Bologna took a significant step towards their first Coppa Italia final since 1974, securing a commanding 3-0 victory away to Empoli in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday, April 1st. A double from striker Thijs Dallinga highlighted a dominant performance from the visitors.
Empoli, who stunned Juventus on penalties in the previous round to reach their first-ever Coppa Italia semi-final, struggled to contain a Bologna side challenging for Champions League qualification in Serie A.
Bologna opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Jens Odgaard’s cross from the left caused confusion, allowing Riccardo Orsolini, unmarked, to drive a first-time shot into the net.
The lead was doubled just six minutes later. Dan Ndoye played a perfect through ball for Dallinga, who finished clinically. The pair combined again six minutes into the second half (51st minute), with Ndoye delivering a pass across goal for Dallinga to slide in and score his second of the night.
The emphatic victory leaves Bologna, twice winners of the competition (last in 1974), in a very strong position ahead of the second leg at home on April 24th. Empoli, struggling near the bottom of Serie A, face an immense task to overturn the three-goal deficit.
The winner of this tie will face either AC Milan or Inter Milan in the final at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in May. The Milan rivals play their semi-final first leg on Wednesday, April 2nd.
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