Rome: In a fairytale ending to their campaign, Bologna clinched their first major trophy in 51 years with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final. A second-half strike from Dan Ndoye sealed the historic triumph at the Stadio Olimpico, sending Bologna fans into rapturous celebration and condemning Milan to yet another heartbreaking defeat in a woeful season.
This landmark win marks Bologna’s first Coppa Italia title since 1974, breaking a decades-long drought and completing a dream season under manager Vincenzo Italiano.
Ndoye’s Moment of Glory
The match-defining moment came in the 53rd minute, when Swiss winger Dan Ndoye latched onto a loose ball and calmly slotted it past the Milan keeper to give Bologna the lead. From that point on, the Rossoblù displayed tactical discipline and defensive grit to see out the narrow victory.
“We won this for ourselves, for the city, and for the fans,” an emotional Ndoye told Mediaset after the match.
“It was a tough game, but we were united and we made it count when it mattered.”
A Crowning Moment for Vincenzo Italiano
The triumph is especially significant for Vincenzo Italiano, who earned his first major coaching title after enduring heartbreak in three finals with Fiorentina, including the 2023 Coppa Italia final. Since taking charge of Bologna, the former Spezia boss has transformed the club into one of Italy’s most exciting outfits.
“We played an incredible match tonight. The players gave everything,” Italiano said, visibly moved.
“This cup is the crowning achievement of a remarkable year, and our fans absolutely deserve it.”
As the final whistle blew, Bologna fans erupted in joy — many of them in tears — while teammates lifted Italiano into the air in a display of raw emotion and unity.
Milan’s Misery Continues
For AC Milan, the night was a bitter continuation of a frustrating campaign. Despite their rich history — they were crowned European champions the same year they last won the Coppa Italia in 2003 — the Rossoneri failed to make an impact on the night and now risk missing out on European football altogether.
Currently sitting eighth in Serie A, three points behind Roma in the Conference League spot, Sergio Conceição’s Milan face increasing pressure ahead of a crucial clash with the Giallorossi on Sunday.
Meanwhile, city rivals Inter Milan are preparing for the Champions League final and are in the hunt for back-to-back Serie A titles — a stark contrast to Milan’s downward spiral.
A Night to Remember
For Bologna, this victory is more than just a trophy — it’s a symbol of revival, resilience, and belief. Once Italian champions in 1964, and long consigned to football’s shadows, the Rossoblù now stand tall once again.
As fans danced under the lights of the Stadio Olimpico, waving flags and singing songs that hadn’t been heard in half a century, one thing was certain — this night belonged to Bologna.
A new chapter has begun.
