Empoli coach Roberto D’Aversa conceded that Bologna was the superior team in their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, which ended in a 3-0 defeat for the home side. Despite reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history, Empoli’s hopes of progressing further have been significantly diminished.

D’Aversa commented on the match, stating, “We made some clear errors on the goals, which you can’t afford against a team like Bologna, who along with Roma are currently in top form in Italy. Our regret is also that we had opportunities to score but failed to capitalize on them. Bologna was undoubtedly superior on the pitch, and they deserve full credit.”

The Empoli manager emphasized that the club’s primary focus must remain on maintaining their Serie A status. With only four draws in their last 15 league matches, Empoli faces a challenging battle for survival. D’Aversa noted, “Our main objective is to secure safety. The recent draw against Como, where we could have achieved more, gives us hope for the future. We need to improve our efficiency in converting the chances we create.”

Injuries have plagued Empoli throughout the season, with key player Ardian Ismajli being one of the latest casualties. D’Aversa expressed his frustration with the ongoing fitness issues, saying, “We’ve had to deal with numerous injuries all season long. Ismajli’s absence is particularly felt as he’s an important player for us.”

As Empoli looks ahead to their remaining Serie A fixtures, including five crucial head-to-head clashes, D’Aversa and his team will need to regroup quickly. The focus now shifts to overcoming their recent poor form and securing the points necessary to avoid relegation, a feat that would be considered a major achievement for the club.