As the Serie A season enters its crucial phase, Empoli and Bologna are set to face off in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ aspirations. The game, scheduled for Saturday, promises to be an intriguing battle between a side fighting for European qualification and another struggling to avoid relegation.
Bologna enter this fixture riding high on confidence after their historic midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund. Despite this being their first win in the competition, it showcased the team’s potential and resilience. Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, the Rossoblu have made significant strides this season, currently sitting seventh in the Serie A table with 33 points from 20 matches – their best start to a campaign in the 21st century.
The team’s attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with 32 league goals representing their highest tally at this stage in nearly six decades. This offensive firepower, combined with their recent unbeaten run in 2025, makes Bologna a formidable opponent for any team in the league.
In stark contrast, Empoli find themselves in a precarious position, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The Azzurri have endured a torrid run of form, losing five of their last six league matches. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with just one win and seven points at the Stadio Carlo Castellani this season.
Manager Davide Nicola faces the daunting task of reversing this trend and avoiding the ignominy of setting an unwanted club record of four consecutive home defeats in Serie A. The recent 3-1 loss to Inter Milan, despite a goal from the in-form Sebastiano Esposito, highlighted both the team’s fighting spirit and their vulnerabilities against stronger opposition.
Empoli’s injury list remains significant, with Tino Anjorin, Ola Solbakken, Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Tyronne Ebuehi all sidelined.
The match is likely to see Bologna’s attacking fluidity tested against Empoli’s desperate need for points. Italiano’s side has shown they can mix possession-based football with effective counter-attacking, while Nicola will need to find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat to break Empoli’s poor home run.
Despite Bologna’s current form, history favors Empoli in this fixture at the Castellani. The Azzurri have lost only once in their last 10 Serie A home games against Bologna, winning five and drawing four. However, that sole defeat came in dramatic fashion with a 94th-minute winner for Bologna in their last visit.
Team News
Bologna will be without their influential winger Riccardo Orsolini due to a thigh injury, opening up opportunities for players like Dan Ndoye and Benjamin Dominguez to make an impact. The striking position is up for grabs, with Thijs Dallinga pushing for a start after his crucial goal against Dortmund, though Santiago Castro’s impressive tally of 10 goal involvements this season makes him a strong contender.
For Empoli, Sebastiano Esposito has been a beacon of hope, netting six goals in his last seven matches since December – the highest in Serie A during this period. His partnership with Lorenzo Colombo will be crucial for the home side’s chances.
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
Bologna: Skorupski; Holm, Lucumi, Beukema, Miranda; Pobega, Freuler; Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting form and ambitions of both teams, this match promises to be an enthralling encounter. Bologna’s momentum and attacking prowess make them slight favorites, but Empoli’s desperation for points and historical home advantage against the Rossoblu cannot be discounted.
A close contest is expected, with Bologna’s quality likely to edge out a narrow victory, potentially by a 2-1 scoreline.
Prediction: Empoli 1-2 Bologna
