A Thijs Dallinga double helped Bologna to a 3-0 win at Empoli in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday, as the visitors remained on course to end a 50-year wait to lift the trophy.

Empoli knocked out Juventus on penalties to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history, but this time the contrasting league form of the two sides was on display as the relegation-threatened hosts were outclassed by Champions League chasing Bologna.

Bologna took the lead in the 23rd minute when Jens Odgaard crossed from the left and while Dallinga drew the attention of two defenders, the ball fell kindly to the unmarked Riccardo Orsolini, who fired home his first-time shot.

The visitors doubled their advantage six minutes later when Dallinga latched on to Dan Ndoye's perfect through ball and the pair combined again six minutes after the break, Dallinga sliding in to finish Ndoye's pass across goal.

Two-time winners Bologna last lifted the Coppa Italia in 1974, and this emphatic victory will have their fans booking their flights to Rome for the final in May.

Empoli will have a mountain to climb in the return leg in Bologna on 24 April, with the winner going on to meet either AC Milan or Inter Milan, who play their semi-final first leg on Wednesday, in the final at the Stadio Olimpico.