Bologna 2-1 Empoli (Apr 24, 2025) Game Analysis

Bologna eased into the Coppa Italia final following a 2-1 victory over Empoli at home on Thursday, which handed them a resounding 5-1 aggregate win as they set up a showdown with AC Milan.

It will be the first Italian Cup final appearance for Bologna since 1974.

The hosts strolled into the semifinal second leg with a comfortable cushion, with Empoli facing an uphill task of overturning a three-goal deficit.

Giovanni Fabbian compounded Empoli’s misery after just seven minutes when the unmarked midfielder headed in a cross to extend Bologna’s aggregate advantage.

While the visitors may have felt their Coppa Italia run was already over, they still responded in the 33rd minute as Ola Solbakken’s angled drive was parried by Federico Ravaglia into the path of Viktor Kovalenko, who slotted in the rebound.

Both sides used the closing stages to express themselves more freely, playing with flair and imagination, but it was Thijs Dallinga who met a cross to head in another Bologna goal four minutes from time, sealing the win.

Bologna will face Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on May 14.

It’s the fourth final for Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano in three seasons, having guided Fiorentina to the last two Conference League finals and the Cup final in 2023.

The Cup winner earns a spot in the Europa League, but Bologna is currently fourth in Serie A and on course to qualify for the Champions League for a second straight season.

Last weekend, Bologna beat Serie A leaders Inter Milan 1-0 in Serie A.