Juventus Turin has been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia by Empoli, after losing 4-2 in the penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This result adds to the recent elimination of the team in the UEFA Champions League against PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands.
The match took place at the Allianz Stadium, where Empoli took the lead with a goal from Youssef Maleh in the 24th minute of the first half. Juventus managed to equalize with a goal from Khéphren Thuram in the second half, but could not avoid defeat in the penalties.
Thiago Motta, head coach of Empoli, has had a complicated season full of ups and downs. Despite his team reaching the semifinals of the Coppa Italia, their performance in other competitions has left much to be desired.
In the penalty shootout, Empoli prevailed with goals from Luca Marianucci, Liberato Cacace, and Christian Kouamé, while Juventus scored through Manuel Locatelli and Randal Kolo Muani. Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic missed his penalty, allowing Empoli to seal their qualification with a goal from Liam Henderson.
With this result, Empoli advanced to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia, where they will face Bologna. On the other hand, in the other semifinal bracket, there will be the Milan derby between Inter and Milan.
