AC Milan and Bologna are set to clash in the highly anticipated final of the 2024-25 Coppa Italia. The decisive match will take place at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday, May 23rd.
This appearance marks Bologna`s third Coppa Italia final, following their victories in 1970 and 1974. This is their first time reaching this stage in over 50 years. AC Milan, on the other hand, have claimed the Coppa Italia trophy five times, with their last triumph occurring in 2003. However, they suffered defeats in their two most recent final appearances, losing to Juventus in both 2016 and 2018.
For AC Milan, managed by Sergio Conceicao, this final represents a chance to potentially add a second piece of silverware this season, having already secured the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter in January.
Winning the Coppa Italia is particularly significant for both clubs as it guarantees a spot in the 2025-26 Europa League season, offering a direct route to European competition.
AC Milan`s journey to the final included navigating past Sassuolo, AS Roma, and ultimately overcoming Inter in the semifinals. Bologna`s path saw them defeat Monza, Atalanta, and Empoli before reaching the final stage.
What AC Milan`s Manager Says
Speaking ahead of the final, AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao emphasized the team`s mindset: `A season is made up of episodes and moments. It will certainly be a great pleasure if we manage to win this trophy and give joy to the fans in this difficult year. As you know, we have this trophy in our heads, from the outside we seem angry but it is not like that. We have this immense pleasure of playing in a final and facing this beautiful team that is Bologna. There is no fear, there is normal adrenaline. The group is calm, but not tranquility because we are waiting for an important match. Leao is back, but I won`t tell you who will play between Jovic and Gimenez`.
Projected 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.
Player to Watch
Christian Pulisic, AC Milan — The American winger could potentially lift his second trophy since joining the Italian side in the summer of 2023. Pulisic has been a standout performer for AC Milan this season, contributing significantly with 17 goals and 12 assists. Winning the Coppa Italia might be his most crucial opportunity to ensure European football next season, especially looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup.
Storyline to Watch
Will the Cup Save Conceicao`s Job? Even if AC Milan secure this second trophy of the season, speculation remains regarding manager Sergio Conceicao`s future. It`s not entirely certain he will remain in charge beyond the summer, with the possibility of another manager being appointed after what some consider a disappointing overall season performance, despite the Supercoppa win.
Prediction
AC Milan enters the final in good form, having recently achieved four consecutive victories for the first time this season. Following their Supercoppa triumph in January, winning the Coppa Italia would mark the first time Milan has won two trophies in a single season since 2007-08. Bologna will provide a tough test, but Milan`s recent momentum gives them a slight edge.
Pick: AC Milan 2, Bologna 1.
Adrian Whitmore