Empoli Shock Defending Champions Juventus to Reach Copa Italia Semi-Finals

The reigning champions Juventus faced a shocking exit as Empoli clinched their spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the first time in their history, triumphing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regular time. This result saw the visitors end a run of four consecutive defeats, marking only their second victory against the Bianconeri in 15 attempts.

The hosts could have found the net within the opening two minutes; Nicolas Gonzalez was set up by a header from Randal Kolo Muani but missed the target from a favourable position. Juventus continued to assert their dominance but were handed a surprise as Empoli took a stunning lead.

Youssef Maleh created some space at the edge of the box and expertly found the bottom corner with a superb shot using his weaker right foot.

This marked his first goal for the club, eliciting a mix of emotions after his red card in the previous league encounter. Empoli nearly scored a second before the half-time whistle, as Devis Vasquez’s long ball found Ismael Konate, yet he hit the post from a tight angle.

Both goalkeepers were put to the test early in the second half. Maleh almost added to his tally with another stunning long-range effort that was deflected by Mattia Perin, while Dusan Vlahovic’s free-kick was saved by Vasquez.

Junior Sambia’s effort was tipped over the bar by Perin, an essential save as Juventus equalised shortly after.

Khephren Thuram executed a slick one-two with Timothy Weah, then skillfully beat Vasquez at his near post.

The Old Lady sought to secure a winner, with Vlahovic and Kolo Muani forcing further saves from Vásquez late in the match, but Empoli held firm and managed to take the game to penalties, even creating a few counter-attacking chances themselves.

Vlahovic took the first penalty in the shootout but uncharacteristically blasted over the bar, gifting Empoli an early advantage.

Captain Liam Henderson confidently struck down the middle to put Empoli ahead, but Kolo Muani equalised with a beautiful shot into the top corner.

Christian Kouame then outfoxed the goalkeeper to restore Empoli’s lead, only for Manuel Locatelli to level the scores once more.

Liberato Cacace stepped up next; although Perin got a hand to it, the shot found the net, while Vásquez made a crucial save from Kenan Yıldız’s attempt.

Empoli knew they had two chances to seal the victory, and Luca Marianucci made no mistake, sending them through to the semi-finals.

Check out the match summary here.