In a surprising first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, Empoli will face Bologna at the Carlo Castellani stadium on April 1, 2025, at 21:00. This matchup comes after Empoli's impressive victory over Juventus in the quarterfinals, while Bologna eliminated Atalanta to reach this stage. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final, which is scheduled for May 4, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The atmosphere at the Castellani is electric as fans gather for this historic match, marking Empoli's first appearance in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Despite not being labeled a traditional big match, the stakes are high for both teams, as they vie for a chance to lift the coveted trophy. The other semifinal will see Milan take on Inter on April 2, 2025, also at 21:00.
Empoli, coached by Roberto D’Aversa, has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring goalkeeper Seghetti and a defensive trio of De Sciglio, Marianucci, and Tosto. The midfield will see Gyasi and Kovalenko controlling the flanks, while Bacci will partner with Cacace in the center. Up front, Colombo will lead the attack, supported by Fazzini and Solbakken. D’Aversa faces challenges with injuries, notably the absence of Henderson due to suspension.
Bologna, on the other hand, managed by Vincenzo Italiano, will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Skorupski will guard the goal, with Calabria, Beukema, Lucumì, and Miranda forming the defense. The midfield duo of Freuler and Ferguson will look to dominate possession, while Orsolini, Odgaard, and Ndoye support Dallinga in the attacking role. Bologna is in strong form, having secured five consecutive victories leading up to this match.
As the match kicks off, Bologna quickly makes their presence felt. Orsolini nearly scores within minutes, striking the ball from a promising position and narrowly missing the post. The early scare for Empoli sets the tone for an intense battle.
Fans are eagerly tuning in to watch the match, which is broadcast live on Canale 5 and available for streaming on Mediaset Infinity. This accessibility ensures that supporters can follow their teams without any barriers, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
The historical significance of this match cannot be understated. Fabrizio Corsi, the president of Empoli, expressed the pride felt by the club and its supporters. “There’s a great emotion from all our components. The city is experiencing this eve in a sober manner, but we are proud to host Bologna fans, who will be in the majority. This match is an event and a celebration,” Corsi stated in a recent interview.
Looking ahead, the return leg of this semifinal will take place on April 24, 2025, where the teams will battle once more for a spot in the final. The anticipation builds as fans speculate on the outcome, with many favoring Bologna due to their strong league performance this season. However, Empoli has proven to be a formidable opponent, as demonstrated by their unexpected triumph over Juventus.
As both teams prepare for the challenge, the focus remains on delivering a memorable performance. Each squad has its strengths and weaknesses, and the tactical battle between D’Aversa and Italiano will be crucial in determining the winner.
In conclusion, the Coppa Italia semifinal between Empoli and Bologna promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the best of Italian football. With the final in sight, both teams will leave everything on the pitch in their quest for glory. Fans will be eagerly watching, as the outcome of this match could set the stage for a thrilling finale in Rome.
