Bologna have made history once again, edging past AC Milan 1–0 in the 2025 Coppa Italia Final to claim their third domestic cup title—and their first in decades. The victory also secured a spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League, a feat that looked increasingly unlikely based on their Serie A standing alone.

It was a crowning moment for head coach Vincenzo Italiano, whose side showed tactical discipline and grit throughout the cup run. For AC Milan and manager Sérgio Conceição, however, the loss marks a bitter end to a disappointing season—and possibly the end of their European hopes.

Dan Ndoye the Hero as Bologna Seize Their Moment

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Swiss winger Dan Ndoye struck the only goal of the night. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse, he slotted the ball past Milan’s keeper to give Bologna a lead they would refuse to surrender.

Following the goal, AC Milan pushed forward with everything they had. Changes were made, attacking reinforcements thrown on, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough. The Rossoblù defense, well-drilled and resilient, held firm until the final whistle.

European Implications: Triumph for Bologna, Trouble for Milan

With the Coppa Italia win, Bologna clinch Italy’s third Europa League berth for next season. It's a dramatic reversal of fortune for a team that, just weeks ago, looked destined to miss out on continental competition entirely.

AC Milan, on the other hand, may be staring at a season without European football. Their hopes now rest on an unlikely scenario: a complete collapse from Juventus, Lazio, or Roma in the final two matchdays of Serie A—a long shot, at best.

2024-25, Coppa Italia

AC Milan - Bologna 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Ndoye D., 53 (0:1)

AC Milan: Maignan; Theo Hernández; Jiménez Al. (Félix J., 62); Tomori (Walker, 62); Pavlović S.; Fofana Y. (Chukwueze, 88); Reijnders; Gabbia; Pulisic (Abraham T., 88); Jovic (Gimenez S., 62); Rafael Leão
Bench: Sportiello; Torriani; Emerson Royal; Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek; Florenzi; Thiaw; Terracciano F.; Musah Y.; Camarda
Yellow Cards: Tomori 38; Pulisic 45

Bologna: Skorupski; Holm E. (Calabria, 76); Lucumí; Beukema; Juan Miranda; Freuler; Ferguson L.; Fabbian (Pobega, 69); Orsolini (Casale, 69); Castro S. (Dallinga, 80); Ndoye D. (Odgaard, 80)
Bench: Bagnolini N.; Ravaglia F.; Erlic; Lykogiannis; De Silvestri; Aebischer; Moro N.; El Azzouzi Ous.; Cambiaghi; Domínguez B.
Yellow Cards: Ferguson L. 43; Fabbian 57; Lucumí 74