Juventus 1-1 Empoli (2-4): Vlahović Miss Costs Juve as Underdogs Reach Coppa Italia Semi-Finals

Empoli stunned Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

Youssef Maleh fired the visitors ahead in the 24th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box, punishing Juventus for losing possession deep in their own half. Empoli had chances to extend their lead, but Junior Sambia and Maleh were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

Juventus made them pay in the 66th minute when Khephren Thuram equalized in style. Randal Kolo Muani found Thuram with his back to goal, and the midfielder produced a sublime flick to beat his marker before finishing clinically from a tight angle.

Dusan Vlahović had a golden chance to seal the win five minutes from time but failed to keep his half-volley on target. The Serbian then missed Juve’s opening penalty in the shootout, blazing his effort over the bar. Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vásquez denied Kenan Yıldız, and Luca Marianucci calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send the visitors through.

Empoli will now face Bologna in a two-legged semi-final in April, while Inter Milan and AC Milan will battle for the other spot in the final.

Full-time at the Allianz Stadium.#JuveEmpoli #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/WKZRFFvtyx

— JuventusFC  (@juventusfcen) February 26, 2025