Bologna won both matches against Empoli in the Coppa Italia semifinal. The fate of the tie was decided in the first leg, in which Bologna defeated Empoli 3-0. In the second leg, Bologna beat Empoli again. The goals for the hosts were scored by Giovanni Fabbian and Thijs Dallinga. The honorary goal for Empoli was scored by Viktor Kovalenko.
AC Milan’s impressive road to the final
Live results throughout the tournament show that AC Milan had an impressive run in this year’s Coppa Italia. The team led by Sérgio Conceição defeated Sassuolo 6–1, AS Roma 3–1, and Inter Milan 4–1 on their way to the final. The semifinal game against their derby rival was one of AC Milan’s best matches this season. After a draw in the first leg, Inter Milan were considered the favourites, but in the second leg they were helpless. AC Milan was well-organized in defense and allowed Inter only three shots on target. Luka Jovic was very effective against Inter, scoring two goals in 36th and 49th minutes. The final goal was scored by Tijjani Reijnders with a precise shot in 85th minute. Mike Maignan also deserves praise for his excellent performance in goal, making three important saves.
European ambitions at stake
Winning the Coppa Italia is the only way for AC Milan to qualify for European competition next season. The winner of the Coppa Italia automatically qualifies for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in the following season. The Rossoneri are currently 9th in the Serie A table, 8 points behind 6th-placed Lazio. Bologna sits in 4th place, and the team led by Vincenzo Italiano is very close to securing a Champions League spot. The Coppa Italia final will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday, 14 May at 9 p.m.
A defining moment for Sérgio Conceição
These two teams have faced each other twice this season. In round 22 there was a draw 2-2. A shocking fact from this game is that both Olivier Giroud and Theo Hernández missed penalty. Milan’s goals were scored by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Bologna’s goals came from Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Orsolini. On 27 February, the teams played again. Bologna won 2–1, despite AC Milan leading at halftime. In the second half, Bologna played very well, and goals from Santiago Castro and Dan Ndoye gave them the three points.
Coppa Italia final is going to be the most important match so far for Sérgio Conceição as AC Milan’s coach. The Portuguese manager is uncertain about his future, and it’s possible that even if AC Milal wins Coppa Italia, he could leave the club. The nail in his coffin was the Champions League defeat to Feyenoord.
