Red and blue glory in Rome: Bologna win the Coppa Italia

Bologna have written one of the most unforgettable chapters in their history, claiming the 2024/25 Coppa Italia with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It’s their third triumph in the competition — and the first in over five decades.

The match was lively and hard-fought from the outset, with both teams trading chances. Bologna keeper Skorupski made a stunning double save to keep the Rossoneri at bay, while Maignan did well to deny a close-range effort from Castro.

The decisive moment came just eight minutes into the second half. Dan Ndoye latched onto a loose ball following a defensive block by Theo Hernandez on Orsolini and fired home with precision, sending the Bologna supporters into raptures.

Milan pressed hard for an equaliser in the final half-hour, but Bologna’s backline stood firm. Compact and determined, the Rossoblù repelled every attempt, weathering a late surge from Pioli’s side that saw multiple attacking substitutions. Even after going down to ten men in stoppage time, Bologna held on through six tense minutes of added time to seal a dramatic and historic victory.

The final whistle sparked scenes of pure jubilation among the estimated 30,000 Bologna fans in attendance. The Olimpico erupted in celebration, joined by a VIP tribune packed with familiar faces including Cesare Cremonini, Gianni Morandi, Luca Carboni, tennis star Jannik Sinner, and politician Matteo Salvini. For head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who had lost three previous finals with Fiorentina, this marked his long-awaited first national trophy.

Beyond the emotional and symbolic significance, the Coppa Italia triumph earns Bologna direct qualification to the UEFA Europa League — capping off a remarkable season for the club.

For Milan, the defeat ends a disappointing campaign devoid of silverware — and worse, without European football for next season. The result leaves fans and pundits questioning the direction of the club after a year filled with missed opportunities and growing frustration.

Italian sports media lavished praise on Bologna’s performance. Sky Sport headlined: “Ndoye goal crowns Bologna: Milan beaten 1-0.” La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “Bologna ecstasy, Milan fall: Ndoye delivers Coppa Italia glory after 51 years!” Rai News echoed: “Milan-Bologna 0-1, the Rossoblù lift the Coppa Italia and qualify for the Europa League – Olympic Stadium erupts in celebration.” Open highlighted the historic feat, while Virgilio Sport reported: “Bologna edge Milan 1-0 and claim the 2024/2025 Coppa Italia! Massive celebrations at full time, bitter disappointment for Milan.”

With grit, structure, and heart, Bologna fully earned their long-awaited triumph, giving their fans a night they’ll never forget.