Overview
In the most recent match in Serie A, Bologna had an extremely important victory over Inter Milan. These 3 points help them solidify their position in the race for qualification to the Champions League next season.
Confidence is rising for Bologna as they also have a chance to reach the Coppa Italia final. In the first leg of the semi-final, they defeated Empoli with a score of 3-0.
In the early stages of this year's season, Bologna did not play well when they had to prepare for the Champions League. But after being eliminated and returning to domestic tournaments, coach Vincenzo Italiano's team has gradually regained their form. Except for the 0-2 defeat to Atalanta, Bologna won 6 and drew 1 in the last 8 matches in all competitions.
As for Empoli, they have almost lost hope of advancing to Coppa Italia after a disastrous first leg at home. That was a match in which Empoli were completely inferior to their opponents in every aspect, reflecting their performance in this year's Serie A rankings.
Empoli needs to focus on the Serie A relegation race when they are in 19th place. They have only 5 more matches to decide their fate. Giving up their strength in the match against Bologna is unnecessary, not to mention that Empoli's ability does not allow them to do that. Therefore, this could be an easy win for Bologna.
Bologna and Empoli have both won 7 and drawn 9 of their previous 23 meetings. However, Bologna are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, including 3 wins.
Personnel situation
Bologna will be without Lewis Ferguson, Davide Calabria and number 1 goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski due to injury. However, when Skorupski is absent, Federico Ravaglia will start in goal. Up front, Orsolini and Santiago Castro are expected to start.
On the other side of the front line, Youssef Maleh, Christian Kouame, Szymon Zurkowski, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov and Pietro Pellegri are all absent due to injury. However, Luca Marianucci, Lorenzo Tosto and Liam Henderson were expected to start.
Expected lineup:
Bologna: Ravaglia, De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis, Moro, Pobega, Orsolini, Fabbian, Cambiaghi, Castro.
Empoli: Seghetti, De sciglio, Marianucci, Tosto, Gyasi, Henderson, Kovalenko, Pezzella, Solbakken, Fazzini, Colombo.
The match between Bologna and Empoli takes place at 2:00 am on April 25 (Vietnam time).
