Coppa Italia: Bologna Eliminates Empoli, Advances to Final Against AC Milan

Bologna secured their spot in the Coppa Italia final on Thursday, defeating Empoli 2-1 in the second leg of the semi-finals. They will face AC Milan in the final.

Having already won the first leg 3-0, Bologna took an early lead just seven minutes into the match with a goal from Giovanni Fabbian. Empoli equalized around the half-hour mark through Viktor Kovalenko, but they could not trouble Vincenzo Italiano’s side further.

Thijs Dallinga, a former player for Toulouse, sealed the victory for Bologna with a headed goal in the 86th minute.

The final is set for May 14 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Bologna, currently enjoying a strong Serie A season in fourth place, previously claimed the Coppa Italia title in 1970 and 1974, marking their first appearance in the final since then.

Here’s a recap of the Coppa Italia semi-finals following Bologna’s qualification:

Thursday, April 24

Bologna – Empoli 2 – 1

(Bologna advances)

(First leg: Empoli – Bologna 0 – 3)

Wednesday, April 23

Inter Milan – AC Milan 0 – 3

(AC Milan advances)

(First leg: AC Milan – Inter Milan 1 – 1)