Bologna's head coach Vincenzo Italiano has described reaching the Coppa Italia final as a "dream" for the club and the city. The Rossoblu secured their place in the final with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Empoli on April 24, 2025, which resulted in a 5-1 aggregate win in the semi-final. This marks Bologna's first cup final appearance in 51 years, and they are set to face AC Milan, a team that has had its struggles in Serie A but recently triumphed over Inter Milan with a 4-1 aggregate score in their semi-final.
As the excitement builds for the final in Rome next month, Bologna's recent form has placed them as potential favorites, especially given their current position in the top four of Serie A, compared to Milan's ninth place. After the match against Empoli, Italiano spoke with palpable enthusiasm, sharing his emotions about reaching another final as a coach. "It was a goal, the dream of this city and the club: we have honoured this competition from the beginning. When you get to the final rush, everyone is interested in getting to the end. We dedicate this final to the people of Bologna, who push us so much," he stated.
Italiano's journey has been remarkable; this final marks his fourth appearance in three seasons, having previously led Fiorentina to the Conference League finals twice and the Coppa Italia final in 2023. Reflecting on the achievement, he expressed, "I am happy for this goal. When I met the owners, they had the desire to get to the end in this cup, and we achieved it. There is another step missing, but we have already entered history: bringing this enthusiasm to the capital is a source of pride."
Despite the initial challenges—stemming from key departures including former head coach Thiago Motta and players like Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee—Italiano has managed to instill a winning mentality within the squad. Bologna currently sits fourth in Serie A, a significant turnaround from the low expectations that surrounded the team at the start of the season. "At the beginning, there was a bit of mistrust, but it is normal when the coach and four pillars change. The Champions League has given us so much, allowing us to grow in the league and reach this beautiful goal," he explained.
After experiencing several draws earlier in the season, Bologna has found their stride, with victories that have bolstered their confidence. Players like Fabbian and Dallinga have stepped up, showcasing the team’s growth and quality of play. Italiano emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and self-esteem as they prepare to face a team filled with champions like AC Milan. "We know we are facing a team of champions, but we will try to exploit our weapons. We cannot wait to get to Rome, and we hope to have those 30,000 fans at the Olimpico," he added.
Meanwhile, Empoli's head coach, Roberto D'Aversa, expressed pride in his team's performance despite their defeat. Having reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history by eliminating Torino, Fiorentina, and Juventus, D'Aversa acknowledged the mistakes made in the first leg that ultimately cost them a place in the final. "We leave this historic semi-final with our heads held high," he stated, commending his players for their focus in the second leg. As Empoli prepares for an important Serie A match against Fiorentina, D'Aversa remains optimistic about his team’s future.
As Bologna gears up for the final, the anticipation is palpable. The Coppa Italia final is not just about a trophy; it symbolizes a resurgence for Bologna, a club that has fought through adversity and is now poised to make history. The match against AC Milan will be a test of their resolve and determination, and with the support of their passionate fans, Bologna is ready to seize the moment. The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
