BERGAMO: Santiago Castro fired Bologna into the semi-finals of the Italian Cup with the only goal in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Atalanta.

Promising Argentine striker Castro thumped home Charalampos Lykogiannis’ fizzing cross with 10 minutes remaining in Bergamo to continue Bologna’s encouraging first season under coach Vincenzo Italiano.

“All this is for the family, I miss them a lot,” Castro said. “I’m happy to have helped the team with the goal... the Champions League served to improve, we came back to play even stronger in Italy.”

Bologna will face one of Juventus or Empoli in a two-legged tie in the last four which will be played in April, their first Cup semi-final since losing to Fiorentina in 1999.

Seven-time Italian champions Bologna haven’t won a major trophy since 1974, when they claimed the second of their two domestic cup triumphs.

Last year’s losing finalists Atalanta have only won two of their last 10 matches in all competitions and lost their most realistic chance to win a trophy this term after falling away in the Serie A title race.

Defeat for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side came after CEO Luca Percassi confirmed that Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini would have to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season.

Bologna coach Italiano said that reaching the semi-final is a historic moment for the club.

“We played for history and we succeeded,” Italiano told reporters. “This is a beautiful moment, it always pushes you to give your best.”

Italiano said winning at Atalanta made the result more special.

“I think it gives you self-esteem and awareness, you can see that there is growth. This is a group that is constantly growing... it’s not easy to play in Bergamo,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025