VIKTOR KOVALENKO NEWS

DNP against Parma Kovalenko (lower leg) didn't appear in Saturday's 2-1 win over Parma.

Impact Kovalenko was back on the bench but didn't get any minutes, as Empoli had most of their midfielders in this one. He has a very small role when that's the case. He has made six cameos since joining, notching three shots (one on target), one cross (zero accurate) and two tackles.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Facing Parma from bench Kovalenko (lower leg) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Empoli.

Impact Kovalenko is no longer dealing with his lower leg injury and has made the call Saturday, with the midfielder finding the bench. He has yet to start in a match this season and will likely remain in a rotational to a reserve role for the few games left this season.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Option for Parma bout Kovalenko (lower leg) "will be selected Saturday," coach Roberto D'Aversa announced.

Impact Kovalenko will be back after missing the previous fixture due to a contusion. He has had a limited role since re-joining the team as a free agent, featuring six times (zero starts) for a total of 72 minutes, logging three shots (one on target), one cross and two tackles (one won). Faustino Anjorin (undisclosed) is also returning from injury in the midfield.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Lazio Kovalenko won't be an option versus Lazio due to a knock, La Nazione relayed.

Impact Kovalenko could have drawn a rare start in the midfield due to multiple absences, but he got hurt in training and will be re-assessed next week. The coach will have to lean one or more players to the position or lean heavily on the youngsters.

MAY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Bologna advances to face AC Milan in Italian Cup final

Bologna advanced past Empoli to reach its first Italian Cup final in more than half a century

APRIL 24 • Associated Press

Returns to Empoli Kovalenko has agreed to a contract with Empoli, the team announced.

Impact Kovalenko has been without a team for about six months after leaving Atalanta last June. He spent last season on loan at Empoli, recording one goal, one assist, 11 shots (four on target) and eight key passes in 17 appearances (four starts). He might time to get up to speed physically and projects to have a limited role afterward.

FEBRUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Creates one chance against Genoa Kovalenko (ribs) had one clearance, five touches, and one key pass in 19 minutes in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Genoa.

Impact Kovalenko returned after being shelved for a month but didn't have an impact. He'll try to supplant one of the three starters in the midfield, Alberto Grassi, Youssef Maleh, and Szymon Zurkowski, but they have been healthier and more reliable for the most part. He has scored and assisted once and added six shots (three on target) and seven chances created in ten showings (two starts).

FEBRUARY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Back after four matches Kovalenko (ribs) is among the substitutes during Saturday's match against Genoa.

Impact Kovalenko has missed the last four matches entirely, but did start in his last match prior to the injury. Kovalenko has started just twice this season as backup option in midfield for Empoli.

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Likely for Genoa game Kovalenko (ribs) "isn't coming off a complicated injury, but he needs to return with the right mentality," coach Davide Nicola informed.

Impact Kovalenko has been ramping in training, and the gaffer suggested he would be available, most likely off the bench, for this one, although he didn't outright announce it. He has made the XI in two of his last four appearances, scoring and assisting once and adding four chances created, seven crosses (two accurate), and five tackles (two won). He'll be in the mix with Youssef Maleh, Szymon Zurkowski, Jacopo Fazzini, and Razvan Marin.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Juventus Kovalenko (ribs) is not in the match day squad to face Juventus on Saturday.

Impact Kovalenko misses his fourth straight match as he continues to recover from a rib injury. The midfielder trained in the buildup and could return next week against Genoa.

JANUARY 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Juventus fixture Kovalenko (ribs) has practiced more than last week but isn't a lock to be available for Saturday's game against Juventus, Sky Italy informed.

Impact Kovalenko is feeling better after missing three weeks due to a rib injury, but he might be given more time to heal fully. He'll likely be eased into action if indeed available, also considering that he wasn't a regular starter before the problem.

JANUARY 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

In doubt for Monza clash Kovalenko (ribs) has been spotted in training during the week but is questionable for Sunday's game against Monza, Quotidiano Sportivo informed.

Impact Kovalenko is nursing a nagging injury, and his availability might hinge on how he feels on game day. If he's available, he'll likely begin on the bench since he's not close to 100 percent.

JANUARY 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Saturday Kovalenko (ribs) is not in the squad to face Empoli on Saturday.

Impact Kovalenko misses his second consecutive match as he continues to recover from a rib injury. The returning Jacopo Fazzini takes Kovalenko's spot in Saturday's XI.

JANUARY 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Verona contest Kovalenko has remained limited in training due to bruised ribs, La Nazione informed.

Impact Kovalenko will have to clear a late fitness test to be an option but is trending in the wrong direction. Jacopo Fazzini (eye) is good to go after missing two contests and will compete with Szymon Zurkowski and Razvan Marin for the starting job.

JANUARY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss Milan game Kovalenko won't be an option versus Milan on Sunday, coach Aurelio Andreazzoli relayed.

Impact Kovalenko has been limited in training due to a contusion, Quotidiano Sportivo reported, and has been ultimately ruled out. Jacopo Fazzini is unavailable as well, so Razvan Marin and Filippo Ranocchia are the next men up in the midfield besides regular starters Alberto Grassi and Youssef Maleh.

JANUARY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Creates one chance against Cagliari Kovalenko (undisclosed) had one off-target shot, one inaccurate cross, and one key pass in 18 minutes in Friday's 0-2 loss to Lazio.

Impact Kovalenko picked up a small amount of stats across the board in his return from an ailment. He'll look to unseat either Jacopo Fazzini or Youssef Maleh in the upcoming games. He has scored and assisted once in his last five appearances, adding four shots (two on target), four chances created, and six crosses (two accurate).

DECEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Given bench nod Kovalenko (undisclosed) is on the bench for Friday's match against Lazio.

Impact Kovalenko is returning to his usual spot on the bench after missing the club's last match due to an undisclosed injury. The midfielder should be expected to remain in a bench role moving forward, as he has only started once all season, with the remaining six appearances he has made this season all coming off of the bench. He will hope to avoid any further injuries, as he is already struggling to find time on the field when healthy.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Should return versus Lazio Kovalenko has practiced regularly for most of the week and will likely be an option versus Lazio, La Nazione reported.

Impact Kovalenko sat out the previous game mostly out of precaution, as his muscular problem was minor, and should be back in the game-day squad list on Friday. He has had some success as as sub as of late, scoring and assisting once in the last five matches and adding five shots (three on target), four key passes, and five crosses (two accurate). Razvan Marin and Jacopo Fazzini have better chances of starting given the situation.

DECEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Torino tilt Kovalenko "won't be called up for Saturday's game against Torino because we don't want to take risks," coach Aurelio Andreazzoli informed.

Impact Kovalenko suffered a minor muscular ailment in practice and will be held out as a precaution. Jacopo Fazzini and Razvan Marin will absorb his playing time.

DECEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist versus Genoa Kovalenko assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate), two clearances, and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Genoa.

Impact Kovalenko provided a spark off the bench, finding Matteo Cancellieri with a sharp cross to set up the equalizer. He has scored once and added five shots (three on target), two key passes, and two crosses (one accurate) in the last four rounds (zero starts).

DECEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores against Sassuolo Kovalenko scored one goal to go with, one block, one tackle (one won), and two shots (two on target) in Sunday's 3-4 defeat to Sassuolo.

Impact Kovalenko delivered off the bench for the second tilt in a row, solving a scrum in the box with the help of a deflection. However, it wasn't enough for his team to grab some points in this one. He should see more minutes come his way given his recent displays. He has posted five shots (four on target), two chances created, and two crosses (one accurate) in his last four appearances.

NOVEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sinks Napoli Kovalenko drew one foul, won two duels, and scored one goal to go with one shot (one on target) in 19 minutes in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Napoli.

Impact Kovalenko decided the game off the bench in one of his few touches with a gorgeous cross-shot from an angled position, hitting the net for the first time in the season. He has appeared only as a sub so far, posting three shots (two on target), two key passes, and three crosses (one accurate) in four matches. He could see more minutes following this strong showing.

NOVEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Empoli Kovalenko has transferred to Empoli on loan with an option to buy from Atalanta, the Serie A site announces.

Impact Kovalenko leaves temporarily again after consecutive spells at Spezia, where he struggled to stay healthy and didn't garner a large role. He'll begin as a backup at his new club. He posted one goal, four assists, 23 key passes, and 39 crosses (12 accurate) in 44 appearances (23 starts) in the past two seasons combined.

AUGUST 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from loan Kovalenko has re-joined Atalanta as Spezia didn't keep him past the loan spell.

Impact Kovalenko wasn't a regular and often dealt with injuries. He'll likely be on the move again in the summer, unless Atalanta keep him for depth purposes considering their return to Europa League.

JULY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE