Bologna FC Italy Shock Milan: See Why Italian Cup's 50-Year Underdog Stopped?

Bologna FC Italy, stunned AC Milan 1-0 in the 2025 Coppa Italia final, ending a 51-year trophy drought.

Dan Ndoye’s second-half goal sealed a historic upset, highlighting the club’s tactical innovation and resilience. Follow BRG365 for more underdog stories.

A 51-Year Wait Ends

On May 14, 2025, Bologna FC Italy etched their name back into football lore with a stunning 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final.

The Rossoblu’s first major trophy since 1974 came courtesy of Swiss striker Dan Ndoye’s 53rd-minute strike, a moment that symbolized hope for a club long overshadowed by Italian giants.

"This trophy belongs to every fan who stood by us through the years," said midfielder Remo Freuler, reflecting the emotional weight of the triumph.

The win marked Bologna FC Italy’s third Coppa Italia title and their first under Canadian owner Joey Saputo.

For a club that spent decades in Serie A’s mid-table obscurity—including two relegations to Serie B—this victory was a seismic achievement.

"We proved that patience and belief can overcome even the longest droughts," stated coach Vincenzo Italiano, whose tenure began with skepticism but ended in historic glory.

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From Obscurity to Giant-Killers

Bologna FC Italy’s journey to cup glory is a tale of perseverance. 

Before 2025, their last major honor was the 1974 Coppa Italia, followed by decades of financial struggles and inconsistent performances.

Even as recently as 2024, under Thiago Motta, the club narrowly missed Champions League qualification, finishing fourth in Serie A.

This season began with fresh challenges. Italiano, hired after Motta’s departure, faced doubts following his three consecutive final losses at Fiorentina.

Bologna FC Italy stumbled in the Champions League group stage, conceding 14 goals in six matches, but gradually rebuilt their form in domestic competitions.

By the cup final, the Rossoblu had evolved into a cohesive unit, blending experienced veterans like Freuler with rising stars such as 21-year-old defender Juan Miranda.

Reasons For the Counterattack

Tactical Revolution by Italiano

Italiano’s game plan against Milan was a masterstroke of defensive organization. Deploying a compact 5-4-1 low block, Bologna FC Italy neutralized Milan’s 68% possession, limiting them to just 3 shots on target.

The team’s set-piece precision proved decisive: Ndoye’s winner originated from a corner routine, with fullback Aaron Hickey delivering a pinpoint cross for the striker’s header—a tactic the Rossoblu perfected this season (12 set-piece goals in 46 matches).

Unbreakable Mental Resilience

Bologna FC Italy’s "underdog mentality" was evident in their resilience.

Despite Milan’s early pressure, including Rafael Leao’s 11th-minute chance, goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski made five crucial saves, including a double-stop on Luka Jovic. 

"We knew we had to fight for every ball," said defender Sam Beukema. "Milan may have had more possession, but we had more heart."

Data-Driven Youth Development

The club’s rise also hinges on its commitment to grassroots talent.

Bologna FC Italy’s academy, La Maschere, uses advanced analytics to identify prospects like 20-year-old midfielder Tommaso, who averaged 2.1 tackles per game in the cup run. 

Their scouting team also deserves credit for signing Ndoye for just €4 million—a bargain, given his 9 goals across competitions this season.

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Bologna vs Milan – Key Match Statistics

Bologna FC Italy’s efficiency was decisive: they converted 40% of their shots on target, while Milan’s finishing rate stood at just 17%.

Ndoye’s goal, created by a quick one-touch sequence from Freuler to Santiago Castro, exposed Milan’s vulnerability to counterattacks—a flaw the Rossoblu studied extensively in pre-match analysis.

Future Challenges-Sustaining the Momentum

With Europa League qualification secured, Bologna FC Italy faces new hurdles.

The squad’s thin depth, exposed in their Champions League campaign, must be addressed.

Key players like Ndoye and Freuler are now targets for bigger clubs, while owner Saputo must balance ambition with financial prudence (the club’s revenue is €120 million, 15% of Milan’s).

Yet, the future is promising. Italiano’s contract runs until 2027, and the club’s youth academy continues to produce talent.

"This is just the start," the coach emphasized. "We want to compete in Europe and build a team that makes Bologna proud every season."

For Bologna FC Italy, the 2025 Coppa Italia triumph is not the end, but a catalyst—a proof that underdogs can thrive with strategic planning, resilience, and a deep connection to their roots.
Bologna FC Italy’s victory over Milan is a celebration of football’s enduring magic—the triumph of collective spirit over individual star power.

From their 51-year wait to their tactical dismantling of a European giant, the Rossoblu embody the essence of underdog resilience.

As they prepare for Europa League action, one thing is clear: Bologna FC Italy has rewritten their story, and the world is now taking notice.

Also Read: Coppa Italia Final | Milan 0-1 Bologna: Ndoye ends 51-year trophy wait