Spalletti watching Orsolini for Italy in Coppa Italia semi final

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is in the stands for this evening’s Coppa Italia semi-final between Empoli and Bologna, with Riccardo Orsolini probably the first name on his list to observe.

It kicked off at the Stadio Castellani at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the action as it happens on the Liveblog.

This is the first leg of the historic semi-final, as Empoli had never made it to this stage of the tournament before, but got there by eliminating Fiorentina and Juventus on penalties.

It is hardly unusual to see Spalletti in the stands, considering he lives very close to the stadium, but his presence raises more eyebrows now that he is charge of the Italy squad.

Spalletti urged to recall Orsolini for Italy

There have been repeated calls in recent weeks for the Azzurri to reconsider Bologna winger Orsolini, as he has been on remarkable form with 11 goals and four assists in 22 Serie A appearances.

He also found the net in his only other Coppa Italia match, but failed to score in six Coppa Campioni games.

The 28-year-old has seven senior caps for Italy, where he managed to score two goals and provide three assists.

Orsolini received his debut in November 2019 under Roberto Mancini, but has not been called up since the friendly game against Turkey in June 2024.

He was cut from the EURO 2024 squad by Spalletti, who also did not call him for the Nations League ties either.

Spalletti may well be watching other players too this evening, such as Empoli creative midfielder and Italy Under-21 international Jacopo Fazzini and centre-forward Lorenzo Colombo.