Bologna secured their first Coppa Italia title since 1974, and the third in club history, with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan and Christian Pulisic in Rome. This triumph is a significant achievement during the ownership of Canadian businessman Joey Saputo, who acquired the club in 2014. Their previous major trophy was the Intertoto Cup in 1998.
Coached by Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna`s winning goal came in the second half from Dan Ndoye, the match hero. Italiano finally lifted a trophy with Bologna in his first season, having lost three finals while managing Fiorentina.
For AC Milan (the Rossoneri), this defeat could mean missing out on European competition next season, despite winning the Supercoppa Italiana in January and eliminating rivals Inter in the Coppa Italia semifinals. Bologna`s Coppa Italia win guarantees them a spot in the Europa League. Milan still has a chance for the Champions League if they finish in the top four of Serie A.
Consequently, it remains uncertain whether US international Christian Pulisic will participate in European club competition next season, leading up to the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
While Bologna celebrates their first major title in 50 years, adding to last season`s Champions League qualification milestone, AC Milan faces a period of reflection and planning for the future.
The club, owned by American businessman Gerry Cardinale, is expected to appoint their third manager in less than a year soon, with Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao unlikely to continue after the current season. Milan must address the issues from this season, as there`s a possibility they could miss out on all European competitions in the 2025-26 season.
Currently sitting eighth in Serie A, they need vital points in the final matches to have any hope of qualifying for Europe.
