AC Milan is set to compete against Bologna in the Coppa Italia final for the 2024-25 season. Milan secured their spot by defeating Inter in the semifinals, while Bologna advanced by eliminating Empoli. The final is scheduled for May 14 at Rome`s Stadio Olimpico.
This marks Bologna`s third appearance in the Coppa Italia final, having previously won in 1970 and 1974. This is their first final in over five decades, though their current coach, Vincenzo Italiano, reached the 2023 final with Fiorentina, losing to Inter. AC Milan boasts a richer history in the competition, with five wins, the most recent in 2003. However, they were runners-up in both the 2016 and 2018 finals, losing to Juventus on both occasions.
Lifting the Coppa Italia trophy could mean a second piece of silverware this season for AC Milan, who already claimed the Supercoppa Italiana in January by beating Inter. This Supercoppa victory came just a week after Sergio Conceicao took over as manager from Paulo Fonseca. For both finalists, but especially AC Milan, winning the Coppa Italia offers a crucial pathway to European football next season, as the champions automatically qualify for the 2025-26 Europa League. En route to the final, AC Milan overcame Sassuolo and AS Roma before their semifinal win over Inter. Bologna`s journey included victories against Monza and Atalanta before their semifinal triumph against Empoli.
Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, May 23
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: AC Milan +150, Draw +225, Bologna +185
What AC Milan Are Saying
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao discussed his team`s readiness ahead of the final in his pre-match press conference. He stated, “A season is defined by its episodes and moments. It would certainly be a great pleasure to win this trophy and bring joy to the fans in what has been a difficult year. We are completely focused on this trophy. From the outside, we might seem angry, but that`s not the case. We feel immense pleasure playing in a final against a quality team like Bologna. There`s no fear, just normal adrenaline. The squad is calm, but there`s no room for complacency as we await a crucial match. Leao is back, but I won`t reveal who will start between Jovic and Gimenez.”
Predicted Lineups
AC Milan Predicted XI: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic; Alex Jimenez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez; Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, Rafael Leao.
Bologna Predicted 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, the American winger for AC Milan, is a player to watch. Should Milan win, it would be his second trophy with the club since joining from Chelsea in summer 2023. Pulisic has been a standout performer this season, contributing 17 goals and 12 assists. Winning the Coppa Italia represents perhaps his best opportunity to ensure participation in European football next season, which would be valuable preparation leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Storyline to Watch
A key storyline is the future of AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao. Even if Milan secures a second trophy this season, reports suggest his job is not entirely safe, and the club might still consider appointing a different manager in the summer, potentially due to the season`s overall performance not meeting expectations. Conceicao did, however, win the Supercoppa Italiana in January, shortly after replacing Paulo Fonseca.
Prediction
AC Milan enters the final in strong form, having secured four consecutive wins recently, a first for them this season. Following their Supercoppa Italiana win in January, lifting the Coppa Italia would mark the first time since the 2007-08 season (when they won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup) that Milan has won two trophies in a single campaign.
Predicted Score: AC Milan 2, Bologna 1.
