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Empoli Stuns Juventus in Coppa Italia Quarterfinals with Penalty Shootout Victory

The underdog club, featuring several youth players, eliminates the defending champions to reach its first-ever semifinal in the competition.

Soccer Football - Coppa Italia - Quarter Final - Juventus v Empoli - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - February 26, 2025 Juventus coach Thiago Motta reacts REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
Soccer Football - Coppa Italia - Quarter Final - Juventus v Empoli - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - February 26, 2025 Juventus players line up during the penalty shootout REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
Soccer Football - Coppa Italia - Quarter Final - Juventus v Empoli - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - February 26, 2025 Empoli players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
Soccer Football - Coppa Italia - Quarter Final - Juventus v Empoli - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - February 26, 2025 Juventus' Weston McKennie and teammates look dejected after losing the penalty shootout REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Overview

  • Empoli defeated Juventus 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time, marking a historic Coppa Italia semifinal qualification for the club.
  • Youssef Maleh opened the scoring for Empoli with a powerful strike, while Juventus equalized in the second half through a brilliant solo effort by Khephren Thuram.
  • Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic missed the first penalty, and Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez saved Kenan Yildiz's attempt, allowing Luca Marianucci to seal the victory.
  • Empoli's lineup featured several youth players, including 20-year-old Marianucci, who scored the decisive penalty, and 19-year-old Lorenzo Tosto, showcasing the club's reliance on homegrown talent.
  • Juventus coach Thiago Motta expressed shame over his team's performance, calling out their lack of urgency and responsibility, as the club's focus now shifts to securing a top-four Serie A finish.