Bologna FC is on the brink of a historic achievement as they secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Empoli in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, marking a potential return to the final for the first time since 1974. Head coach Vincenzo Italiano credited the team's participation in the UEFA Champions League as a crucial turning point in their season, enhancing their performance and mentality.
The match took place at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, where Bologna showcased their dominance despite having previously drawn both Serie A encounters against Empoli 1-1. The Rossoblu opened the scoring early, with Riccardo Orsolini netting the first goal, followed by a brace from Thijs Dallinga, who ended a goal drought that had lasted over two months.
“We wanted to give ourselves a good chance of going through in the second leg,” Italiano told Sport Mediaset after the match. “We had the right approach from the start, scoring early and then going into the break at 2-0. We managed to score a third too, but I think the approach and attitude was key, including our fans coming to the training ground yesterday and the hunger in my lads to put in this performance.”
Bologna's victory marks their sixth consecutive win across all competitions. In 2025, they have lost only one match, with an impressive record of 11 wins and five draws. The team’s recent success has been largely attributed to the invaluable lessons learned from their Champions League campaign, where they faced some of the best teams in Europe.
“We said many times that the Champions League participation taught us so much, as we faced some of the best teams in Europe with a different level of tempo and intensity,” Italiano explained. “We took all those lessons, especially the mental boost of beating Borussia Dortmund on a magical night, and carried it on to the other competitions.”
Midfielders Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson played pivotal roles in dominating the match against Empoli, as they controlled the tempo and provided crucial support to the attack. “The midfield is often where games are won and lost. Remo and Lewis were fantastic tonight, so aggressive and had quality too; it was one of their best performances,” Italiano praised.
As Bologna approaches the second leg of the semifinal with a solid 3-0 advantage, the team is focused on maintaining their momentum. “Now we go into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage; we won the first ‘half’ of the tie and will try to do the same in the second,” Italiano stated confidently.
Reaching the Coppa Italia Final would be monumental for Bologna, a club with a rich history that last appeared in the final over 50 years ago. “The club hasn’t been in the Coppa Italia Final for a long time, so we all have this dream, and the lads gave their all to help it happen,” Italiano added.
Thijs Dallinga's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only scored twice but also demonstrated resilience after a challenging period of form and injury. “I am really pleased for Dallinga, who hadn’t scored for a while and had been dealing with an injury. Everyone knows what a boost it is for a striker to get goals, so we hope he can keep going like this,” Italiano remarked.
As Bologna prepares for the second leg of the semifinal, fans are buzzing with anticipation, hoping to witness their team secure a place in the final. The support from the fans has been a significant factor in the team's recent success, as demonstrated by the turnout at their training ground the day before the match.
“The players really want Bologna to achieve something extraordinary,” Italiano noted, highlighting the collective ambition within the squad. The excitement surrounding the club is palpable, with supporters eager to see if their team can capitalize on their first-leg advantage and make history.
With their eyes set on the Coppa Italia trophy, Bologna is not just dreaming of glory; they are on a mission to reclaim their place among Italy's elite football clubs. The upcoming second leg promises to be an intense encounter as they look to finish the job against Empoli and secure a spot in the final.
Bologna's journey this season has been remarkable, and the lessons learned from their Champions League experience have undoubtedly shaped their current form. As they navigate the final stages of the Coppa Italia, every match is a stepping stone toward achieving their long-held aspirations.
In conclusion, Bologna's recent success is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the invaluable experience gained from competing on the European stage. With the second leg on the horizon, fans and players alike are ready to embrace the challenge and strive for a historic return to the Coppa Italia Final.
