AC Milan vs Bologna

Stadio Olimpico forms the backdrop for the 2024/25 Coppa Italia final between familiar foes AC Milan and Bologna. 

Milan head into proceedings in a buoyant mood after overcoming a second-half deficit to beat Bologna 3-1 in their Serie A showdown last weekend. In doing so, Sergio Conceicao’s side extended their winning streak in all competitions to four matches – all of which saw them score 2+ goals. However, Milan’s chances of securing European football via their Serie A finish look slim, putting the pressure on ‘I Rossoneri’ to lift only their sixth Coppa Italia trophy. They last achieved that feat in 2003 under Carlo Ancelotti, but after claiming Supercoppa Italiana glory in January, they’ll be confident of ascending the throne under Conceicao. Worryingly for the Milan fans, the 19-time Italian champions have lost both Coppa Italia finals without scoring since last winning the title.

On the other hand, Bologna will appear in the Coppa Italia final for the first time since hoisting the trophy in 1974. That incidentally remains Bologna’s last piece of top-tier silverware, with their only domestic titles since coming in lower leagues. However, their notorious struggles in this fixture paint a bleak picture, with ‘I Rossoblu’ picking up just one win across their last 19 meetings with Milan (D4, L14). There’s another bad omen. Head coach Vincenzo Italiano reached the Coppa Italia final as Fiorentina boss two years ago, only to lose 2-1 to Milan’s arch-rivals Inter. Additionally, he lost back-to-back Conference League finals before joining Bologna.