Bologna secured a historic 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Italian Cup final on Wednesday, ending a 51-year wait for a major trophy.
Dan Ndoye scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, handing Bologna their first piece of silverware since lifting the same trophy in 1974.
The win marks Bologna’s third major title and a landmark achievement for coach Vincenzo Italiano, who finally claimed his first major honour after losing three finals with Fiorentina, including the 2023 edition of the Italian Cup.
Bologna, who last won the Serie A title in 1964, had not reached a major final since their 1974 cup win. Italiano, appointed to succeed Thiago Motta, has revitalised the team and guided them to an improbable triumph.
Emotions ran high as fans wept and celebrated in the stands, while players embraced their coach in jubilation. The victory signals a renaissance for one of Italy’s historic clubs.
AC Milan, in contrast, continued their recent struggles. The club, which last won the Italian Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in the same season, now face a fight to secure European qualification through the league.
Sergio Conceicao’s Milan side sit eighth in Serie A, three points behind Roma, who currently hold the final European qualification spot and host Milan on Sunday in a crucial clash.
