By Marta Elena Casanova
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Index
Bologna 2024-2025 has earned a place in the history of modern Italian football. Winning the Coppa Italia, finishing the league in the upper spots of the table, and qualifying for the next Europa League represent the peak of a project that has steadily grown under the leadership of president Joey Saputo. A milestone awaited for decades, it certifies the soundness of the technical, managerial, and strategic choices made over these years.
Coppa Italia returns to Bologna after 51 years
On May 22, 2025, at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, Bologna won their third Coppa Italia, beating Milan 1-0 in the final thanks to a decisive goal by Dan Ndoye. It is the club’s first national trophy since 1974, when they won against Palermo. This success is not only historic but also crucial economically and sportingly: the victory secured the club direct access to the group stage of the next Europa League, rewarding a journey built with patience and vision.
The path to the trophy was emblematic: matches played with intensity, courage, and a clear identity. Bologna never gave up their offensive and organized style, even against more prestigious opponents.
A championship beyond expectations
Alongside the Coppa Italia run, Bologna played a very high-level league campaign, finishing in the top positions and proving they can compete consistently with the big teams. The squad displayed proactive football, achieving prestigious wins and maintaining steady results both home and away.
The tactical and mental approach was one of the season’s strengths, with the team able to adapt to opponents but always faithful to a clear playing philosophy.
Vincenzo Italiano, the winning bet
After Thiago Motta’s departure, Bologna entrusted Vincenzo Italiano, former Fiorentina coach, who had recently reached two Conference League finals. The choice proved right: Italiano continued the previous work, improving some mechanisms and further enhancing an already competitive squad.
The coach successfully integrated young players, motivated the veterans, and under his guidance, Bologna showed personality, tactical variety, and a winning mentality. The club doesn’t want to lose him, and in fact, an agreement has been reached to renew his contract until 2027, with a salary of 3 million euros per season, making him the highest-paid coach at the club.
Joey Saputo: ten years of building and €290 million investment
At the heart of this success is the vision of president Joey Saputo, who took control of Bologna in 2014. Over ten years, the Canadian entrepreneur transformed a struggling club into a solid and ambitious reality. Saputo invested approximately €289 million in total, including €288.5 million in capital injections and €9.2 million in shareholder loans.
A significant part of these resources was dedicated to infrastructure and youth development, as well as economic and technical consolidation of the first team. Saputo never gave in to the temptation of “all at once,” preferring to build a sustainable and competitive project over time. The 2024-2025 season is the reward for this patience and strategic vision.
Bologna rediscovers its pride
The city has come alive with enthusiasm for football again. The Renato Dall’Ara stadium is increasingly full, the fans have regained pride and a sense of belonging. Bologna is no longer just a historic venue but a protagonist in Italian football, ready to step onto the European stage with ambition.
Qualifying for the Europa League is a new and exciting challenge: it will allow the club to grow further, attract new talents, and increase visibility and revenues. According to UEFA estimates, reaching the group stage can guarantee between €15-20 million from fixed prizes, market pool, and gate receipts, depending on the club’s progress.
The mission now is to consolidate the progress: retain key players, smartly strengthen the squad, and continue the technical work with Vincenzo Italiano. Bologna has shown that with clear ideas, patience, and competence, one can go far.
After years spent in the shadows, Bologna has returned to shine. And they did it in the best way: winning, convincing, and staying true to themselves.
By Marta Elena Casanova
