Bologna vs Empoli: Coppa Italia Semi-Final Second Leg Preview

Bologna welcome Empoli to the Stadio Dall’Ara for the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie, with a place in the final against Milan at stake. The home side hold a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg and will be confident of progressing.

Thiago Motta’s Bologna side enter the match in excellent form, having stunned league leaders Inter 1-0 at the weekend thanks to a spectacular late winner from Riccardo Orsolini. That victory saw them leapfrog Juventus into fourth place in Serie A.

Bologna will be without Emil Holm due to a calf injury, joining Lukasz Skorupski, Lewis Ferguson and Nicolò Casale on the sidelines. Orsolini is expected to start alongside Thijs Dallinga in attack.

Empoli have exceeded expectations to reach this stage, eliminating Torino, Fiorentina and Juventus along the way. However, their cup form has not translated to Serie A, where they are winless in 2025 and battling relegation.

The visitors have several absentees, including Youssef Maleh, Christian Kouame, Ardian Ismajli, Nicolas Haas, Pietro Pellegri and Szymon Zurkowski. Ola Solbakken will lead the line supported by Ibrahim Konate and Viktor Kovalenko.

Confirmed Lineups:

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

With their healthy first leg advantage, Bologna will be looking to control the match and secure their spot in the Coppa Italia final. Empoli face a mountain to climb but will be hoping to restore some pride with a positive performance.