Bologna won its first major trophy in 51 years on May 14, 2025, when it defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final at Stadio Olimpico.
According to ESPN, Dan Ndoye’s goal in the 53rd minute ended Bologna’s long wait for a trophy since their 1974 Italian Cup victory. This historic win marked a significant achievement for coach Vincenzo Italiano, as it was his first major title.
The victory, Bologna’s first final appearance since 1974, ignited joyous celebrations among their fans. Meanwhile, Milan’s defeat, as reported by Sky Sports Italia, further highlighted the difficulties they have faced this season.
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WE ARE THE COPPA ITALIA 2024/25 WINNERS ❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙!!#SiMuoveLaCittà #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/UbmQgizPPa
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) May 14, 2025Ndoye’s decisive strike, after outmanoeuvring Milan’s defence, secured Bologna’s third Coppa Italia title. Their last major honour was the 1964 Serie A championship, per Football Italia. Italiano, succeeding Thiago Motta, outshone Milan’s Sergio Conceicao, whose team struggled, managing only one notable chance via Santiago Gimenez in the 71st minute.
The game saw early chances, with Bologna’s Santiago Castro missing a free-kick header in the eighth minute, and Milan’s Luka Jovic squandering a rebound after a Lukasz Skorupski save, per Gazzetta dello Sport. Ndoye’s goal, sparked by Riccardo Orsolini’s move, shifted momentum, with Bologna’s defence thwarting Milan’s late efforts.
BOLOGNA BEAT MILAN TO WIN THE COPPA ITALIA 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/cePHnJUuy4
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 14, 2025Bologna’s triumph contrasts with Milan’s turbulent season, sitting eighth in Serie A and fighting for European qualification, per Corriere dello Sport. Milan, European champions in 2003, their last Coppa Italia win, face rivals Inter Milan’s dominance in Serie A and Champions League pursuits. After losing three finals with Fiorentina, Italiano’s success highlights his strategic impact, speculating on Bologna’s potential European push, though their Serie A consistency remains untested.
As noted in The Sun, Bologna’s victory revitalises their legacy, boosting fan morale and positioning them as a rising force. The loss intensifies pressure on Conceicao for Milan. The Coppa Italia win could propel Bologna’s ambitions, while Milan’s recovery hinges on upcoming matches, like their May 18 clash with Roma. The result underscores Italian football’s competitive depth, with Bologna’s resurgence capturing global attention.
