The Stadio Olimpico in Rome witnessed a historic night on May 14, 2025, as Bologna clinched the Coppa Italia, defeating AC Milan 1-0 and ending a 51-year wait for silverware. Dan Ndoye’s early second-half goal was enough to secure glory for the Rossoblù, capping off a remarkable season under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Bologna’s victory was not just a win-it was a statement. After falling to Milan in Serie A just days earlier, Italiano’s men showed resilience, learning from their mistakes and delivering a tactical masterclass on the biggest stage. “After experiencing some setbacks, I believe we truly earned this, particularly since we delivered an outstanding performance tonight. It was an extraordinary showing; we anticipated Milan's strategy in the second half and adjusted accordingly,” Italiano said after the match.
The triumph marks Bologna’s third Coppa Italia and their first since 1974, a drought that had weighed heavily on the club and its passionate supporters. The scenes at the Olimpico were electric as fans and players celebrated a night that will be etched in club history.
The match’s only goal came shortly after halftime, when Dan Ndoye found the net, sending the Bologna faithful into raptures. From that moment, Bologna showcased defensive discipline and collective spirit, repelling Milan’s desperate attempts to equalize. “We scored at the perfect moment, then defended like a true team, staying resilient throughout,” Ndoye reflected.
For Vincenzo Italiano, this victory is the crowning achievement of a season that has seen Bologna rise above expectations. After previous heartbreaks in cup finals with Fiorentina, Italiano finally lifted his first major trophy as a manager. His ability to mold a cohesive, determined squad has been lauded across Italy, and this Coppa Italia win cements his reputation as one of the country’s brightest coaching talents.
For AC Milan, the final was a painful reflection of a season gone awry. Despite high hopes and a strong run to the Coppa Italia final, the Rossoneri’s performance was lackluster, lacking the creativity and urgency needed on such an occasion. The defeat continues Milan’s recent struggles in domestic cup finals and leaves them without the Coppa Italia trophy since 2003.
Milan’s 2024/25 campaign has been marked by inconsistency: a disappointing league finish, an early Champions League exit, and now a missed opportunity to salvage the season with silverware. The club’s future in European competitions remains uncertain, and the sense of regret is palpable among fans and players alike.
As Bologna celebrates a historic triumph and secures a place in next season’s Europa League[4], Milan is left to reflect on missed chances and the urgent need for renewal. For Vincenzo Italiano and his players, this Coppa Italia win is not just a trophy-it’s a symbol of belief, resilience, and the power of unity.
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AC Milan 0-1 Bologna
Ndoye (Bologna, 53’)
Bologna’s night of glory is a testament to a season of extraordinary progress, while Milan’s woes continue in a year that promised much but delivered little. The Rossoblù, under Italiano, have shown what can be achieved with vision and determination-setting a new benchmark for Italian football’s rising forces.