Ndoye and Castro: ‘Few expected Bologna to get here’ after big names left in 2024

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Lewis Ferguson, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna lift the Coppa Italia trophy as their team mates celebrate after the team’s victory in the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Dan Ndoye and Santiago Castro celebrated the Coppa Italia Final victory for Bologna after beating Milan to their first trophy since 1974. ‘Few expected us to get here, as many big players left.’

It was an historic event for the Rossoblu regardless, as the club had not played in the Coppa Italia Final for 51 years, but they went one further and lifted the trophy to the sky at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Ndoye scored the decisive goal on 53 minutes when pouncing on a loose ball from 11 yards, while Lukasz Skorupski made a crucial double save in the first half on Sam Beukema to prevent an own goal and the Luka Jovic follow-up.

Bologna end 51-year wait for trophy

“Today is incredible, seeing all our fans in this stadium. It was a tough game, but we won for the city, for the fans, it’s incredible and we are so happy,” Ndoye told Sport Mediaset.

“We scored at the right time, then defended like a real team, we held tough.”

This is the third Coppa Italia trophy in Bologna’s history after 1970 and 1974, which also guarantees their participation in the Europa League next season.

🔴🔵 Bologna’s match-winner Dan Ndoye reacts to victory in the Coppa Italia final

“To have this victory, this trophy after 51 years…it’s incredible. For the team, for the city and for the fans.” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/pGfizHWlU5

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) May 14, 2025

Bologna could count on Castro

Castro had been expected to only be on the bench this evening after several weeks of being a substitute due to a foot injury he sustained on international duty, but instead he was leading the attack.

“I worked hard, I got hurt at an important part of the season, we worked with the physios and doctors,” Castro told Sport Mediaset.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Milan 0-1 Bologna

The striker pointed out that Bologna were doubted after Thiago Motta left, taking Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori with him.

“It was a great Coppa Italia competition overall, and a great performance tonight. When we started, few expected us to get here, as many big players left, but we proved this is a family and we broke records.

“Now we want to push and get into the Champions League too.”

Castro was asked to say something about their coach, Vincenzo Italiano.

“Vincenzo Italiano is the Boss! We thank all the staff, they are incredible. We also want to dedicate it to the players who left in January, like Iling Junior and Posch, because they are still part of the family.”