Bologna secured a historic 1-0 victory against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final on May 14, 2025, marking their first major trophy in 51 years. The decisive moment came in the second half when Dan Ndoye found the net in the 53rd minute after a defensive mishap by Milan. The win not only crowned Bologna as champions but also ensured their qualification for next season’s Europa League.

The match, held at the Stadio Olimpico, was tightly contested with both teams eager to salvage disappointing league seasons. Milan had recently defeated Bologna 3-1 in Serie A, bringing heightened anticipation to this cup final. The first half saw both sides create chances but fail to score, with impressive saves from both goalkeepers, Mike Maignan for Milan and Lukasz Skorupski for Bologna, keeping the match goalless at halftime.

Bologna's breakthrough came shortly after the restart when a tackle by Milan's Theo Hernandez inadvertently set up Ndoye, who calmly slotted the ball home. Following the goal, Milan struggled to generate urgency, with their attempts to equalize falling flat against a resolute Bologna defense. Coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrated his first victory in a final after having previously faced disappointment in other cup competitions.

The defeat leaves AC Milan with a bittersweet season, marked only by their Supercoppa Italiana victory earlier in January. Milan's head coach, Sergio Conceicao, expressed his disappointment with the loss, acknowledging Bologna’s performance and reflecting on a challenging season that now has them sitting eighth in Serie A, four points behind the Champions League spots.

Bologna's triumph is a significant moment for the club, which had not won a major trophy since 1974, and signals a promising future under Italiano's management. As celebrations erupted among the players and fans, Ndoye's goal will be remembered as the catalyst for Bologna’s return to prominence in Italian football.