Empoli stuns Juventus in Coppa Italia shootout : Maleh and Thuram score in thrilling quarterfinal upset

In a stunning turn of events, Empoli, currently struggling in Serie A, pulled off a monumental upset by eliminating Juventus from the Coppa Italia. The dramatic quarterfinal clash, which took place on February 26, 2025, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, ended with Empoli triumphing 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. This unexpected result has sent shockwaves through Italian football, as the Bianconeri’s quest for silverware takes another hit.

In Short

Empoli’s youthful lineup stuns juventus

Roberto D’Aversa’s Empoli, facing a numerical crisis, fielded an exceptionally young starting eleven. The bold move to include teenagers Lorenzo Tosto, Jacopo Bacci, and Ismael Konate, all making their first starts of the season, proved to be a masterstroke. This strategy caught Juventus off guard, as the Turin giants struggled to impose their usual dominance against the inexperienced but spirited Empoli side.

The match began with Juventus creating an early opportunity, as Nico Gonzalez narrowly missed the target following a clever header from Kolo Muani. However, the home team’s initial promise quickly faded, and the turning point came in the 24th minute. A defensive lapse by Gonzalez gifted possession to Youssef Maleh, who capitalized on the error with a well-placed shot past Mattia Perin, sending shockwaves through the packed Allianz Stadium.

As the first half progressed, Juventus’ performance deteriorated, with misplaced passes and miscommunications becoming increasingly frequent. The home crowd’s frustration was palpable, with boos and whistles echoing throughout the stadium. Empoli, buoyed by their unexpected lead, grew in confidence and came close to doubling their advantage through Konate, who hit the inside of the post just before halftime.

Thuram’s brilliance ignites juventus comeback

The second half saw Juventus desperately searching for an equalizer, but Empoli continued to frustrate the hosts. The introduction of Kenan Yildiz for the underperforming Teun Koopmeiners failed to provide the immediate spark Juventus needed. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Khephren Thuram.

Thuram, son of former Juventus defender Lilian Thuram, showcased his exceptional skill by initiating a move from midfield, exchanging passes with Kolo Muani, and then producing a mesmerizing dribble inside the penalty area. The French midfielder’s delicate finish past the Empoli goalkeeper not only leveled the score but also reignited the passion of the Juventus faithful.

This equalizer seemed to shift the momentum in Juventus’ favor, as they piled on the pressure in search of a winner. Both Christian Kouame and Dusan Vlahovic squandered golden opportunities to seal the victory for the Bianconeri, with their efforts narrowly missing the target. As the final whistle blew, the score remained deadlocked at 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

Penalty shootout heartbreak for juventus

The tension was palpable as the teams prepared for the shootout. Juventus’ hopes were immediately dented when Vlahovic, stepping up first, skied his effort over the crossbar. This miss set the tone for what would be a nerve-wracking contest. Empoli’s players, showing remarkable composure, converted their penalties with precision. Kolo Muani and Manuel Locatelli managed to find the net for Juventus, but the pressure proved too much for young Kenan Yildiz, whose attempt was saved by Elia Caprile.

The decisive moment came when Empoli’s Liberato Cacace calmly slotted home his penalty, securing a famous 5-3 shootout victory for the underdogs. The result sent the small contingent of travelling Empoli fans into raptures, while the Juventus players and supporters were left shell-shocked. This defeat marks Juventus’ third elimination from a major competition this season, following their exits from the Supercoppa Italiana and the Champions League.

The upset victory propels Empoli into the semifinals of the Coppa Italia, where they will face Bologna in April. This remarkable achievement adds another chapter to Empoli’s history and serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cup competitions. For Juventus, this defeat raises questions about their form and mental fortitude, especially considering their recent struggles in crucial Serie A clashes.

Implications and looking ahead

This unexpected result has significant implications for both clubs. For Empoli, currently battling relegation in Serie A, this cup run provides a much-needed boost in morale and could serve as a catalyst for improved league performances. The experience gained by their young players in such a high-pressure environment will be invaluable for their development and the club’s future.

Juventus, on the other hand, face a period of introspection. Manager Thiago Motta will need to address the team’s inconsistencies and mental fragility, especially in crucial matches. The Bianconeri’s focus will now shift entirely to their Serie A campaign, where they are locked in a tight battle for Champions League qualification.

As the dust settles on this thrilling Coppa Italia encounter, football fans are once again reminded of the sport’s capacity to produce magical moments and unexpected heroes. Empoli’s triumph will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2024-25 Italian football season, while Juventus must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign and restore their reputation as one of Italy’s footballing powerhouses.