Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze was unable to make an impact from the bench as Bologna beat AC Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia.
Dan Ndoye secured his place in Bologna folklore by scoring the only goal in a historic 1-0 win over AC Milan, clinching the club’s first Coppa Italia title since 1974.
Just days after a 3-1 Serie A defeat to the Rossoneri, Bologna returned with revenge in their hearts, and executed the perfect plan in Rome.
Milan threatened early, but goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski made a crucial double save to deny Luka Jović. That was Milan’s only shot on target in the first half, with Bologna controlling possession but unable to seriously trouble Mike Maignan before the break.
The deadlock was finally broken shortly after halftime. After Riccardo Orsolini was dispossessed inside the box, Ndoye reacted swiftly, showing composure to drill a low shot past Maignan to score his first goal of the cup run, and one that would prove historic.
Milan coach Sérgio Conceição responded with aggressive changes, bringing on Kyle Walker, João Félix, and Santiago Giménez, the latter having scored twice in their previous meeting.
But Bologna’s defence held firm, absorbing wave after wave of pressure as Vincenzo Italiano claimed his first major managerial trophy along with Europa League and Supercoppa Italiana qualification.
