2025 Coppa Italia Final Preview: AC Milan vs Bologna

On Wednesday night, the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome hosts a long-awaited opportunity for silverware. AC Milan and Bologna square off in the 2025 Coppa Italia final. Both sides are eager to end decades-long waits for domestic cup glory. After sharing the spoils in Serie A this season, the showdown promises a fitting finale to a challenging campaign for both clubs.

AC Milan Gathers Momentum at the Right Moment

Sergio Conceicao’s side head into the Coppa Italia final riding their strongest run of the season. They have secured four consecutive victories across all competitions. Their latest win came just a few days ago against Bologna. In this significant matchup, a thrilling 3-1 comeback at San Siro saw substitute Santiago Gimenez prove decisive. He netted twice to flip the match in AC Milan’s favor. That result brought the Rossoneri within two points of their Cup final rivals in the Serie A standings. It also highlighted their timely return to form.

Under Sergio Conceicao’s guidance, AC Milan’s switch to a three-man defense has re-energized the squad. The tactical adjustment has delivered five wins from six matches and allowed attacking talents like Christian Pulisic (11 league goals) and Rafael Leao to flourish. Despite a disappointing European exit and inconsistent league form, the Rossoneri showed their mettle by eliminating Inter Milan across two legs in the Coppa semifinals. This extended their unbeaten record in the Derby della Madonnina to five this season.

Their path to the final has included a 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo, a quarterfinal win over AS Roma, and that statement derby win in the semis. With Youssouf Fofana returning from injury and Leao back from suspension, AC Milan travel to the capital with close to a full-strength squad.

However, their historical relationship with the Coppa Italia is less flattering. AC Milan last lifted the trophy in 2003 under Carlo Ancelotti and have won it just once in their past six final appearances. That said, their Supercoppa Italiana victory in January hints that Conceicao’s men have learned how to manage high-pressure occasions. These lessons are invaluable for the upcoming Coppa Italia final showdown on Wednesday night.

Bologna’s Historic Opportunity Amid a Late-Season Wobble

Bologna’s run to the final has been a story of resilience and smart execution under Vincenzo Italiano. He guided the Rossoblu past Monza, Atalanta, and Empoli to reach their first Coppa Italia final since 1974. While some victories came against understrength opposition, particularly Empoli, who fielded a rotated squad while battling relegation, the Emilians have made the most of their opportunity.

Leading their charge is Riccardo Orsolini, whose 15-goal season (13 in Serie A games) has turned him into one of Italy’s most effective wide forwards. He opened the scoring at San Siro last week and will be vital again in this final. Meanwhile, Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga looks set to lead the line over the recently sidelined Santiago Castro.

Still, Bologna have stuttered at the wrong time. Winless in their last three games since their 2-1 win over Empoli last month, the Rossoblu have seen their grip on a top-five Serie A finish slip. A 3-1 defeat to AC Milan on Friday was a wake-up call. It highlighted their need to rekindle past form for the crucial Coppa Italia final.

One tactical edge they do bring, however, is their own resilience. Bologna have collected 18 points from losing positions this season, second only to AC Milan’s 22. This suggests the final could swing dramatically if either side gains or loses early control.

Tactical Setup and Possible Lineups

With both clubs utilizing new systems that have worked well recently, we expect a fascinating tactical chess match. AC Milan’s three-at-the-back setup allows Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlović to hold a compact defensive line. Meanwhile, Theo Hernandez and the returning Fofana offer dynamism in midfield. Up front, Conceicao must choose between Santiago Gimenez, Tammy Abraham, and Luka Jović. Jović is likely to get the nod alongside Leao and Pulisic.

For Bologna, Lukasz Skorupski is the obvious choice in goal, backed by a defense including former ACM full-back Davide Calabria and key stoppers Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumí. In midfield, Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson form a solid central pair. Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, and Benjamín Dominguez will support striker Dallinga from behind for the awaited Coppa Italia final.

Probable Starting XIs

AC Milan: Mike Maignan – Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic – Alex Jimenez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez – Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao – Luka Jovic. (3-4-2-1)

Bologna: Lukasz Skorupski – Davide Calabria, Sam Beukema, Jhon Lucumí, Juan Miranda – Remo Freuler, Lewis Ferguson – Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Benjamín Dominguez – Thijs Dallinga. (4-2-3-1)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

With the Coppa Italia at stake, this matchup will likely be defined by fine margins. AC Milan’s greater experience in finals and their late-season resurgence give them the upper hand. This resurgence is underpinned by a sharper attacking edge and a tactical identity. However, Bologna cannot be counted out entirely.

The head-to-head also favors the Rossoneri, who have won six of 14 Coppa Italia clashes with Bologna (who had won four) and also showed their superiority last week. Add in their ability to grind results in high-stakes moments and the return of key players, and AC Milan seem poised to lift their first Coppa trophy since 2003. USMNT star Christian Pulisic just scored and assisted to inspire the 3-1 comeback win over Bologna on Friday night.

Based on EveryGame’s Wednesday morning odds: AC Milan +155, Bologna +195, and Draw +210. Our best value lies with the Draw No Bet option. AC Milan have been more consistent lately, and while the game could go to extra time, their form and talent edge tilt the scales slightly in their favor. This makes them favorites in the Coppa Italia final predictions.