AC Milan’s hopes of salvaging a disappointing season were dashed on Wednesday night, as the Rossoneri slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Bologna in the Coppa Italia final.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Swiss winger Dan Ndoye calmly navigated past Milan defenders before slotting past Mike Maignan to secure Bologna’s first major trophy in over two decades.
The victory also booked Bologna a spot in next season’s Europa League.
Milan, who entered the final desperate to secure European qualification, delivered a flat performance.
Milan’s attacking efforts were toothless, and although they managed to test Bologna’s defense late on, there was no breakthrough.
With the defeat, Milan’s European hopes now depend on favourable results elsewhere, as they sit eighth in Serie A with two matches left and trail Roma, Lazio and Juventus in the standings.
Dan Ndoye was undoubtedly the standout performer. Beyond the winning goal, he created a game-high three chances and was the most fouled player on the pitch, earning a deserved Man of the Match nod.
Milan’s final chance to fight for Europe resumes on Sunday against Roma, a must-win if they are to keep their season alive.
