Bologna Ends 51-Year Trophy Drought with Coppa Italia Victory Over AC Milan
Bologna FC triumphed in the Coppa Italia final, defeating AC Milan 1-0 and ending a 51-year wait for major silverware. Dan Ndoye emerged as the hero for the Rossoblu, scoring the decisive goal in the second half at the Stadio Olimpico.
The match started with AC Milan applying early pressure, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute. However, Bologna’s goalkeeper, Lukasz Skorupski, delivered a remarkable double save to keep the scores level. As the first half progressed, Bologna regained control, slowing the tempo and limiting chances for both sides.
Bologna came out strong in the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart. Ndoye capitalized on a defensive mishap, sidestepping his marker and firing a precise shot into the right corner, sending the Bologna fans into a frenzy.
Throughout the match, Bologna’s organized defense and high pressing caused significant problems for AC Milan, who struggled to find their rhythm. Despite having slightly more possession, the Rossoneri managed only two shots on target compared to Bologna’s five.
Ndoye’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but Skorupski also played a crucial role in the victory, ensuring Bologna maintained their lead with key saves throughout the match.
This victory marks Bologna’s third Coppa Italia title and signifies a remarkable turnaround for the club, which has battled for relevance in recent years. Coach Vincenzo Italiano praised his team’s determination and tactical execution, highlighting the importance of the win for the club’s history.
For AC Milan, this defeat is a bitter disappointment, especially as it could have secured them a pathway to Europa League football. The Rossoneri, who had previously lifted a trophy this season, now face a challenging final stretch in Serie A, needing to secure victories in their last two matches to maintain hopes of European qualification.
As Bologna celebrates this historic win, they will look to carry this momentum into their final Serie A fixtures against Fiorentina and Genoa, while AC Milan must regroup quickly as they aim to salvage their season.