Reflecting on history, Bologna’s Coppa Italia victory is a remarkable event.

Nonetheless, those who followed Milan this season and watched at least five of the “red-blue” matches in Serie A or the Champions League could only arrive at one conclusion: the team under Vincenzo the Italian has shown such prowess against top opponents that they truly deserve to celebrate a trophy, especially one they’ve awaited for 51 years.

Bologna triumphed over the giants at Rome’s Olimpico on Wednesday, and despite a single goal being the decisive factor, it was netted by Den Endowments. At the start of the second half, the general consensus was that the “Bolognese” maintained control throughout the match.

Milan had just one opportunity early on, courtesy of Luka Jovic, while the remainder of the chances belonged to the team vying for a second consecutive Champions League berth.

Bologna has claimed the Italian championship seven times in its history (last in 1964) and has also lifted the Cup three times—previously in 1970 and again four years later.

“This wait was worthwhile; this city truly deserved a celebration,” said Richard Orsolini, Bologna striker.

Last season, Bologna made waves in Serie A with Tiago Mot at the helm, showcasing exhilarating football as they secured fifth place, which guaranteed a historic entry into the Champions League.

Following Motta’s departure to Juventus (he was let go nearly two months ago), the club sold Ricardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee to Arsenal, or rather Manchester United, for close to 90 million euros. Yet with the arrival of the Italian, they’ve progressed even further.

NEW COACH AND A CHALLENGED TEAM…

The “Rosoblu” have their own narrative this season, making the Cup trophy the ultimate tribute to the dedication of the players, coach, and the nearly flawless sports department led by Giovanni Sartori and Marco di Vaio.

Di Vaio stands as a legendary striker for Bologna, while Sartori is undoubtedly among the best talent scouts in Italian football.

Sartori is the “architect” behind this Bologna squad but also the mastermind who, nearly 25 years ago, from his position as director, transformed Chievo Verona from a third division team into a contender on the European stage. A decade ago, he laid the groundwork for Atalanta’s success and has been with Bologna since May 2022…

– We demonstrated character coupled with undeniable talent. In finals, a little extra is always necessary to secure the trophy, and we delivered everything, proving superior to Milan – stated Sartori.

He drew a comparison between Motta and the Italian, noting that until the recent final, the latter had faced defeats in all three previous finals of his coaching career. Two were in the Conference League (against West Ham and Olympiacos), and one in the Coppa Italia (against Inter) while at Fiorentina’s helm.

– The coaches differ and this season it took a while for the team to grasp the gameplay the Italian envisions. We’ve had a stellar season, but two rounds remain, and we can finish it ideally – Sartori remarked.

Bologna has secured a place in next season’s Europa League but isn’t far from the Champions League spot, sitting in seventh place, two points adrift of fourth-placed Juventus as they head into the final 180 minutes of Serie A play.

PLAYERS ATTRACTION FOR THE BIG CLUBS

Bologna is unlikely to stray from its established transfer strategy, probably refraining from spending over 15-20 million euros on any single player, and it’s anticipated that they will offload at least two or three key players during the summer transfer window.

Lazio is keen on Orsolini, while experienced player Michelle Ebischer is attracting interest from Premier League and Bundesliga outfits. Meanwhile, Andoy is targeted by Borussia Dortmund, Antonio Conte, if he remains at Napoli, will aim to sign the Scottish talent Louis Ferguson, while Inter is monitoring striker Santjaga Kastra and central defenders Sema Beukema and John Lucumia.

– The market is unpredictable, but we know our strategy, and Bologna is prepared for the transfer window – Sartori affirmed.

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