Bologna will hope their 51-year-long wait for the Coppa Italia will end against AC Milan this Wednesday.
The stage is set for an enthralling encounter at Stadio Olimpico, as AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 vie for the Coppa Italia crown on Wednesday night. With both clubs aiming to cap off tumultuous campaigns with silverware, the stakes are sky-high in Rome.
The two sides faced each other less than a week ago at San Siro, where Milan came from behind to secure a 3-1 Serie A victory, a result that may provide the Rossoneri with a psychological edge heading into this high-stakes final.
For AC Milan, this Coppa Italia final represents a golden opportunity to salvage a chaotic season that has seen them struggle for consistency in Serie A, while also enduring an early European exit. Despite these setbacks, the Rossoneri have found form at just the right time, riding a four-match winning streak across all competitions — their first such run in over a year.
Last Friday’s comeback victory over Bologna highlighted Milan’s renewed attacking verve. After falling behind to a Riccardo Orsolini strike, the introduction of Santiago Gimenez proved pivotal, as the Mexican forward netted a brace within 45 minutes to inspire the turnaround. Christian Pulisic also got on the scoresheet, recording his 11th Serie A goal of the campaign and showcasing his growing influence in the Milan attack.
Under Sergio Conceicao, Milan’s tactical approach has evolved in recent weeks. A shift to a more fluid formation has seen them pick up five wins in six games, with the only blip coming in a draw against Napoli. The new system has also brought the best out of Gimenez and Pulisic, both of whom will be integral against a Bologna side that has struggled defensively in recent outings.
Milan’s route to the final was not without its challenges. Having entered the competition in the last 16 due to their European commitments, they dispatched Sassuolo in emphatic fashion with a 6-1 win, before eliminating Roma in the quarter-finals, courtesy of a Tammy Abraham brace.
In the semi-finals, the Rossoneri delivered one of their best performances of the season, outclassing arch-rivals Inter Milan 4-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final. That triumph extended Milan’s unbeaten run against Inter to five games this season, further emphasising their dominance in the Derby della Madonnina.
Now, with a Supercoppa Italiana victory already in the bag, Milan have the chance to complete a domestic cup double for the first time since 2008. For Conceicao, whose future at the club remains uncertain, lifting the Coppa Italia could provide a fitting farewell should the board opt for a change in direction this summer.
While Milan are chasing their second trophy of the season, Bologna are looking to end a Coppa Italia drought that stretches back to 1974, when they last lifted the cup after a penalty shootout win over Palermo.
This season’s cup run has been nothing short of remarkable for the Rossoblu, who navigated a tricky path to the final. After dispatching Monza and Atalanta BC, Bologna faced off against an Empoli side that opted to field a second-string lineup in the semi-finals. Taking full advantage, Bologna cruised to a 5-1 aggregate victory, with Thijs Dallinga scoring twice in the first leg and Riccardo Orsolini continuing his prolific form with another crucial strike.
However, recent league form has raised questions about Bologna’s ability to cope with high-pressure situations. After stunning Inter with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late Orsolini goal, the Emilian side has failed to win in three subsequent games, including the 3-1 defeat to Milan at San Siro last Friday.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men have also seen their Champions League hopes fade, now sitting seventh in the Serie A standings, three points adrift of the top four with two games remaining. That dip in form has coincided with a defensive lapse, as Bologna have conceded five goals in their last three matches, a worrying trend heading into a final against a Milan side that has scored nine goals in their last four outings.
For Italiano, the Coppa Italia presents a chance to put a silver lining on what has been a promising yet inconsistent campaign. With Thijs Dallinga and Riccardo Orsolini both in strong scoring form and Nicolo Casale set to return to the starting lineup, Bologna have the firepower to trouble Milan’s backline. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
AC Milan will be bolstered by the return of two influential players for the Coppa Italia final against Bologna. Youssouf Fofana has recovered from injury and is set to reclaim his spot in central midfield, providing Milan with much-needed stability and physical presence. Rafael Leao also returns after serving a suspension and is expected to start on the left wing, where his pace and directness will be vital in breaking down Bologna’s defensive structure.
Despite being forced off due to a knock against Bologna last Friday, Fikayo Tomori is expected to start in central defence. Sergio Conceicao’s switch to a three-man backline has benefited Tomori, allowing him to use his recovery pace and physicality to good effect.
Milan remain without Warren Bondo, who continues to recover from an ankle injury, and Riccardo Sottil, sidelined by a thigh problem. Neither player is expected to feature in the final. Sergio Conceicao must make a crucial decision regarding the central striker role.
Santiago Gimenez, Tammy Abraham, and Luka Jovic are all in contention to lead the line in a 3-4-2-1 setup. Jovic may be given the nod due to his ability to drop deep and link up play, though Gimenez’s impact off the bench in recent games could also see him feature prominently.
In goal, Mike Maignan will retain his position as the first-choice goalkeeper, tasked with organising a back three consisting of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic. On the right, Alexis Jimenez will operate as a wing-back, with Theo Hernandez taking up his usual role on the left, providing width and crossing opportunities while also maintaining defensive responsibilities.
In central midfield, Youssouf Fofana will partner Tijjani Reijnders, forming a balanced duo with Fofana acting as the ball-winner and Reijnders focusing on distributing possession and progressing the play.
In the advanced midfield positions, Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic will be tasked with supporting the lone striker. Leao’s direct running and dribbling ability will complement Pulisic’s quick feet and vision, making them pivotal in Milan’s attacking transitions.
Up front, Luka Jovic is expected to lead the line. The Serbian forward’s link-up play and aerial ability could prove crucial against a Bologna defence that has been vulnerable to crosses and set pieces in recent weeks.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Hernandez; Pulisic, Leao; Jovic
Bologna FC 1909
Bologna FC 1909 head into the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan with some significant selection decisions to make in attack. Thijs Dallinga is expected to lead the line as the centre forward, with Santiago Castro still struggling with a lingering foot injury. The Dutchman has been a key player in Bologna’s cup run, scoring twice in the semi-final against Empoli and providing a physical presence up front.
On the right flank, Riccardo Orsolini will be a pivotal figure, cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. The Italian international has been Bologna’s top scorer this season with 15 goals across all competitions and will once again be the focal point of Bologna’s offensive strategy.
On the left wing, Dan Ndoye, who netted a crucial winner against Milan in their February league encounter, is in contention to start. However, he faces competition from Nicolo Cambiaghi and Benjamin Dominguez. Cambiaghi offers more defensive work rate, while Dominguez’s energy and pressing could be valuable in disrupting Milan’s build-up play.
In defence, the return of Emil Holm from injury provides head coach Vincenzo Italiano with additional options at right-back. Davide Calabria and Lorenzo De Silvestri are also in contention for that role, but Calabria’s leadership and experience may see him get the nod against his former club.
In central midfield, Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson are expected to form the double pivot. Freuler’s positional awareness and passing range will complement Ferguson’s box-to-box dynamism.
Bologna will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to provide width through Orsolini and Dominguez while maintaining a compact defensive shape to limit Milan’s attacking outlets. Lukasz Skorupski will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, with Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi forming a solid central defensive pairing. Calabria and Miranda are set to operate as the full-backs, tasked with containing Milan’s wide attackers while also offering support in forward areas.
The midfield pivot of Freuler and Ferguson will be pivotal in disrupting Milan’s build-up play and launching counter-attacks. Orsolini will operate on the right, using his strong left foot to cut inside and create shooting opportunities, while Dominguez provides pace and direct running from the left. Jens Odgaard will occupy the central playmaking role, looking to link midfield and attack with his vision and passing.
Up front, Thijs Dallinga will spearhead the attack, tasked with holding up play and converting the chances created by Bologna’s wingers and attacking midfielders.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Dominguez; Dallinga
Key Stats
- AC Milan have not lifted the Coppa Italia since 2003. The Rossoneri have struggled domestically in cup competitions, losing five of their last six Coppa Italia finals.
- Bologna have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 meetings with AC Milan across all competitions, conceding a total of 31 goals during that period. The Rossoblu last shut out Milan in a 0-0 draw at San Siro in September 2018.
- AC Milan have recorded four consecutive wins across all competitions heading into the Coppa Italia final, conceding just two goals in that span.
- Bologna have reached the Coppa Italia final for the first time since 1974, when they defeated Palermo on penalties to lift their second and most recent domestic cup trophy. In their history, the Rossoblu have appeared in four Coppa Italia finals, winning twice (1969-70, 1973-74) and losing twice (1966/67, 1979/80).
- Riccardo Orsolini could become the first Bologna player to score in three consecutive matches against the Rossoneri since Giuseppe Signori in 1999.
Player to Watch
Riccardo Orsolini
With Bologna FC 1909 seeking to end a 49-year Coppa Italia drought, all eyes will be on their talismanic winger Riccardo Orsolini. The Italian forward has been in exceptional form this season, emerging as the Rossoblu’s most potent attacking threat with 15 goals across all competitions, including five crucial strikes in the Coppa Italia.
Orsolini’s ability to cut inside from the right flank and unleash powerful, curling efforts with his left foot has been a hallmark of Bologna’s attacking play throughout the campaign. In the Coppa Italia, he has demonstrated a knack for scoring at pivotal moments, including his decisive goal against Empoli in the semi-finals, setting the stage for Thijs Dallinga’s brace in the 5-1 aggregate triumph.
Against AC Milan, Orsolini’s role becomes even more critical. He has already found the net against the Rossoneri this season, scoring the opener in Bologna’s 3-1 defeat at San Siro just last week. Prior to that, he also struck the late winner in Bologna’s 1-0 victory over Milan at the Dall’Ara in February, showcasing his capacity to deliver in high-pressure situations.
With Milan’s defence expected to be anchored by the physical trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic, Orsolini’s pace, dribbling ability, and quick footwork could be vital in unsettling the backline. Moreover, his tendency to cut inside and shoot from distance may test Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has been in stellar form but has occasionally struggled with shots from outside the box.
Additionally, with Dan Ndoye and Thijs Dallinga providing support in the final third, Orsolini’s combination play will be key in breaking down a Milan defence that has kept two clean sheets in their last four games. Bologna will look to Orsolini not just for goals but also for his ability to create chances, he leads the team in both key passes and shot-creating actions this season.
If Bologna are to upset Milan and lift their first Coppa Italia trophy since 1974, Riccardo Orsolini will need to be at his clinical best, utilizing his flair and finishing prowess to produce one more standout performance in what has already been a career-best season for the 26-year-old.
Prediction
AC Milan 2-1 Bologna (AET)
Both sides come into this final with plenty to prove, but Milan’s newfound attacking fluidity and resurgence under Sergio Conceicao could give them the edge. While Bologna have shown glimpses of their potential, particularly against Inter and Empoli, their defensive vulnerabilities could prove costly against a Milan side that has rediscovered its scoring touch. Expect Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic to play pivotal roles once again as Milan push for their first Coppa Italia title since 2003.
