Bologna’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Empoli in a Serie A clash at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium. The match saw an explosive start with both goals coming within the first three minutes, but neither side could find a winner thereafter.
Giovanni Fabbian gave Bologna an early lead, tapping in at the back post from a corner after just 90 seconds. However, their joy was short-lived as Emmanuel Gyasi equalized for Empoli moments later, cleverly chesting the ball over the line from Giuseppe Pezzella’s cross.
The draw leaves Bologna still searching for their first win of the season under new coach Vincenzo Italiano. They have managed just one point from their opening three matches, following a draw with Udinese and a heavy defeat to Napoli.
Empoli, on the other hand, maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign. Coming off a surprise victory against Roma, they showed resilience to secure a point away from home.
Both teams had chances to claim all three points. Devis Vasquez made a crucial save to prevent an own goal for Bologna, while Empoli’s Ola Solbakken missed a golden opportunity from close range. In the dying minutes, Empoli’s Pietro Pellegri had a penalty appeal waved away after a challenge from Stefan Posch.
The result leaves both teams looking for improvement as they navigate the early stages of the Serie A season.
Goals: Fabbian 2 (B), Gyasi 3 (E)
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumì (82′ De Silvestri), Miranda; Freuler, Moro (54′ Aebischer), Fabbian (65′ Dallinga); Orsolini (82′ Urbanski), Castro, Karlsson (54′ Odgaard). All.: Italiano.
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Viti, Ismajli, Goglichidze; Gyasi, Grassi (61′ Esposito), Henderson, Pezzella (72′ Cacace); Fazzini (67′ Haas), Solbakken (67′ Pellegri); Colombo (61′ Maleh). All.: Zanetti.
