Bologna ended their 51-year trophy drought in stunning fashion, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Dan Ndoye was the hero, scoring the only goal of the match to secure Bologna’s first major silverware since 1974.
Just five days after AC Milan had comfortably beaten Bologna 3-1 in Serie A, the two sides clashed again — this time with a trophy on the line. Despite that league setback, Bologna came out determined and composed in their first Coppa Italia final appearance in over five decades.
AC Milan started strongly and nearly went ahead early, but Bologna goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski made a brilliant double save to deny Luka Jović after a defensive lapse by Sam Beukema. That turned out to be Milan’s only shot on target in the first half, as Bologna gradually gained control of possession, although Mike Maignan was only called into action for a few routine stops.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime. Following a scrappy sequence in the Milan box, the ball fell kindly to Ndoye, who showed calm under pressure to fire a low shot past Maignan and send the Bologna fans into raptures. It was his first goal of the cup campaign — and the most important of his career.
Milan coach Sérgio Conceição responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Kyle Walker, João Félix, and Santiago Giménez in a desperate push for an equaliser. However, Bologna’s defence held firm, frustrating the Rossoneri and limiting them to half-chances as time ran out.
Six agonizing minutes of stoppage time later, the final whistle confirmed Bologna’s historic triumph — and a first major managerial trophy for Vincenzo Italiano.
The victory also secures Bologna a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League and the Supercoppa Italiana.
While Bologna celebrated their long-awaited success, Milan were left to rue a missed opportunity in what has been a disappointing campaign, with their last Coppa Italia title still dating back to 2003.
