The Coppa Italia final, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, brings together Milan and Bologna in a thrilling clash. The match, which kicked off at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), remains tight, with Bologna taking the lead early in the second half. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, with fans from both teams filling the stands. The game, deciding the tournament’s champion, promises intense moments until the final minutes.
Bologna, led by coach Vincenzo Italiano, took the field with a 4-3-3 formation, relying on the speed of Ndoye and Orsolini on the wings. Meanwhile, Milan, under Sérgio Conceição, opted for a 3-4-3, with Rafael Leão and Pulisic spearheading the attack. Both teams are vying for the title that secures a spot in the next Europa League.
- Key highlights of the match so far:
- Ndoye’s goal at 7 minutes of the second half, giving Bologna the edge.
- Rafael Leão creates chances but struggles with finishing.
- Skorupski, Bologna’s goalkeeper, makes crucial saves in the first half.
The rivalry between the clubs, who faced off recently in the Italian Championship, adds extra excitement to the duel. Milan won their last encounter 3-1, but Bologna seems determined to turn the tide in the final.
First half action-packed
The first half of the final was marked by balance and clear goal-scoring chances for both sides. Milan started pressing, with Rafael Leão exploiting the left flank. At 3 minutes, the forward burst into the box and set up Álex Jiménez, who misfired and missed a golden opportunity. Bologna responded quickly, with Orsolini receiving a pass from Freuler and sprinting forward, only for Maignan to come off his line to neutralize the threat.
At 10 minutes, Bologna faced a scare when Lucumí deflected toward his own goal, but Skorupski made a spectacular save. On the rebound, Jovic shot from close range, and the Polish keeper shone again, keeping the score level. The game remained intense, with both teams creating chances but lacking precision.
Yellow cards started to appear, reflecting the tension on the pitch. Tomori, from Milan, was booked at 37 minutes for a harsh foul on Ndoye. Ferguson, from Bologna, also received a yellow at 43 minutes after a heavy challenge on Rafael Leão. The first half ended goalless, with Milan slightly ahead in possession.
The second half is underway at the Stadio Olimpico. Forza Milaaaaan! 💪#MilanBologna 0-0 | 46' #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/yEnuZeA0VV
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 14, 2025
Ndoye’s goal shifts the tide
The second half began with Bologna showing more aggression. At 7 minutes, Ndoye scored the game’s first goal, putting Bologna ahead. Orsolini received the ball in the box and tried to set up a shot but was dispossessed. The ball fell to Ndoye, who cut inside and curled a precise finish past Maignan. The goal ignited Bologna’s fans in the Olympic Stadium.
Soon after, Milan pushed back. At 6 minutes, Rafael Leão made an individual run down the left but was stopped by Freuler. At 8 minutes, the forward attempted a bicycle kick after a cross but sent the ball well wide. Milan’s pressure intensified, but Bologna holds firm defensively, with Lucumí and Beukema well-positioned.
Key moments of the match
The Coppa Italia final has been defined by pivotal plays showcasing both teams’ quality. Below are the main moments so far:
- 3 minutes (1H): Rafael Leão bursts into the box and sets up Álex Jiménez, who misfires and misses a big chance.
- 10 minutes (1H): Skorupski makes two consecutive saves, rescuing Bologna after Lucumí’s own-goal attempt and Jovic’s close-range shot.
- 37 minutes (1H): Tomori receives a yellow card for a harsh foul on Ndoye, raising the game’s intensity.
- 7 minutes (2H): Ndoye scores for Bologna, cutting inside and curling a precise shot.
- 8 minutes (2H): Rafael Leão attempts a bicycle kick but misses, keeping the score at 1-0.
Milan’s attacking pressure
Despite trailing, Milan refuses to give up on the equalizer. Rafael Leão has been the team’s standout, creating plays down the left and challenging Bologna’s defense. At 3 minutes of the second half, he delivered a low cross into the box, but Lucumí cleared the danger. Sérgio Conceição’s side maintains possession but struggles to break through Bologna’s defensive block.
Pulisic, another key figure for Milan, also contributes. At 46 minutes of the first half, he committed a foul on Ferguson and was booked but remains active in attack. The midfielder tries to exploit the right flank, but Juan Miranda’s marking has been effective. Milan now relies on crosses and quick plays to try to level the score.
Bologna’s solid defense
Bologna displays defensive organization, with Skorupski in top form. The goalkeeper, who made crucial saves in the first half, remains a cornerstone in maintaining the lead. Lucumí and Beukema form a robust center-back pairing, while Freuler and Ferguson control the midfield, stifling Milan’s advances.
Holm, Bologna’s right-back, also stands out. At 5 minutes of the second half, he attempted a long-range shot but sent it wide. His offensive contributions, combined with defensive solidity, have been a difference-maker for Vincenzo Italiano’s side. Bologna now looks to exploit counterattacks to extend their lead.
Recent history between the teams
Milan and Bologna clashed last weekend in the Italian Championship, with Milan securing a 3-1 victory at San Siro. The result boosted Milan’s confidence, as they enter the final on a run of four consecutive wins. Bologna, in contrast, has gone three games without a victory, increasing the pressure to perform in the final.
The recent rivalry between the clubs makes the final even more unpredictable. Milan banks on the experience of players like Maignan and Theo Hernández, while Bologna trusts the youth and pace of Ndoye and Orsolini. The battle for a Europa League spot further motivates both teams, as neither is currently qualified for European competitions.
Goalkeepers’ performances
The goalkeepers have been protagonists in the final. Skorupski, from Bologna, shone in the first half with back-to-back saves that prevented Milan from scoring. His performance at 10 minutes, stopping Lucumí’s own-goal attempt and Jovic’s shot, was pivotal in keeping the score level until halftime. In the second half, he remains vigilant, ready for further interventions.
Maignan, from Milan, also shows composure. At 8 minutes of the first half, he saved a subtle header from Santiago Castro, and at 42 minutes, he held firm on a header from Holm. The French goalkeeper’s experience is a key asset for Milan, who need his reliability to avoid conceding again.
Tactics and lineups
Bologna lined up in a 4-3-3, prioritizing pace on the flanks. Ndoye, Orsolini, and Santiago Castro form the attacking trio, supported by Fabbian, Ferguson, and Freuler in midfield. The defense, featuring Holm, Beukema, Lucumí, and Juan Miranda, has been effective, with Skorupski as the last line.
Milan, with their 3-4-3, relies on the versatility of Rafael Leão and Pulisic. The backline, consisting of Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic, aims to contain Bologna’s attacks. In midfield, Fofana and Reijnders set the tempo, while Theo Hernández and Álex Jiménez provide width. Jovic is the focal point up top.
Dangerous moments in the first half
The first half delivered excitement for both sides. Beyond Skorupski’s saves at 10 minutes, Bologna created chances with Orsolini and Ferguson. At 4 minutes, Orsolini surged through the middle but was stopped by Maignan. At 6 minutes, Ferguson shot from distance but sent it over the bar.
Milan also had opportunities. At 32 minutes, Rafael Leão received a through ball from Jiménez but lost possession while trying to dribble in the box. At 41 minutes, Miranda crossed for Holm, who headed, but Maignan saved. The balance defined the first 45 minutes, with both teams showing quality but failing to convert.
Tactical adjustments in the second half
Bologna returned for the second half with more intensity, leading to Ndoye’s goal. Vincenzo Italiano appears to have tweaked the midfield positioning, granting more freedom to Fabbian and Ferguson. The team now aims to control possession to dictate the game’s pace.
Milan, meanwhile, maintains offensive pressure. Sérgio Conceição instructs the team to exploit the flanks, with Theo Hernández and Álex Jiménez pushing forward. Substitutions like Loftus-Cheek or Chukwueze could be an option for the coach if the equalizer doesn’t come soon.
Significance of the title
The Coppa Italia is one of Italian football’s most prestigious competitions, and the title carries significant weight for Milan and Bologna. Beyond the trophy, the victory secures a Europa League spot, a critical goal for both teams. In the Italian Championship, Milan sits in eighth place, while Bologna is seventh, making the final even more vital.
The rivalry between the clubs, combined with the Olympic Stadium’s atmosphere, creates a perfect stage for a memorable final. Fans, filling the stands, chant relentlessly, urging their teams on. The match remains open, with chances for more goals on both sides.
Ndoye’s individual performance
Ndoye, Bologna’s goalscorer, has been one of the match’s standouts. The forward, wearing number 11, showcased skill by cutting inside and finishing precisely at 7 minutes of the second half. His speed and dribbling have troubled Milan’s defense, particularly Tomori and Pavlovic.
Beyond the goal, Ndoye remains active, dropping back to aid in marking and seeking plays on the wings. His performance underscores his importance to Vincenzo Italiano’s system, which relies on his versatility to unbalance the game.
Crucial upcoming minutes
With the score at 1-0 to Bologna, the next minutes promise to be decisive. Milan must react quickly to avoid falling further behind. Rafael Leão and Pulisic remain the team’s main threats, but Bologna’s defense, led by Lucumí, stays resolute.
Bologna, in turn, seeks to capitalize on counterattacks with Orsolini and Ndoye. The team knows a second goal could be decisive in securing the title. The refereeing is also alert, as the match has seen tough tackles and yellow cards.
Yellow card summary
The final has been fiercely contested, and the yellow cards reflect the heated atmosphere:
- Tomori (Milan), at 37 minutes of 1H, for a foul on Ndoye.
- Ferguson (Bologna), at 43 minutes of 1H, for a foul on Rafael Leão.
- Pulisic (Milan), at 47 minutes of 1H, for a foul on Ferguson.
- Fabbian (Bologna), at 8 minutes of 2H, for dissent.
Fans and stadium atmosphere
The Olympic Stadium in Rome is packed with Milan and Bologna supporters, creating a unique atmosphere. Milan’s red and black colors contrast with Bologna’s red and blue, and the chants echo through the stands. The presence of figures like João Félix, who arrived at the stadium before the match, also energized the crowd.
The fans’ energy has influenced the players’ performances, with every ball dispute showing grit. The match, still ongoing, promises more thrilling moments until the final whistle, with supporters eager for decisive plays.
