Bologna face a significant challenge in their attacking lineup for Saturday’s match against Empoli, with eight-goal winger Riccardo Orsolini sidelined due to a thigh injury. This setback opens opportunities for Dan Ndoye, Benjamin Dominguez, and other squad players to compete for wide positions.
Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer is also unavailable with a hernia problem, though Nicolo Cambiaghi has returned to full training and is gradually working his way back to match fitness.
The forward position remains competitive, with young striker Santiago Castro having already contributed 10 goal involvements this season. However, Thijs Dallinga is increasingly pushing for a starting role after a challenging initial period in Emilia-Romagna.
Empoli’s attack will be spearheaded by Sebastiano Esposito, who has been in exceptional form. He has scored six goals in seven matches since the start of December – the most prolific record in Serie A during that period. Esposito is expected to reunite with Lorenzo Colombo, with whom he has developed a productive partnership.
The home side continues to battle injury concerns, with Tino Anjorin and Ola Solbakken joining long-term absentees Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Tyronne Ebuehi on the sidelines.
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Lucumi, Beukema, Miranda; Pobega, Freuler; Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro
