After years of heartbreak and close to misses, Milan stands on the point of home cup glory, with Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Santiago Gimenez, and Joao Felix all poised to steer the Rossoneri into the Coppa Italia last towards Bologna. The Could 14 conflict at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico presents not simply an opportunity at silverware, however a symbolic finish to a protracted and irritating wait.
This match might be a one-off last, determined by regulation time, further time, or penalties if wanted. However for Milan, this isn’t nearly profitable a trophy—it’s about reclaiming a part of their legacy.
The Rossoneri’s street to the ultimate has been spectacular, capped by a commanding 3-0 second-leg semi-final win over arch rival Inter. That consequence, following a 1-1 draw within the first leg, gave them a 4-1 combination victory and continued their dominance over the Nerazzurri this season. The win wasn’t only a triumph by way of techniques or expertise—it was psychological, a press release of intent.
Luka Jovic led the way in which in that match with a brace, whereas Christian Pulisic performed a key function, serving to to include Inter’s midfield menace. Tijjani Reijnders added a late purpose to seal the deal, however it was the collective dedication and steadiness that confirmed a Milan aspect able to controlling high-pressure moments.
Historic problem
Curiously, it’s been over 20 years since Milan final lifted the Coppa Italia—a span stretching again to 2003, when the Rossoneri edged out Roma over two legs. Regardless of being considered one of Italy’s most storied golf equipment, Milan’s home cup historical past has typically been underwhelming. The Crimson and Blacks received the Italian Cup simply 5 occasions and misplaced 9 finals. Their most up-to-date look within the last, in 2018, resulted in a humbling 4-0 defeat to Juventus.
Now, with a brand new technology of expertise spearheading the squad, Sergio Conceicao’s aspect seems poised to alter that narrative. The likes of Santiago Gimenez, a relentless ahead presence when in kind, and Joao Felix, who at occasions can convey a way of aptitude and creativity, add layers to a squad that already contains the tempo and unpredictability of Leao and the self-discipline and flexibility of Pulisic.
Resurgent Bologna and what a win would imply for Milan
Their opponent, Bologna, is writing its personal Cinderella story. The Rossoblu haven’t appeared in a Coppa Italia last since 1974, once they defeated Palermo to assert the trophy for the second time of their historical past. Their return to the ultimate was sealed with a 5-1 combination win over Empoli, after a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory and a 2-1 triumph within the return fixture.
The upcoming last will mark the first time Milan and Bologna meet within the Coppa Italia last, and it provides one other layer of intrigue: the 2 sides are additionally scheduled to conflict in Serie A simply days earlier than the ultimate, on the weekend of Could 10-11. That league encounter may supply a preview—or a psychological edge—for what’s to return in Rome.
For Milan, the stakes lengthen past silverware. Profitable the Coppa Italia ensures automated qualification to the UEFA Europa League, an vital fallback for a crew that has struggled with consistency within the league this season. At present outdoors the European qualification spots in Serie A, the ultimate represents a essential alternative to maintain Milan on the continental stage.
