Bologna Book Coppa Italia Final with Milan After Beating Empoli

First Final Appearance Since 1974 as Bologna Celebrate Historic Run

BOLOGNA, Italy: Bologna stormed into the Coppa Italia final for the first time in over five decades with a 2–1 victory over Empoli on Thursday, completing a commanding 5–1 aggregate triumph in their semifinal clash.

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First Final Appearance Since 1974 as Bologna Celebrate Historic Run First Final in 51 Years Focus Turns to Milan Final

With a three-goal cushion from the first leg, Bologna entered the second leg at home with confidence and quickly asserted control. Giovanni Fabbian opened the scoring in the 7th minute, heading in an early cross to extend the lead and further dampen Empoli’s faint hopes of a comeback.

Empoli showed some resistance when Viktor Kovalenko slotted in a rebound after Ola Solbakken’s drive was parried in the 33rd minute, making it 1–1 on the night. But the momentum remained with Bologna, who controlled the match through to the end.

Thijs Dallinga sealed the win in the 86th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross to restore Bologna’s lead and send the crowd into celebration mode.

First Final in 51 Years

The victory marks Bologna’s first Coppa Italia final appearance since they won the trophy in 1974. Their opponent in the final will be AC Milan, with the showdown scheduled for May 14 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano dedicated the triumph to the club’s loyal supporters. “It was a goal, the dream of this city and the club: we have honored this competition from the start,” Italiano said post-match. “We dedicate this final to the people of Bologna, who support us tremendously.”

Focus Turns to Milan Final

Looking ahead to the final, Italiano acknowledged the challenge of facing a powerhouse like Milan but remained optimistic. “Our self-esteem is already sky-high, and we know we’re facing a team of champions, but we’ll try to use our strengths,” he said.

“We can’t wait to get to Rome, and we hope to have those 30,000 fans at the Olimpico.”

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Categories: Football, Coppa Italia, Italian Football
Tags: Bologna Empoli Coppa Italia, Bologna Milan final 2025, Vincenzo Italiano interview, Bologna 1974 Coppa Italia, Coppa Italia semifinal results