AC Milan is set to meet Bologna in the 2024-25 Coppa Italia final. AC Milan reached the final by defeating Inter in the semifinals, while Bologna overcame Empoli to secure their spot. The final match is scheduled for May 14 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
This marks Bologna`s third appearance in the Coppa Italia final, having previously lifted the trophy in 1970 and 1974. It`s their first final in over 50 years. Bologna`s current manager, Vincenzo Italiano, is familiar with the occasion, having lost the 2023 final while coaching Fiorentina against Inter. AC Milan boasts a richer history in the competition, with five titles, their most recent triumph coming in 2003. However, they were runners-up in both the 2016 and 2018 finals, falling to Juventus on both occasions.
For AC Milan, this final presents an opportunity to secure their second trophy of the season, following their Supercoppa Italiana victory against Inter in January, which came shortly after Sergio Conceicao took over as manager, replacing Paulo Fonseca in December. For both clubs, particularly AC Milan, winning the Coppa Italia is a crucial pathway to securing qualification for next season`s Europa League, as the tournament winner automatically earns a spot in the 2025-26 edition. On their route to the final, AC Milan eliminated Sassuolo and AS Roma before beating Inter, while Bologna`s path included victories over Monza, Atalanta, and finally Empoli in the semifinals.
What AC Milan are Saying
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao shared his thoughts on the team`s readiness for the final during his pre-match press conference. He stated, “A season consists of episodes and moments. It would certainly be a great pleasure if we manage to win this trophy and bring joy to the fans in what has been a challenging year. As you know, we have this trophy in our minds; from the outside, we might appear angry, but that`s not the case. We have immense pleasure in playing in a final and facing this excellent team, Bologna. There is no fear, only normal adrenaline. The squad is calm, but not overly relaxed, as we anticipate an important match. Leao is back, but I won`t reveal whether Jovic or Gimenez will start.”
Predicted 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 with the club since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Pulisic has been a standout performer for AC Milan this season, contributing 17 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. Winning the Coppa Italia might be his best opportunity to ensure European football next season, especially with the 2026 World Cup in mind.
Storyline to Watch
Can Conceicao save his job? Even if AC Milan secures their second trophy of the season, speculation remains that the club might make a managerial change in the summer. Despite winning the Supercoppa Italiana shortly after taking charge from Paulo Fonseca in December, the overall season has been considered disappointing by some, potentially leading to a new appointment.
Prediction
AC Milan appears to be in good form heading into the final, having achieved four consecutive wins for the first time this season. Following their Supercoppa Italiana win in January, Milan has the chance to win two trophies in a single season for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, when they won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Pick: AC Milan 2, Bologna 1.
Dominic Ashworth