At the Stadio Castellani, Bologna showcased their dominance with a robust 3-0 win against Empoli in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. This victory brings Bologna tantalizingly close to the final, with their stellar performance overshadowing a struggling Empoli, who will have a mountain to climb in the return leg on April 24.
Riccardo Orsolini set the tone for the match, scoring the opening goal in the 23rd minute. Shortly after, Thijs Dallinga doubled the lead in the 29th minute before wrapping up his brace in the 51st minute, putting the game beyond Empoli’s reach. While Bologna’s attack took the spotlight, it was their overall team performance that left Empoli floundering.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
Looking at the line-ups, Empoli fielded a squad including Seghetti, De Sciglio, Marianucci, Tosto, Gyasi, Kovalenko, Bacci, Cacace, Fazzini, Solbakken, and Colombo. Bologna, on the other hand, featured Skorupski, Calabria, Beukema, Lucumì, Miranda, Freuler, Ferguson, Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye, and Dallinga.
Despite Empoli’s previous illustrious victories over big names like Juventus and Fiorentina, this tie was a different story. Their defense faltered, admitting to mistakes that were seized by a highly efficient Bologna. Empoli’s coach, Roberto D'Aversa, was candid about the team’s shortcomings and acknowledged Bologna’s superiority on the night.
Bologna's Winning Streak
Under the adept guidance of coach Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna has been riding high, not just in the Coppa Italia but also in Serie A, where they hold a commendable fourth place. This concurrent participation in the Champions League and consistent domestic performance reflect Italiano’s effective management and the players' determination.
Meanwhile, Empoli is battling against relegation in Serie A, which adds another layer of pressure to their campaign. Compounding their issues are injuries to pivotal players like Ardian Ismajli, further denting their chances of a major comeback in the second leg. It’s a contrasting picture for Empoli, with the thrill of earlier cup successes now overshadowed by league troubles.
Looking ahead, the other semi-final clash is between Milan and Inter, adding further excitement to this year’s Coppa Italia. With the return legs approaching, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the semi-finals later this month.