Milan 0-1 Bologna: Ndoye fires Bologna to historic Coppa Italia win after 51-year wait
Dan Ndoye etched his name in Bologna’s history books with a decisive strike that sealed a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final, ending the Rossoblu’s 51-year wait for a major title.
The Swiss international’s 53rd-minute goal proved the difference at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Vincenzo Italiano’s side capped a remarkable season that saw them reach the Champions League for the first time and now add silverware to their resurgence.
Bologna hadn’t reached a Coppa Italia final since 1974, when they last lifted the trophy. Their path to glory this year included impressive wins over Monza, Atalanta, and Empoli before toppling Milan — who were aiming to end their own 21-year drought in the domestic cup.
Milan had edged Bologna 3-1 in Serie A just days earlier, but it was the underdogs who rose to the occasion in the final. Ndoye, back in the starting XI alongside Santiago Castro and Emil Holm, made no mistake with a low, clinical finish that beat Mike Maignan and sent the Bologna fans into raptures.
Despite several chances — including close-range efforts from Rafael Leao and Luka Jovic — Milan failed to capitalize, with Lukasz Skorupski standing tall in goal for Bologna. The Rossoneri were also left frustrated by refereeing decisions, notably a contentious booking of Christian Pulisic instead of a potential second yellow for Lewis Ferguson.
The win gives Bologna their third Coppa Italia title (1970, 1974, 2024) and automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League. It also handed Milan a record-extending 10th runners-up medal in the competition.
For Bologna and their fans, this night will be remembered as a turning point — a crowning achievement for a club rewriting its modern legacy.
Key Stats:
- Final Score: Bologna 1-0 AC Milan
- Goal: Ndoye (53’)
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Man of the Match: Dan Ndoye
SportsLigue