Vincenzo Italiano took over Bologna last summer, stepping into a role that appeared to carry as many challenges as opportunities. Following the departure of key players like top scorer Joshua Zirkzee and influential defender Riccardo Calafiori, as well as the long-term injury to Lewis Ferguson, the prospect of improving on the previous season’s success seemed daunting. Yet Italiano remained undeterred, determined to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Thiago Motta, who had steered Bologna back into European competition for the first time in six decades.
At his unveiling, Italiano acknowledged the pressure but expressed optimism. He spoke of filling the stands with supporters and targeting a trophy to rekindle the city’s passion for football. Eleven months later, his vision became reality. Fans gathered again in Bologna’s central Piazza Maggiore, waving flags and setting off fireworks to celebrate a 1-0 victory over Milan in the Coppa Italia final a momentous achievement that marked the club’s first major domestic trophy since 1974.
This triumph was more than just a cup win. Bologna’s last significant silverware was the 1998 Intertoto Cup, a minor summer tournament that offered qualification to the UEFA Cup. The drought was long and the odds stacked against them, especially after a sluggish start to the season under Italiano, when the attack looked toothless without Zirkzee’s presence.
Despite early struggles, Italiano was convinced that success was a matter of fine margins and continued to refine his team. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation remained largely unchanged from Motta’s, but the style evolved defending higher up the pitch and taking more direct attacking routes. Gradually, the team’s cohesion improved. By November, Bologna started to string wins together, highlighted by impressive victories against Roma and Venezia, and a commanding performance in the Coppa Italia against Monza.
While their European adventure ended disappointingly, finishing near the bottom of their Champions League group, Bologna’s domestic form gained momentum in 2025. Key wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Lazio and a crucial victory over title challengers Inter Milan, underscored their growing strength and belief.
The allure of Champions League qualification lingered but took a back seat to the tangible prize of silverware. Riccardo Orsolini, the club’s leading scorer, put it simply: given the choice between a Champions League spot and the Coppa Italia trophy, he would choose the trophy every time.
Orsolini himself epitomizes the understated excellence of this Bologna team—unheralded but effective, delivering consistent performances and double-digit league goals for the third consecutive season. Despite his contributions, he has often been overlooked for the national team, but this victory could well enhance his standing.
The decisive goal came early in the second half from Dan Ndoye, the 24-year-old winger who has flourished under Italiano after a quiet spell under Motta. His calm finish, following Orsolini’s clever hold-up play inside the box, was enough to seal the victory against a Milan side that threatened early on but ultimately could not break down Bologna’s resilient defense.
The team’s success is also reflected in the growth of other players. Young striker Santiago Castro, signed from Vélez Sarsfield, has stepped up as a reliable attacking option. Defender Sam Beukema, previously considered a weak link, was formidable in the final, embodying the team’s gritty determination. The physical and emotional intensity displayed especially from captain Lewis Ferguson, despite playing with a recent injury highlighted the squad’s commitment.
Italiano’s journey has been one of persistence. Having reached several cup finals with Fiorentina only to fall short, he faced doubts when taking the Bologna job. Yet his belief in the project and his players never wavered. This Coppa Italia win validates his approach and gives the club a fresh chapter to celebrate after decades without major success.
“This victory is for my players and my staff who shared this journey with me,” Italiano reflected. “It’s not just about the trophy it’s about the journey, the hard work, and the belief. At 47, being involved in my seventh final and finally lifting this trophy fills me with immense happiness. This is a special moment for Bologna and everyone who believes in this team.”
With this historic win, Bologna has ended a long wait for silverware, rekindled the passion of their supporters, and laid the groundwork for future successes. The city’s celebration in Piazza Maggiore is a testament to the club’s resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of football.
