Bologna made history on Wednesday night by beating AC Milan 1-0 to win the Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This is their first major trophy in over five decades, since they last lifted the cup in 1974.
The only goal of the match came in the 53rd minute, when Dan Ndoye struck to give Bologna the lead. The win sparked wild celebrations among Bologna fans, who danced and shed tears of joy in the stands.
This victory also marks the first major trophy for Bologna's coach Vincenzo Italiano, who had previously lost three finals while managing Fiorentina, including the 2023 Italian Cup final. He took over from Thiago Motta and has helped restore pride to a club that last won the Italian league title in 1964.
AC Milan, once a European giant under former owner and late Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, failed to find an equaliser. Milan had last won the Italian Cup in 2003, the same year they were crowned European champions.
Now, while city rivals Inter Milan are in the Champions League final and aiming to defend their Serie A crown, Milan are battling for a place in European competitions. They currently sit eighth in Serie A, three points behind Roma — who they will face on Sunday.
This victory ends Bologna's long wait and brings back glory to a club with a proud history.
