The 2024-25 Coppa Italia final is set to feature AC Milan and Bologna. Bologna secured their place in the final by defeating Empoli in the semifinals, while AC Milan advanced after overcoming Inter in their semifinal tie. The final match will take place on May 14 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
This will be Bologna`s third appearance in the Coppa Italia final, having previously won the trophy in 1970 and 1974. Despite this being the club`s first final in over 50 years, their current manager, Vincenzo Italiano, reached the final in 2023 with Fiorentina, where his side lost to Inter. AC Milan, on the other hand, has won the Coppa Italia five times, with their last triumph in 2003. However, they were runners-up in both the 2016 and 2018 finals, losing on both occasions to Juventus.
For AC Milan, winning the Coppa Italia presents an opportunity to secure a second trophy this season, following their Supercoppa Italiana victory over Inter in January. This Supercoppa win came just a week after Sergio Conceicao was appointed as AC Milan`s head coach, replacing Paulo Fonseca. For both clubs, and particularly AC Milan, claiming the Coppa Italia title offers a significant chance to qualify for next season`s European competition, as the winning team automatically earns a spot in the 2025-26 Europa League. On their journey to the final, AC Milan eliminated Sassuolo and AS Roma before defeating Inter in the two-legged semifinals. Bologna`s path included victories over Monza and Atalanta before their semifinal win against Empoli.
What AC Milan are Saying
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao shared his thoughts on the team`s readiness ahead of the final during the pre-match press conference. He stated, `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`.
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 claim his second trophy since joining the Italian club from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Pulisic has been one of AC Milan`s top performers this season, contributing 17 goals and 12 assists. Winning the Coppa Italia likely represents his best opportunity to play European football next season, which is particularly important with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Storyline to Watch
Can Conceicao Save His Job? Even if AC Milan lifts their second trophy of the season under Sergio Conceicao, it is not entirely certain that he will remain as manager in the summer. There is still a significant possibility that another coach could be appointed after what has been considered a somewhat disappointing season overall. Conceicao was appointed on December 29, replacing Paulo Fonseca, and has already guided the team to the Supercoppa Italiana title.
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 against Inter in January, securing the Coppa Italia would mean Milan wins 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.
