Orsolini on Italy recall chances and ‘good foundations’ for Bologna Final | OneFootball

Riccardo Orsolini shrugs off talk of an Italy recall after scoring in front of Luciano Spalletti and insists Bologna only ‘laid good foundations’ to reach the Coppa Italia Final with a 3-0 win over Empoli.

It was a truly dominant performance from the Rossoblu at the Stadio Castellani, taking control from the start with Orsolini’s goal, followed by a brace from Thijs Dallinga, who hadn’t found the net since January 21.

The second leg at the Stadio Dall’Ara on April 24 will be a celebration, because they are on track to reach only the third Coppa Italia Final in their history, after winning the trophy in both 1970 and 1974.

“There is still a second leg to play that we must go into with respect for our opponents. We have laid some good foundations for something that could be extraordinary,” Orsolini told Sport Mediaset.

“The coach told us before kick-off he had never won here, so we gave him a special gift too.”

Orsolini impressed Italy coach Spalletti

EMPOLI, ITALY – APRIL 1: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between Empoli FC and FC Bologna at Stadio Carlo Castellani on April 1, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

That was Orsolini’s 13th competitive goal of the season, a new personal best for the 28-year-old.

Italy coach Spalletti was in the stands this evening and got to see Orsolini’s remarkable form up close, so could the winger get a recall for international duty after a year of being ignored?

“You can say whatever you want. I am focused on Bologna, we have become a great team and the Bologna jersey is the most important thing in my mind right now. I don’t like talking about the future, that is not my way,” added the winger.

“I want to enjoy the current moment, and we’ll take this first step of an important semi-final.”

It looks as if Bologna are going to face either Milan or Inter in the Coppa Italia Final. Who would the Rossoblu rather face in May?

“May the best team win. Football is wonderful because nothing can be taken for granted, so we will just enjoy this moment and then see what happens. When it’s the second leg, we play afterwards, so we’ll know then who will be in the Final,” concluded Orsolini.