Rossoblu flashbacks: Once upon a time there was #MilanBFC…
13 December 1995, Milan, Coppa Italia, Quarter-finals, second-leg
MILAN-BOLOGNA 1-1 (7-8 dcr)
MILAN: Ielpo; Tassotti (81′ Di Canio), Maldini, Baresi, Coco; Ambrosini (46′ Eranio), Albertini, Boban; Savicevic, Weah, Simone (46′ Lentini). Coach.: Capello.
BOLOGNA: Antonioli; Tarozzi, Paramatti, Torrisi, De Marchi, Pergolizzi; Olivares (60′ Bosi), Scapolo, Doni (52′ Valtolina); Morello, Cornacchini (68′ Bresciani). Coach.: Ulivieri.
REFEREE: Bazzoli di Merano.
GOALSCORERS: 77′ aut. Baresi (M), 93′ rig. Savicevic (M).
RED CARDS: 95′ Savicevic (M), 107′ Baresi (M).
PENALTIES: Eranio (M) saved, Bosi (B) saved, Albertini (M) goal, Scapolo (B) goal, Maldini (M) goal, Paramatti (B) goal, Boban (M) goal, Pergolizzi (B) goal, Di Canio (M) goal, Bresciani (B) goal, Weah (M) goal, Valtolina (B) goal, Lentini (M) goal, Morello (B) goal, Coco (M) saved, Torrisi (B) goal.
Up till this memorable point of the season, Bologna had become slightly sick of drawing. A number of modest results had slowed down their progress in Serie B, as they only really began their successful push for promotion in the latter stages of the campaign. However, this game in particular was a notable turning point for the Rossoblu, as they proved to themselves that they actually belong in Italy’s top tier. Ulivieri’s side went head to head with superior Serie A opposition, ultimately securing a dramatic Coppa Italia victory on penalties. Having already overcome Mazzone’s Roma and also eliminated Verona and Reggiana, Fabio Capello’s AC Milan outfit were now Bologna’s next opponent. A superb goal from Morello secured a 1-1 draw at the Dall’ Ara during the first leg, suitably setting up what turned out to be an unforgettable evening at the Stadio San Siro during the following fixture. The Serie A leaders were eventually dumped out of the competition by Serie B’s Bologna, who produced a performance of high intensity and determination, subsequently earning their spot in the semi-finals.
In comparison to the first leg, Capello had opted to field a full strength team during the second fixture, including the likes of Savicevic, Albertini, Tassotti and Baresi. However, Milan were unable to find their flow at home, with Doni and Olivares both having two good chances to score, whilst Morello also failed to get the better of Ielpo during a superb one-on-one encounter. Milan’s first real chance of the match came through Savicevic at the start of the second half, although the Montenegrin’s strike was halted by the woodwork. The Rossoblu were more than aware that they had to up their tempo, as an away goal was needed if they were to advance. In the hope of galvanising his team, Ulivieri swapped Doni for Valtolina, with the substitution successfully leading to the Rossoblu’s only goal of the game. A mix-up at the back led to an own goal from Baresi, whose unfortunate deflection found its way past the helpless Ielpo.
With time ticking away, the confident away side were on course for a deserved victory, however the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 93rd minute after Tarozzi brought down Lentini. Savicevic effectively fired home his spot kick, subsequently sending the match into extra-time. The script was now written for a famous Milanese comeback, although Capello’s side were unable to keep their discipline as Savicevic and Baresi were amazingly both given their marching orders from the referee. With the hosts down to nine men, Bologna tried hard to snatch a winner, although Ulivieri’s side ultimately had to settle for penalties, with Torrisi acting as the hero following his decisive spot-kick strike.
