Following their shock exit from the Champions League playoffs at PSV, Juventus' season faces a new low as Empoli have knocked the 'Old Lady' out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final after penalty shootout drama at the Allianz Stadium.

Forwards Vlahovic and Yildiz missed their spot-kicks to hand the 'Azzurri' a place in the semi-final where they will go up against Vincenzo Italiano's Bologna, who edged past Atalanta (0-1) earlier this month, with Inter and Milan facing each other for a spot in the final.

"I'm embarrassed," said Juve head coach Motta after the defeat. "We can make mistakes but the attitude in the first half was embarrassing. We didn't deserve a place in the semi-final before the shootout. I hope the criticism is loud. I expect an immediate reaction from my players."

In the regular 90 minutes of the game, the visitors broke the deadlock as Maleh fired past Juve goalkeeper Perrin from outside the box before the half-hour mark. The 'Bianconeri' found the equaliser in the second period through Thuram's stunning solo goal, however, it was not enough to save them from elimination.

February 26, 2025

Y. Maleh

Achievements