Dan Ndoye's strike seals historic Coppa Italia triumph for Bologna over AC Milan

Dan Ndoye's second-half goal secured Bologna's first honour since their last Coppa Italia triumph in 1974, sparking wild celebrations at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ndoye struck in the 53rd minute, collecting a loose ball after Riccardo Orsolini was tackled in the box by Theo Hernandez. The Swiss forward danced past a defender and rifled a shot past Mike Maignan.

"We fought hard, scored at the perfect time, and worked as a unit," Ndoye told Mediaset post-match. "This is for the city and our incredible fans."

The victory marked a milestone for Bologna, who have seven Serie A titles but none since 1964. Under Vincenzo Italiano, who took over from Thiago Motta last summer, Bologna have transformed into a disciplined, ambitious side. Italiano, previously a three-time finalist with Fiorentina without a win, finally claimed his first major honour as a coach.

"We played with heart and deserved this," Italiano said. "Crowning the year with the cup is a dream for our supporters."

Bologna fans, who unveiled a vibrant pre-match tribute to their 1974 cup-winning squad, erupted as their team held firm against a lacklustre Milan. The match was scrappy, with chances scarce.

Santiago Castro squandered an early opportunity for Bologna, failing to connect with a dangerous cross in the eighth minute. Milan nearly gifted Bologna a goal moments later when Sam Beukema's wayward clearance forced a reflex save from Lukasz Skorupski, with Luka Jovic blasting the rebound straight at the keeper.

After Ndoye's goal, Milan, who have relied on comebacks this season, including a 3-1 league win over Bologna days earlier - failed to mount a serious response. Their only notable chance came in the 71st minute, but substitute Santiago Gimenez's heavy touch surrendered a promising move. Bologna's defence, resolute if not elegant, repelled Milan's tame attacks until the final whistle.

Milan's woes continue under Sergio Conceicao, with the Rossoneri languishing in eighth in Serie A, three points adrift of Roma in the Conference League spot.

The defeat compounds a miserable season for a club that last won the Coppa Italia in 2003, the same year they claimed European glory. Meanwhile, rivals Inter Milan are chasing a Serie A title and a Champions League final berth.

Recent posts on X from Bologna's official account hailed the victory, with a video of fans chanting Ndoye's name and Italiano being tossed in the air by players. Italiano shared a message on X, saying, "This trophy belongs to Bologna - players, staff, and every fan who believed in us."

No direct updates from Milan or Conceicao appeared on X, reflecting their focus on Sunday's crucial league clash with Roma.

Bologna's triumph signals their resurgence, while Milan face mounting pressure to salvage their season.

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