*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Milan Chasing Sixth Cup Title
For the Rossoneri, this marks their 15th Coppa Italia final, and their first since 2018. They’ve lifted the trophy five times, with their most recent triumph dating back to 2003. Wednesday presents a golden opportunity to end their 22-year cup drought.
Bologna's Perfect Cup Final Record
On the other side, Bologna boast a 100% success rate in Coppa Italia finals, having won both of their previous appearances—in 1970 and 1974. Remarkably, they haven't beaten Milan in this competition since 1973/74, when they secured a 1-0 home win en route to the title.
The last Coppa Italia meeting between these two was in the 1995/96 quarterfinals, when Milan advanced after penalties following two 1-1 draws.
Road to the Final
AC Milan
Milan entered the tournament in the Round of 16 and powered their way to the final unbeaten:
- 6-1 vs Sassuolo
- 3-1 vs Roma
- 1-1 and 3-0 vs Inter in the semis
Sergio Conceicao’s men have been dominant, particularly in the semi-final derby. Tammy Abraham leads their scoring in the competition with four goals.
Bologna
Bologna’s path has been more pragmatic but highly effective:
- 4-0 vs Monza
- 1-0 vs Atalanta (away)
- 3-0 and 2-1 vs Empoli in the semis
Led by Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna have conceded just one goal in the competition. Dutch forward Thijs Dallinga has netted three times.
Form Guide: Milan Gaining Momentum
In their most recent league encounter on Friday, Milan came from behind to beat Bologna 3-1, showcasing their attacking depth. Substitute Santiago Gimenez starred with a second-half brace, extending Milan’s winning streak to four matches across all competitions.
Milan are now just two points behind Bologna in the Serie A standings (7th and 8th place respectively).
By contrast, Bologna are winless in their last three matches and seem to have slipped out of Champions League contention. Winning the Coppa Italia could be their best route to securing a Europa League spot.
For Milan and Conceicao, this could be a second trophy of the season, following their Supercoppa Italiana victory. For Italiano, it’s a chance to end a frustrating run of three lost finals with Fiorentina (two in the Conference League, one in the Coppa Italia).
Probable Lineups
AC Milan (3-4-3): Maignan – Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic – Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez – Pulisic, Gimenez, Rafa Leão
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski – De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumí, Miranda – Freuler, Ferguson – Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi – Castro
Betting Suggestions
- 1. Match Result: AC Milan to Win (FT): Milan are in stronger form, beat Bologna recently, and have more big-match experience.
- 2. Anytime Goalscorer: Santiago Gimenez (Milan): Scored twice in the last match vs Bologna, currently red-hot.
- 3. Under 2.5 Total Goals: Despite Milan’s recent attacking form, cup finals tend to be tighter and more tactical.
- 4. Correct Score: 2-0 Milan (Value Bet): Bologna’s defence is solid, but Milan's firepower and confidence give them an edge.
- 5. To Lift the Trophy: AC Milan: Even if the match goes to extra time or penalties, Milan have the depth and experience advantage.