and determination. The victory also secured their place in next season’s Europa League, a remarkable achievement for a club that has been battling in mid-table for much of the season. For manager Vincenzo Italiano, the triumph was a fitting reward for a season that has seen him overcome personal setbacks. Italiano, who took over as Bologna’s manager last summer following Thiago Motta’s departure to Juventus, had lost three finals in the previous two seasons with Fiorentina. This time, he was the one celebrating success.
“I’m so proud of these players,” said Italiano after the match. “We deserved this, especially as we played great tonight. It was a fantastic performance. We’ve crowned an incredible year with the cup, and our fans deserve this moment.”
The victory also ended a long drought for Bologna, who had not won any major silverware since their last Coppa Italia win in 1974. With the trophy in hand, Bologna fans can now look forward to the European adventure that awaits next season.
Milan’s Missed Opportunities
As for AC Milan, the defeat was a major setback for a club that had shown flashes of promise this season. Despite their dominance in possession and creating several chances, Milan was unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The failure to secure the Coppa Italia adds to Milan’s woes, with the club still uncertain about their qualification for European competition next season. A top-four finish in Serie A is now vital if Milan are to return to the Champions League, but their lack of cutting edge in front of goal will be a cause for concern.
As the final whistle blew and Bologna’s players celebrated, Milan was left to reflect on what could have been. With an uncertain future ahead, the Rossoneri will need to regroup and focus on the remaining challenges in their season.
Conclusion
For Bologna, this Coppa Italia victory is a triumph for the ages. Their 1-0 win over AC Milan not only ends a 51-year trophy drought but also secures their place in Europe next season. For Milan, the defeat is another painful reminder of their struggles to return to the summit of Italian football. As Bologna lifts the cup, they can bask in the glory of a memorable achievement, while Milan will have to regroup and focus on the challenges that lie ahead.
