Bologna is celebrating a momentous occasion as they have advanced to the Coppa Italia final for the first time in over fifty years. The Rossoblu secured their spot with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Empoli in the second leg of the semifinals, completing a commanding 5-1 aggregate win.
The decisive match took place on April 24, 2025, at the Stadio Dall’Ara, where the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. After a strong 3-0 victory in the first leg, Bologna was in a favorable position, but they faced a determined Empoli side looking to overturn the deficit.
Empoli started the match with a sense of urgency, knowing they needed to score to have any chance of advancing. The Tuscans, however, were without several key players including Ismajli, Maleh, Kouamé, Sazonov, Zurkowski, Haas, Pellegri, and Pezzella, which put them at a disadvantage. Bologna, on the other hand, was missing Calabria, Skorupski, and Casale, but they still had enough depth to compete.
The first half saw both teams struggle to find the back of the net, with Bologna controlling possession but failing to convert their chances. It wasn’t until the second half that the deadlock was broken. Bologna’s Thijs Dallinga, who has been in fine form, found the net with an 87th-minute header, sending the home fans into a frenzy. This crucial goal not only sealed the victory for Bologna in this match but also confirmed their aggregate win.
After the match, an elated Dallinga commented, “It’s an incredible feeling to help my team reach the final. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to do it in front of our fans makes it even more special.” His goal exemplified Bologna’s determination and resilience throughout the tournament.
With this win, Bologna will now face off against their opponents in the final, set to take place at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 14, 2025. This final marks a significant milestone for Bologna, who last reached the Coppa Italia final over fifty years ago. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to see their team compete for the prestigious trophy.
As Bologna prepares for the final, the team will look to build on their momentum. Coach Thiago Motta has been instrumental in the team’s success this season, and his tactical acumen has been praised by players and analysts alike. “We’ve come a long way this season, and reaching the final is a testament to our hard work and unity as a team,” said Motta in the post-match press conference.
Looking ahead, Bologna will need to maintain their focus and continue to work on their game plan as they prepare for the final showdown. The team’s depth will be crucial, especially with Ferguson and Santiago Castro expected to contribute despite recent injuries. Fans will be hoping for a full-strength squad as they aim for glory.
For those looking to catch the final, it will be available to stream on Premier Player in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA, ensuring that fans from around the world can tune in to witness this historic moment for Bologna.
As the excitement builds, Bologna’s journey in the Coppa Italia serves as a reminder of the club’s rich history and the passionate support from their fans. The anticipation for the final is palpable, and the Rossoblu are ready to make their mark on Italian football once again.
