Bologna confirm Italiano talks for new contract ahead of Coppa Italia Final | OneFootball

Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci admits tonight’s Coppa Italia Final with Milan lets fans ‘enjoy the atmosphere their fathers or grandfathers felt’ and confirms Vincenzo Italiano is in talks for a new contract.

It kicks off on neutral turf at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

JUNE 16: The trophy at the Olympic stadium prior the Coppa Italia Final match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Olimpico Stadium on June 16, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out, with the victors also qualifying for the Europa League.

Over 30,000 fans have made the journey to Rome and packed out the Curva Nord, which is where Lazio supporters usually sit at the Stadio Olimpico.

Bologna in first Coppa Italia Final since 1974

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 24: Bologna players pose for a photo with their fans following their sides victory in the coppa Italia Semi Final match between Bologna FC and Empoli at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 24, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“When we stepped into the stadium, it was immensely emotional. It was a success to bring so many Bologna fans here, to enjoy the atmosphere their fathers or grandfathers felt when winning the trophy twice in this stadium,” Fenucci told Sport Mediaset.

This is an historic occasion, because Bologna have not made it to the Coppa Italia Final for 51 years.

However, they did win both previous times they reached the final phase of the tournament, in 1970 and 1974.

“The journey started a few years ago with the arrival of Sinisa Mihajlovic, continued under Thiago Motta, then Vincenzo Italiano changed the tactical system and we have this great bond between coach, players and club that took us to this Final.”

Italiano has been linked with numerous other clubs for next season, including Milan, so will Bologna be able to keep hold of their coach?

“He has a contract for one more year, but we have already started talking to his representatives to continue the journey together,” added Fenucci.

“We are very happy with him as a person and a coach, he is very happy here, so we intend to continue together.”