Bologna Coppa Italia : Bologna FC etched their name into Italian football history on Wednesday night as Dan Ndoye’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over AC Milan, ending a 51-year trophy drought and delivering the Rossoblù’s third Coppa Italia crown.
The iconic win at the Stadio Olimpico marks Bologna’s first major silverware since 1974, and a crowning moment for head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who finally tasted cup success after falling short in three previous finals with Fiorentina.
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Bologna Coppa Italia : Ndoye Seals Bologna’s First Coppa Italia Title Since 1974 in Historic Triumph Over AC Milan
Electric Start, But No First-Half Breakthrough
The final burst into life early on, with Lukasz Skorupski called into action to deny a quickfire Milan double. A low cross from Alex Jimenez caused chaos in the Bologna box, with the Polish goalkeeper reacting smartly to block efforts from Luka Jović and Christian Pulisic.
Bologna responded well, with Santiago Castro almost flicking home an inswinging free kick and Emil Holm testing Milan’s Mike Maignan with a powerful header. Despite the intensity, the first half ended goalless, leaving fans bracing for a nervy second act.
Ndoye Delivers the Decisive Moment
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute, and it was one for the history books. After Riccardo Orsolini was dispossessed in the Milan penalty area, the ball fell to Ndoye, who shimmied past a defender and unleashed a low, driven shot past Maignan into the bottom corner.
The goal was a moment of magic and proved decisive as Bologna tightened their grip on the match, defending with grit and purpose against a frustrated Milan side.
Milan Falters, Bologna Rises
Stefano Pioli’s Milan, which had beaten Bologna just days earlier in Serie A, struggled to replicate their league form. A rare opportunity came in the 71st minute when Santiago Giménez miscontrolled a promising pass from Theo Hernandez, allowing Skorupski to collect safely.
Despite Milan’s late push for an equalizer, Bologna’s backline held firm. As the final whistle blew, Bologna players collapsed to the turf, overwhelmed by the magnitude of their achievement.
Italiano’s Redemption and Bologna’s Revival
For Vincenzo Italiano, the win marked a personal triumph. After heartbreak in multiple domestic and European finals with Fiorentina, the 46-year-old tactician finally has a trophy to his name—and he’s delivered it to a city that had been waiting for more than five decades.
The win also represents a broader resurgence for Bologna, a historic club that has now rekindled memories of past glories. With seven Serie A titles to their name, the Coppa Italia adds a modern chapter to their storied legacy.
What’s Next for Bologna?
While celebrations will rightly continue for some time, this win could signal a new era for the club. With emerging talents and a coach who has proven he can take a team all the way, Bologna might just be gearing up for more consistent silverware hunts in both domestic and European competitions.
Key Match Stats:
- Final Score: Bologna 1-0 AC Milan
- Goal: Dan Ndoye (53’)
- Shots on Target: Bologna 4, Milan 5
- Possession: Milan 59%, Bologna 41%
- Trophies: Bologna’s 3rd Coppa Italia title, first since 1974
FAQs
Who scored the winning goal for Bologna in the Coppa Italia final?
Dan Ndoye scored the only goal in the 53rd minute.
When was the last time Bologna won the Coppa Italia?
Bologna last won the Coppa Italia in 1974.
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