Empoli vs. Bologna - Match news , live streaming , Expected lineups

Empoli and Bologna in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, scheduled for Tuesday at Stadio Castellani, presents a compelling narrative amidst contrasting team fortunes. Empoli, grappling with a winless streak in Serie A that spans 15 matches and places them in the relegation zone, has nevertheless advanced to this stage after notable victories against Fiorentina and Juventus via penalty shootouts . Despite recent struggles, including a draw against Como marked by a late red card for Jacopo Fazzini, the team appears determined to leverage their cup success as motivation.

Christian Kouame scored for Empoli. Bologna won their last Serie A game 1-0 away against Venezia, with Riccardo Orsolini scoring. They enjoyed 60% possession and also had four shots on target. In Coppa Italia quarter-finals, Empoli beat Juventus on penalties after a 1-1 draw (AET), while Bologna defeated Atalanta 1-0 away. Bologna are unbeaten in their last four matches against Empoli, including a 1-1 Serie A draw in their most recent encounter. The last nine head-to-head games have resulted in three wins for each side and three draws.

Bologna are coming into this match on a much stronger run. Their 1-0 away win at Venezia on Saturday marked a fifth consecutive win and second straight clean sheet.

In their last 16 matches, Bologna’s only defeat was at Parma. They will hope not to fall to another side sitting low in the league standings.

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In their previous 16 matches, I Rossoblu posted 10 wins, one of them a 1-0 win at Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarters. By virtue of their high finish last season, Bologna got a bye in the first two rounds.

Empoli possible starting lineup: Silvestri; De Sciglio, Marianucci, Viti; Gyasi, Kovalenko, Grassi, Pezzella; Esposito, Cacace; Colombo

Bologna possible starting lineup: Ravaglia; Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Dallinga

Bologna enters this fixture buoyed by an impressive form, having won four consecutive matches leading up to this encounter . Their only absentee is Santiago Castro due to injury; thus they are likely to field a strong lineup. In contrast, Empoli faces significant challenges with multiple key players unavailable due to injuries. Coach D'Aversa may opt to rest starters such as Esposito as they prioritize Serie A survival over cup ambitions .

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Sarah H

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