AC Milan vs. Bologna: A Coppa Italia Showdown
AC Milan will clash with Bologna in the Coppa Italia final for the 2024-25 season after Sergio Conceicao’s side ousted Inter in the semi-finals. This marks Bologna’s third appearance in the Coppa Italia final, having previously won the tournament in 1970 and 1974. It’s been over half a century since Bologna last made it to the final, and for manager Vincenzo Italiano, this presents another chance to claim victory after losing the 2023 final to Inter while coaching Fiorentina. Meanwhile, AC Milan has secured this title five times in history, with their last triumph in 2003. However, they suffered losses in both the 2016 and 2018 finals against Juventus. This year, the Rossoneri could secure their second title of the season, having already claimed the Supercoppa Italiana in January after replacing Paulo Fonseca with Portuguese mastermind Sergio Conceicao.
For both teams, and especially for AC Milan, capturing the Coppa Italia trophy might be a golden opportunity to secure a place in next season’s Europa League, as the champion earns an automatic spot in the 2025-26 European tournament. Before dethroning Inter in the semi-finals, AC Milan had vanquished Sassuolo and AS Roma. In contrast, Bologna defeated Monza and Atalanta before overcoming Empoli in the semis.
How to Watch the Coppa Italia Final
- Date: Wednesday, May 23
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: AC Milan +150; Draw +225; Bologna +185
Pre-Match Insights from AC Milan
Sergio Conceicao, AC Milan’s manager, discussed his team’s condition before the grand finale during a pre-match press conference: “A season consists of various episodes and moments. If we manage to clinch this trophy, it will be purely exhilarating for us and our supporters, especially in such a challenging year. While we may seem tense from the outside, our drive is fueled by excitement. We’re thrilled to face a strong team like Bologna in the final. Our squad is level-headed, albeit with a sense of anticipation for this significant match. With Leao back in the fold, I won’t reveal whether Jovic or Gimenez will start.”
Expected Lineups
- AC Milan XI: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic; Alex Jimenez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez; Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, Rafael Leao.
- Bologna XI: Lukasz Skorupski; Lorenzo De Silvestri, Sam Beukema, John Lucumi, Juan Miranda; Remo Freuler, Lewis Ferguson, Jens Odgaard; Riccardo Orsolini, Santiago Castro, Nicolo Cambiaghi.
Key Player to Watch
Christian Pulisic, AC Milan: The American winger could score his second accolade with the club after joining from Chelsea in summer 2023. Pulisic has been pivotal for AC Milan this season, with an impressive tally of 17 goals and 12 assists. Securing the Coppa Italia might be his ticket to European competition next season, keeping an eye on the 2026 World Cup.
Narrative to Follow
Can Conceicao Solidify His Position? Despite potential club decisions looming, if AC Milan secures their second trophy this season, Conceicao’s position could remain uncertain. After winning the Supercoppa Italiana shortly after taking over from Paulo Fonseca on December 29, much rides on this final.
Prediction
AC Milan appears in top form, riding on a streak of four consecutive victories, a first this season. Following their Supercoppa Italiana success against Inter, they have a chance to clinch two titles in one season for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, when they won both the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Prediction: AC Milan 2, Bologna 1.