AC Milan 0–1 Bologna Player Ratings: Ndoye’s Goal Ends the 51-Year Trophy Drought for Bologna

Dan Ndoye was the difference tonight as Bologna beat AC Milan 1-0 to win the Coppa Italia after a 51-year drought.

Both sides met just 5 days after facing each other in the league. However, this was a first meeting between the two sides in this competition after 31 years. The game stared off with an absolute flourish, with both sides creating chances at will within the first 10 minutes of the half.

First, Leao's dazzling run on the left flank led to a cutback in a very dangerous area. However, Alex Jimenez could not bundle it home. Then almost immediately, it was Bologna's turn to send a scare in the Milan ranks. Castro burst through the Milan defense, but Maignan was alert to the danger and smothered the threat before it materialized.

Then came the two moments of the half that could more or less define the outcome of this match. First, Miranda sends in a lovely, floating cross into the box from a free-kick that sees Castro direct it goal-wards, but Maignan did extremely well to keep it out, with the follow-up to that shot gone wide.

Milan then added to the litany of missed chances with two of their own, and arguably more glaring than Bologna's. Alex Jimenez did extremely well to dispossess Dan Ndoye before putting in a vicious cross from the byline. Beukema almost bundled it into his own net if not for a jaw-dropping reflex save by Bologna keeper Skorupski. Luka Jovic and Pulisic tried their luck from the literal goalmouth scramble, but neither managed to beat the keeper, much to their chagrin.

After that absolutely frantic start, jus when it felt like both teams would continue to go hell-for-leather at each other, the game slowed down on both ends. Transitions became fewer, both teams committed more fouls, and the momentum of the game was slowly sapped as both teams went on to conserve their energy.

Bologna continued to have more of the ball but did not really threaten the Milan defense, while the Rossoneri were contended to put men behind the ball as the half drew to a close with a couple of quickfire yellow cards.

The second half began the exact same way as the first, with both sides once again registering chances, but not as clear-cut like the ones in the first half. Just when it seemed like once again the game would taper down after that hot spell, Bologna took the lead.

Theo Hernandez made an excellent challenge on Orsolini in the box, but to his absolute dismay, the ball landed on a plate for Dan Ndoye, who ran past two defenders before unleashing a venomous strike to leave the Bologna fans in utter raptures. It was a goal that was thoroughly deserved, and they were every bit worthy of the lead.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of Milan as Bologna built on the confidence by keeping the ball in a professional manner while Milan could just not muster enough to mount a suitable response worthy of a final. Bologna persisted as the referee blew the final whistle to send the Bologna faithful in a state of emotional pandemonium. Here are the AC Milan vs Bologna player ratings.

Milan Player Ratings vs Bologna

GK- Mike Maignan- 6/10

The Milan skipper was alert in those frantic opening minutes as he thwarted Castro on two occasions with good stops. Was utterly powerless to stop the opener as he was beaten for sheer pace.

RCB- Fikayo Tomori- 4.5/10

Was alright with his defending with a good aerial presence. However, he was dribbled past and was also booked for a rash challenge. Was subbed on the hour.

CB- Matteo Gabbia- 5/10

Slightly better than his other two center-backs, but that's not saying much. Got turned way too easily by Ndoye for the goal.

LCB- Strahinja Pavlović- 5/10

6 clearances highlight that he did a decent job at the back. Used his recovery pace to good effect on occasion.

RWB- Álex Jiménez- 5.5/10

Was unable to direct Leao's cross into the net. Did very well to dispossess Ndoye before delivering the cross that almost got his side the opening goal. subbed off for more attacking players

RCM- Youssouf Fofana- 5/10

The midfielder was at his combative self-tonight, but was poor otherwise. Constantly failed to win the second ball that invited unnecessary pressure on his side.

LCM- Tijjani Reijnders- 4.5/10

The influential Dutchman was way off his usual lofty standards this season. Was a non-factor for the game for large swathes and barely had a positive impact on the game.

LWB- Theo Hernandez- 5.5/10

Had a good game as he combined his defensive and attacking skills to good effect. Was rather unfortunate to see his excellent tackle go straight to the feet of Ndoye for the opening goal.

RF- Christian Pulišić- 5/10

Another player guilty of letting the chance slip away as he could not direct the follow-up from Jovic into the net. Was booked towards the end of the first half.

ST- Luka Jovic- 5/10

Could have and should have given his side the lead, but he missed his chance from 2 yards out. Did not have much to do for the rest of the first half. Was subbed at the hour mark.

LF- Rafael Leao- 6/10

The Portuguese was at his mesmeric best as he dribbled past players with ease. Was arguably his side's best player and created two huge chances with his direct running.

Sub- Kyle Walker- 5/10

Brought in to add pace and verve to his side. Did alright in patches.

Sub- Santiago Gimenez- 5/10

Had a couple of good chances after coming on but was not able to capitalize.

Sub- Joao Felix- 4/10

His first action of the game was to commit a rash foul that he was lucky not to see yellow for. Did what he does best, and that is nothing.

Sub- Tammy Abraham- N/A

A late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Samuel Chukwueze- N/A

A late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Sergio Conceicao- 5/10

A very poorly coached game by the Portuguese. Was not able to strike a balance after the early domination in both halves as his side failed to mount a response after falling behind.

Bologna Player Ratings vs Milan

GK- Łukasz Skorupski- 7.5/10

Had an absolutely excellent game. Three point-blank reflex saves one after the other to keep the score intact. Was dominant in his box and commanded his backline to perfection

RB- Erik Holm- 6.5/10

The full-back defended well and got forward on attack too. Grew in confidence as the game went on, with a shot from distance in the second half an indication of that.

RCB- Sam Beukema- 6/10

Almost got his side into an absolute pickle early on when his header almost beat his own keeper. But he did not let that dishearten him as he put in an accomplished performance.

LCB- Jhon Lucumi- 6/10

The big defender did everything that was required of him. Tackles, blocks, aerial duels, and long balls. He did them all and did them well.

LB- Juan Miranda- 6.5/10

Made the left side his own as he had an entertaining tussle with Hernandez. Put in a wonderful cross that reached Castro but not the back of the net.

CDM- Lewis Ferguson- 6.5/10

The skipper was an absolute rock in the middle for his side. Broke play and completely nullified Reijnders throughout the game. Was booked in the first half towards the end.

CDM- Remo Freuler- 6/10

Complemented his skipper to perfection as he was excellent in possession. Completed 94% of his passes and kept the ball ticking continuously.

RW- Riccardo Orsolini- 7/10

The Bologna talisman was his usual aggressive self despite not getting on the scoresheet. His mazy run in the box was the catalyst for the opening goal

CAM- Riccardo Fabbian- 5.5/10

Was average in the game. Did the little things well and was mostly out of the areas where the real action took place. Subbed midway through the second half.

LW- Dan N'Doye- 8/10

The difference-maker. The Swiss international displayed tremendous control, touch, and composure before rifling and absolute rocket to give his side the lead. Almost got a second but it was wide.

ST- Santiago Castro- 6.5/10

On another day he has at least a brace. Was just not his day tonight as he was not able to get his name on the scoresheet.

Sub- Nicolo Casale- 5/10

Was brought in to see out the game. Did his job.

Sub- Tommaso Pobega- 5/10

Was brought in to see out the game. Did his job.

Sub- Davide Calabria- N/A

A late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Jens Odgaard- N/A

A late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Thijs Dallinga- N/A

A late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Vincenzo Italiano- 8/10

What a way to end a 51-year drought for his side. Did everything right. From picking the side to making sure that his side did not give away the lead by making the subs at the right time. A job well and truly done by the veteran coach.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Dan Ndoye.