Prediction: Bologna vs Empoli

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to seal their spot in Rome, Bologna carry a three-goal advantage into Thursday’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Empoli.

Having comfortably beaten their Tuscan opponents in the first leg, the Rossoblu are now on the verge of setting up a final showdown with one of the Milan giants next month.

Bologna

Bologna have one foot firmly planted in the Coppa Italia final after dispatching a youthful Empoli side in the first leg earlier this month, where Riccardo Orsolini’s opener and a Thijs Dallinga brace — both assisted by Dan Ndoye — sealed a commanding 3-0 away win.

Despite Dallinga missing out on a hat-trick and Nicolo Cambiaghi rattling the post late on, the dominant display marked a sixth straight victory for the Rossoblu, who had already seen off Monza and Atalanta to reach their first semi-final in 25 years.

With a first major trophy in sight, Bologna also have Champions League ambitions, bolstered by a dramatic stoppage-time win over Inter last weekend — Orsolini’s stunning bicycle kick securing three precious points to lift them back into the top four.

Team News

Coach Vincenzo Italiano must now balance priorities as his side prepare to face Udinese on Monday, and he’s expected to rotate heavily on Thursday. Federico Ravaglia will again deputise in goal for the injured Lukasz Skorupski, while Santiago Castro and Dallinga vie for the lone striker role.

Lewis Ferguson, Davide Calabria, and centre-back Nicolo Casale are also absent due to injuries.

Empoli

Empoli’s historic Coppa Italia run has been a rare bright spark in a difficult season, but overturning a three-goal deficit against Bologna may be a step too far as the focus shifts back to Serie A survival.

Roberto D’Aversa’s side stunned Fiorentina and Juventus en route to their first-ever semi-final, with dramatic penalty shootout wins following hard-fought draws. However, that momentum hasn’t translated to league form: the Azzurri are now winless in 17 top-flight matches and sit 19th in the table, one point from safety.

D’Aversa once again fielded a youthful and rotated XI in the first leg, and a similar approach is expected at the Dall’Ara, with Sunday’s relegation clash against Fiorentina looming large. While Tino Anjorin salvaged a late point in a 2-2 draw with Venezia last week, Empoli’s last victory dates back to December, and they remain in dire need of points to avoid the drop.

Team News

Empoli’s injury list is extensive, with key names like Youssef Maleh, Christian Kouame, Szymon Zurkowski and Nicolas Haas all sidelined. Ardian Ismajli is also a doubt, but Ola Solbakken and Anjorin recently returned, and Liam Henderson is available again following suspension.

Even with fresh legs, Empoli face an uphill task against a Bologna side full of belief and on the cusp of reaching their first Coppa Italia final in 50 years.

Conclusion

Empoli’s fairy-tale Coppa Italia run appears to be nearing its end, with the club’s attention firmly fixed on avoiding relegation rather than launching an unlikely comeback in Bologna. With a three-goal deficit and a stretched, injury-hit squad, Roberto D’Aversa is expected to preserve his key players for Sunday’s must-win Serie A clash with Fiorentina.

Bologna, in contrast, have one foot in the final and the luxury of managing minutes ahead of a crucial league run-in. With confidence high and momentum on their side, the Rossoblu should see out the tie professionally and with minimal fuss.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster