AC Milan's season has been a rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows that have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Despite clinching the Italian Super Cup after a thrilling victory over Juventus and Inter in Saudi Arabia, the Rossoneri have struggled with consistency throughout the Serie A and Champions League campaigns. Major wins against heavyweights like Real Madrid and Inter highlight their potential, yet the team has faltered when it matters most, leading to speculation about significant changes in the management structure.
Recent reports from Nicolò Schira, a noted journalist and transfer market expert, suggest that Milan is considering a reshuffle, potentially starting with the appointment of a new sports director and head coach. Among the candidates being discussed is Bologna's Vincenzo Italiano, whose remarkable performance this season has caught the attention of several top clubs, including AC Milan.
Italiano has transformed Bologna into a formidable force, guiding them to fourth place in Serie A with 60 points, just five games away from securing Champions League football. His tactical acumen has been showcased through an impressive run, leading the club to the Coppa Italia final against Milan on May 14, 2025, a match that marks Bologna's first final appearance in 51 years.
"Bologna deserve to return to the Champions League. Italiano took a burning bench, without Calafiori, without Zirkzee, with a team that had everything to lose, and instead he has proven himself as a fantastic coach," said Gianluca Di Marzio, questioning why Milan has not prioritized hiring Italiano despite his success.
Italiano's journey in coaching has been nothing short of remarkable. Before his tenure at Bologna, he led Fiorentina to three consecutive European cup qualifications, despite facing tough competition and heartbreak in several finals. His previous experience includes securing a historic promotion for Spezia from Serie C to Serie A and ensuring their survival in the top tier.
As Bologna prepares for the Coppa Italia final, the stakes are high for Italiano. He faces the daunting task of overcoming a Milan side that, despite its inconsistencies, possesses the talent to turn the tide in crucial matches. The last encounter between the two teams saw Bologna triumph 2-1 at the Dall'Ara, a victory that bolstered their confidence heading into the final.
In the lead-up to the final, the atmosphere around Bologna is electric. The team's fans are hopeful that Italiano can finally break the finals curse that has haunted him since his time at Fiorentina, where he lost three finals in a row. "The happiness that was pouring out of every pore on Thursday night on the pitch at the Dall'Ara and in the press room is a feeling that from now until May 14 will inevitably mix with the fear of once again leaving a final empty-handed," remarked a local sports analyst.
For Milan, the pressure is mounting. The club's management is under scrutiny as they consider their options for the future, including whether to pursue Italiano or seek a more established name. The upcoming matches against Bologna not only hold implications for the Coppa Italia but also for Milan's aspirations in Serie A.
As the season approaches its climax, both teams are poised for a thrilling showdown. Bologna's resurgence under Italiano has reignited hopes of a glorious return to the top of Italian football, while Milan seeks to reclaim its status as a dominant force. The narrative is set, and fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
With the Coppa Italia final on the horizon, all eyes will be on Bologna and their charismatic coach, Vincenzo Italiano. Can he lead his team to victory and solidify his reputation as one of Italy's top coaches? Or will Milan, with its storied history and talented roster, emerge victorious? The stage is set for an unforgettable clash.
