Bologna enter the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final in full control after a commanding 3-0 win over Empoli in the first leg. Now back on home turf at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, they look set to close out the tie and advance to the final. We analyze this clash in detail, offering a prediction and betting recommendations rooted in form, tactical analysis, and performance data.
Fighting for our place in the #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa final 🤩💪#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/VmAoEGAWQ3
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) April 23, 2025
Bologna vs Empoli Match Details
- Fixture: Bologna vs Empoli
- Competition: Coppa Italia – Semi-Final (Second Leg)
- Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 CET
- Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
- First Leg Result: Empoli 0-3 Bologna
Team Form and Tactical Assessment
Bologna: Organized, Confident, Clinical
Bologna are one of Serie A’s most consistent home performers this season. With 10 wins in their last 17 home league matches, they have shown discipline and structure in both attack and defense. Under Thiago Motta, Bologna deploy a high-pressing style, efficient ball distribution, and clinical finishing.
In their last match, Bologna defeated Inter Milan 1-0, showcasing control with 49% possession and three shots on target. The midfield duo of Freuler and Aebischer provides balance, while Riccardo Orsolini continues to deliver crucial goals from wide positions. Zirkzee’s hold-up play and link-up abilities give Bologna added depth in the final third.
Empoli: Tactical Fragility and Goal-Scoring Woes
Empoli, by contrast, are languishing near the bottom of the table with no wins in their last 18 league matches. They have lost 13 of their previous 20 fixtures and average just 0.4 goals per game over their last 10 outings. Their inability to retain possession (just 40.8%) and control territory has exposed their backline, with the team conceding an average of 1.9 goals per match.
Despite a spirited 2-2 draw against Venezia in their latest outing, Empoli remain vulnerable, particularly when pressed in transition. Their away form is dismal, with just 1 win in 16 matches and a meager seven goals scored in that stretch.
Bologna vs Empoli Head-to-Head and Recent Meetings
- Last 5 Meetings: 3 wins for Bologna, 2 draws
- First Leg (Apr 17, 2025): Empoli 0-3 Bologna
- Aggregate Score: Bologna lead 3-0
Bologna have had Empoli’s number in recent encounters. In the first leg, they dominated with 67% possession and 7 shots on target. Thijs Dallinga scored twice, with Orsolini adding another, effectively sealing the tie barring a dramatic collapse.
📺🎙🎥 | PRESS CONFERENCE
— Empoli Football Club Official (@EmpoliFC) April 23, 2025
Le parole di mister Roberto D'Aversa alla vigilia di #BolognaEmpoli di #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa su #EmpoliFootballChannel
👉 https://t.co/KCiJzcz6wf pic.twitter.com/6RMVQl1Zij
Predicted Starting Lineups
Bologna (4-2-3-1)
Skorupski – Posch, Lucumí, Calafiori, Kristiansen – Freuler, Aebischer – Orsolini, Ferguson, Ndoye – Zirkzee
Empoli (4-3-1-2)
Vasquez – Bereszynski, Walukiewicz, Ismajli, Pezzella – Grassi, Marin, Fazzini – Baldanzi – Anjorin, Cerri
Match Stats (Last 10 Games)
Bologna
- Wins: 7
- Goals per game: 1.7
- Possession: 61.6%
- Shots on goal per game: 4.5
- Goals conceded per game: 1.0
Empoli
- Wins: 0
- Goals per game: 0.4
- Possession: 40.8%
- Shots on goal per game: 2.0
- Goals conceded per game: 1.9
Bologna dominate every key metric. Their passing accuracy, control in midfield, and ability to create clear chances stand in stark contrast to Empoli’s inefficiency in both attacking and defensive phases.
Bologna vs Empoli Betting Analysis and Predictions
Best Bet: Bologna -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.35
This is the standout pick. Bologna need not take excessive risks but should still comfortably win by two or more goals, given Empoli’s lack of attacking threat and leaky defense. Bologna have covered this spread in 3 of their last 5 home games.
Additional Betting Options
- Bologna to Win Both Halves: Value at 3.10
- Orsolini Anytime Goalscorer: Strong pick at 2.75
- Correct Score Prediction: Bologna 3-0
With Empoli unlikely to find the net, and Bologna firing on all cylinders, the home side should assert their dominance early and close out the tie with minimal difficulty.
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A look back on the three goals in our first leg 👀🔚#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/Y2Y8hxtWhg
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) April 23, 2025
Conclusion
Bologna enter this match with complete control. Backed by a roaring home crowd and a 3-0 advantage, we expect them to press early, control possession, and extend their aggregate lead with ease. Empoli’s weaknesses in transition and defending set pieces are likely to be exposed once again.
