Bologna is set to face Empoli in the return leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on April 24, 2025, at the Stadio Dall’Ara, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT). The Rossoblu enter this match with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, where they triumphed in Tuscany thanks to a stellar performance from Thijs Dallinga, who netted two goals, alongside a strike from Riccardo Orsolini. Fresh off a thrilling 1-0 victory over Inter Milan, where Orsolini scored a sensational scissor-kick volley, Bologna is riding high, having leapfrogged Juventus into fourth place in Serie A.
However, Bologna will have to navigate this crucial match without some key players. Emil Holm has been sidelined with a muscular issue in his left calf, joining teammates Lukasz Skorupski, Lewis Ferguson, and Nicolò Casale on the treatment table. Despite these absences, coach Thiago Motta has made strategic adjustments, bringing in Nikola Moro and Giovanni Fabbian to bolster the starting XI alongside Dallinga and Orsolini.
Empoli, on the other hand, has had a rollercoaster journey in this year's Coppa Italia, eliminating formidable opponents including Torino, Fiorentina, and Juventus to reach their first-ever semi-final. However, their league form has been far less impressive, as they remain winless in Serie A for 2025 and are facing a real threat of relegation. The Tuscans have managed to secure draws against Como, Cagliari, and Venezia recently, but their injury list is extensive, with Youssef Maleh, Christian Kouame, Ardian Ismajli, Nicolas Haas, Pietro Pellegri, and Szymon Zurkowski all unavailable for this crucial fixture.
In the attacking line, Ola Solbakken will lead the charge for Empoli, supported by Ibrahim Konate and Viktor Kovalenko, while veteran defender Mattia De Sciglio will anchor a three-man defense. Coach Roberto D'Aversa has emphasized the importance of this match, stating, "We have to approach this game with the mindset of believing in a comeback, even though the odds are stacked against us. We need to score early and often to have any chance of advancing."
The stakes are high for both teams. Bologna is aiming to secure their place in the final scheduled for May 14 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, while Empoli is looking for a historic comeback that would require them to win by at least three goals to force extra time. The last time these two teams met in the league, Bologna emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline, a result they will desperately aim to defend.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere at the Stadio Dall’Ara is electric, with fans optimistic about their team’s chances. Bologna has been particularly strong at home, and with the support of their passionate fans, they will look to capitalize on their first-leg advantage. The official line-ups for the match have been confirmed, with Bologna fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation and Empoli opting for a 3-5-2.
Here’s how the teams are expected to line up:
Bologna: Ravaglia; De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumí, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Cambiaghi; Dallinga.
Empoli: Seghetti; Tosto, Marianucci, De Sciglio; Ebuehi, Sambia, Bacci, Cacace; Kovalenko, Konate; Solbakken.
As the match kicks off, all eyes will be on Bologna to see if they can maintain their solid defensive record, having not conceded a goal in their last four Coppa Italia matches. This streak of clean sheets could be crucial as they face an Empoli side desperate to overturn the odds. The Tuscans have shown resilience in previous rounds, but will need to dig deep to overcome a team that has shown formidable strength in the tournament.
Fans can catch the action live on Canale 5 and stream it on the Mediaset Infinity platform. As the referee Matteo Marcenaro blows the whistle to start the match, the tension will be palpable. Will Bologna hold firm and secure their spot in the final, or can Empoli achieve the impossible? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
With a rich history between these two clubs, this match is not just about advancing to the final; it’s also about pride and the desire to write a new chapter in their storied rivalry. Bologna leads the historical record with 12 draws, nine victories for Empoli, and eight wins for Bologna across Serie A, Serie B, and Coppa Italia. However, recent form favors Bologna, who have remained unbeaten in their last five encounters with Empoli.
The match will undoubtedly be a test of character for both sides, with Bologna aiming to build on their impressive cup run and Empoli fighting for survival in both the cup and league. As they take to the pitch, the question remains: can Empoli pull off a miracle, or will Bologna secure their place in the Coppa Italia final?
