Dan Ndoye's second-half strike gave Bologna a tough win over AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italian final on Wednesday to win their first major trophy in 51 years.
Bologna made a breakthrough when Milan defender Theo Hernandez gave the ball a good time tackle on Riccardo Orsolini, and Milan defender Theo Hernandez was aptly accompanied.
The victory has given Bologna their first major silverware since winning the same match in 1974 and qualifying for the Europa League next season.
The club is owned by Canadian Joey Saputo, winning only two Division II titles in between.
It was also the first victory for coach Vincenzo Italiano in the final, losing the Europa Conference League Championship while in charge of Fiorentina and finishing second in the 2023 Copa Italy.
"They were three heavy disappointments," Italiano told broadcaster MediaSet. “I don’t think I can come back immediately and come back by myself. But we succeeded and I’m so glad.
“I added a big trophy to my sleeve and I really dedicated it to the extraordinary guy.”
After the final whistle, his player was immediately pounced into the air by his player. Many of them were crying, just like some of the thousands of Bologna fans in the stands.
The 47-year-old coach is eager to return to the celebration.
“Let me celebrate now because it’s incredible,” Italian said with a smile at the end of the TV interview.
Isabella Bonotto/AFP via Getty Images
Failure could have put Milan in bittersweet seasons - mostly bitter seasons, with Milan's only silver medal being the Super Copa Italian who lifted in January.
Milan now scored eighth of 60 points in Serie A, laying two-quarters in fourth place Juventus, the last Champions League berth with only two rounds of play.
Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao told Sport Mediaset: "It's a tough game, very competitive, every duel can be decided. I think it reflects our season."
“I was disappointed to lose the finals and win the silverware during a tough season.
"At the end of the day, I have to congratulate Bologna because they played well and we lacked something."
The match was an exciting replay of Serie A on Friday, with Milan winning the home game 3-1.
Both teams are eager to save the disappointing season, with Bologna ranked seventh in Serie A and Milan, falling behind in eighth with only two games left.
After a fast-paced start to the first half, both sides eliminated dangerous opportunities, and after some huge savings at either end, the team entered a breakout slump.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was summoned in the first few minutes and Juan Miranda reflected from the flashing header after a free kick.
Minutes later, Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski made an impressive double stop, saving the cross from the unfortunate deflection of teammate Sam Beukema, and then stopped Milan's efforts on the rebound.
When Bologna's Lewis Ferguson slipped into Rafael Leão, he struggled to stop the bleeding from his nose, but it hit the face.
After Bologna made a breakthrough, Milan struggled to find any urgency as their attack disappeared long before the threat equalizer.
The most shocking moment was when Beukema collided with Bologna’s teammates, and his white shirt was covered in blood as the medical staff rushed towards the bandage.
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press is used in this report.