The first semi-finalist of the Italian Cup is Fiorentina, who lost their lead against Inter in last year’s final and defeated Bologna on penalties after a goalless period of regulation and extra time.
In the first half the best opportunity was given to Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, but the Dutchman from Feyenoord and Bayern sent his shot over the crossbar. Midway through the second half, his teammate Lewis Ferguson missed a good opportunity in front of goal.
The teams occupying fourth-fifth place in Serie A with just one point difference deserved it through and through, and so it was no big surprise that the match went to extra time. Here the Danish Oliver Christensen stood out, having played a leading role in Fiorentina’s goal several times, while on the other side of the pitch the young Michael Kayode inexplicably directed a header from five meters not into the Bologna net, but wide. Although the ball ultimately hit the home team’s goal three times in 120 minutes, shots fell short.
This is how the sanctions arrived. Ferguson chose to kick first after the draw and gave Bologna the lead himself. Rolando Mandragora also scored Fiorentina’s first penalty from the corner cross. Zirkzee, who wasted many chances during the match, was accurate from 11 metres, as was Fiorentina’s second striker Arthur, and Riccardo Orsolini and Riccardo Calafiori continued confidently for Bologna. The Fiorentina team responded with two central defenders: Nikola Milenkovic and Yerry Mina, who sent the ball under the crossbar.
Bologna’s fifth striker, Stefan Posch, proved to be the scapegoat, sending his shot high over the goal at 4:4. Instead, the Frenchman Maxime Lopez, who arrived at Fiorentina in the summer, remained calm and took the hosts to the semi-finals with a precise penalty, where they reached for the third consecutive year. There awaits the winner of the duel between Milan, last year’s finalist, and Atalanta.
The winner of this pairing will be decided on Wednesday evening, while the Capital derby will see Lazio against Roma. The fourth and final semi-finalist, or the opponent of the Roman club, will be determined on Thursday evening in the match between Juventus and Frosinone.
Fiorentina – Bologna 0:0with sanctions 5:4 Fiorentina attacker
2024-01-09 22:57:00
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