Lewis Ferguson Captains Bologna to Coppa Italia Glory Over AC Milan, Ending 51-Year Trophy Drought

Joy for Lewis Ferguson: Bologna End 51-Year Wait for Glory with Coppa Italia Triumph
By Alasdair Mackenzie | Updated: 10:35 BST, 16 May 2025

[IMAGE: Ferguson celebrates with the Italian Cup after a memorable night in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico]

Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson etched his name into club folklore by lifting the Coppa Italia trophy after a gritty 1-0 victory over AC Milan, ending a 51-year silverware drought. Swiss winger Dan Ndoye’s second-half strike sealed the historic win at a raucous Stadio Olimpico, sparking euphoria among the Rossoblu faithful.

Ferguson’s Fairy Tale
The Scottish midfielder’s journey to glory was fraught with adversity. After battling back from an ACL injury and muscular setbacks this season, Ferguson captained his side to an iconic triumph. His leadership added to a growing list of accolades, including Serie A Midfielder of the Year and securing Champions League qualification.

[IMAGE: The Bologna skipper shared trophy-hoisting duty with Lorenzo di Silvestre and Ricardo Orsolini]

The pre-match tribute to Bologna’s 1974 Coppa Italia-winning team set the stage, with fans unfurling a banner urging the current squad to “make history.” They delivered, outlasting a disjointed Milan side in a fiercely contested final.

Ndoye Delivers the Decisive Blow
After a tense first half littered with chances, Ndoye broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Pouncing on a loose ball in the box, the Swiss forward coolly cut inside and fired past Mike Maignan to send Bologna’s supporters into delirium.

[IMAGE: Swiss forward Dan Ndoye’s goal after 53 minutes was enough to secure a hard-fought victory]

Milan, led by under-pressure manager Sergio Conceicao, faltered again in a season plagued by inconsistency. The defeat leaves them at risk of missing European football next term, while Bologna clinched a Europa League spot.

Match Highlights

• Early Drama: Milan’s Alex Jimenez tested goalkeeper Lukas Skorupski early, but the Pole made two stunning saves to deny Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic.
• Ferguson’s Grit: The skipper endured a bloody nose after a clash with Leao but shrugged it off to anchor Bologna’s midfield.
• Tactical Shift: Coach Vincenzo Italiano’s halftime adjustments paid off, with Bologna dominating possession after the break.

[IMAGE: Ferguson gets to the ball ahead of Milan’s former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic]

Milan threw on substitutes Kyle Walker, João Félix, and Santiago Giménez late on, but Bologna’s defense held firm. Skorupski denied Giménez’s lone chance, while Ndoye nearly doubled his tally on the counter.

Legacy Secured
For Ferguson, the victory capped a remarkable rise. Once a journeyman from Hamilton, he’s now a Bologna legend, joining the pantheon of the club’s 1974 heroes. As fireworks lit up Rome’s sky, fans chanted his name—a testament to his transformative impact.

[IMAGE: Sporting a bloody nose, Ferguson and the Portugal forward exchanged words after the incident]

Milan’s Misery
For Milan, the loss compounded a turbulent season. Conceicao’s tactical changes failed to inspire, and star forwards Leao and Pulisic were shackled by Bologna’s disciplined backline. The Rossoneri now face an uncertain summer of rebuilding.

A Night to Remember
As the final whistle blew, Ferguson hoisted the cup alongside teammates Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Orsolini, marking a new chapter for Bologna. For their loyal fans, the 51-year wait was over—and the celebrations are only just beginning.

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[IMAGE: It wasn’t all plain sailing for Ferguson though as he took a boot to the face from Rafael Leao]

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