Bologna take on the visitors Empoli in the second leg of Coppa Italia semifinals. First leg result: 3-0. The match will be played on Thursday, April 24th at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara (Bologna).
Bologna didn’t exactly shock anyone in 2023/2024 — their push for a top-four finish eventually fell short to the more experienced Atalanta. But they got lucky, as UEFA's format changes that year granted Italy a fifth Champions League spot, which went to Bologna. They debuted in the competition without the architect of their rise, Thiago Motta, who left for Juventus — only to be sacked there shortly after. In Europe, they struggled, showing glimpses of quality only towards the end of the group stage, including a rare win. However, their Serie A form showed steady progress, and by April they were again within reach of a top-four finish. A 0-0 draw against Napoli was followed by a disappointing 0-2 loss in Bergamo to an erratic Atalanta, and in the last round, they were outclassed by Inter. In the Coppa Italia, however, they are virtually guaranteed a place in the final after a stunning away win that left little doubt.
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Empoli are practically closing the book on this season. The Azzurri only recently began to stabilize in the top tier of Italian football. But that doesn't mean it's been smooth sailing. Last season, they barely scraped together 36 points — just enough to survive, finishing one point ahead of Frosinone, the best of the bottom three. This campaign started surprisingly well under Roberto D’Aversa, but their momentum evaporated by the end of the calendar year. Since the turn of 2025, they’ve gone winless in Serie A, dropping into the relegation zone — only Monza has fared worse. Last weekend’s must-win clash against fellow strugglers Venezia ended in frustration. In the cup, they also struggled for victories during this stretch. Still, they managed to shock everyone by taking Fiorentina and Juventus to penalty shootouts — and winning both. But that magic clearly ran out against the Rossoblù, who calmly put three past them without reply.
The Rossoblù won both encounters last season. But this term, both Serie A meetings ended in draws. The tie was effectively decided in the first leg. However, Bologna should comfortably finish the job at home — back them to win with a -1 handicap.
Prediction for the match: Bologna to win with -1.0 handicap.
