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Bologna claimed a momentous 1–0 victory over AC Milan in Rome on Wednesday night to lift the Italian Cup, ending a 51-year wait for a major trophy.
Dan Ndoye scored the match’s only goal early in the second half, securing Bologna’s first piece of silverware since they last won the Coppa Italia in 1974. The win marked a historic milestone for the club, which had not reached a major final since that triumph.
The result also represents a personal breakthrough for manager Vincenzo Italiano, who finally tasted victory in a cup final after three previous defeats with Fiorentina, including the 2023 Coppa Italia final.
Having taken over from Thiago Motta, Italiano has impressed by restoring belief to a side steeped in history but long without glory.
Bologna, once a domestic powerhouse with seven Italian league titles—the last in 1964—had gradually faded into relative obscurity.
But Wednesday’s win has reignited the club’s proud traditions, with jubilant scenes at the Stadio Olimpico as fans wept and celebrated a success many thought would never come again.
AC Milan, by contrast, saw their hopes of silverware dashed in a difficult season. The Rossoneri last lifted the Coppa Italia in 2003, the same year they were crowned European champions, during a golden era under the late former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.
While city rivals Inter Milan prepare for the Champions League final and continue their Serie A title defence, Milan now face a battle to secure European qualification. They sit just outside the European spots and travel to face Roma, who currently hold the Conference League place, on Sunday.
