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Bologna are on the verge of reaching the Italian Cup final after a commanding 3-0 victory at Empoli on Tuesday, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg of their semi-final tie.
Riccardo Orsolini continued his superb form, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical first-time finish. Thijs Dallinga then doubled the advantage with a goal in each half, ensuring Bologna’s dominance in the first leg and leaving Empoli with a mountain to climb.
The win gives Bologna a commanding lead and they are now on track to reach their first Italian Cup final since 1974, when they last won the competition. With Milan giants AC Milan and Inter Milan set to face off in their semi-final, Bologna will likely meet one of them in next month’s final in Rome.
The team, currently fourth in Serie A, are also looking set for a Champions League return after a strong campaign this season. Bologna have been in exceptional form, winning their last six matches in all competitions.
Orsolini, who netted his 13th goal of the season, is playing a key role in their success. His goal against Empoli marked his fifth in as many games, strengthening calls for his inclusion in Italy’s national team. After scoring, he made a “knock-knock” gesture in front of a TV camera, seemingly directed at Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who is seeking his first major trophy as a coach after three final defeats with Fiorentina, has masterminded a superb campaign this year. Empoli, making their debut appearance in an Italian Cup semi-final, had hoped for an upset but are now on the brink of elimination after this heavy defeat.
In Serie A, Empoli are struggling, currently sitting in the relegation zone, and have failed to win since early December, enduring 11 losses and four draws in that time.
