Empoli's remarkable upset against Juventus unfolded at the Allianz Stadium on March 26, 2025, eliminating the famed Serie A club from the Coppa Italia after a penalty shootout. Despite Juventus’s reputation as the most decorated team in the tournament’s history, expectations were high for the home side. Yet, it was the underdog Empoli who would emerge victorious, standing tall amid mounting pressure.
The match kicked off with Juventus, buoyed by their home crowd, eager to assert dominance early on. Their immediate pressure began to show promise; Kolo Muani created early chances, yet it was Youssef Maleh who struck first for Empoli at the 24-minute mark. With skill and precision, Maleh received the ball at the edge of the area, skillfully cut inside, and unleashed a stunning strike, leaving goalkeeper Mattia Perin with no chance. The goal not only surprised the home fans but set the tone for the rest of the match.
Throughout the first half, Empoli, who were fighting to stave off relegation, capitalized on their advantage. The visitors could have doubled their lead just before the break—Konaté found himself one-on-one with Perin but frustratingly hit the post, denying Empoli what would have been a massive cushion.
Needing to respond after halftime, Juventus came out with fervor. The tide began to turn when Khéphren Thuram showcased individual brilliance, skillfully dancing around defenders before scoring the equalizer at the 66th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd. The stage was now set for what looked like another memorable Juventus comeback.
Despite Juventus’s mounting pressure, the match drew to its close with neither side able to find the winning goal. Tensions heightened and both teams had chances; Juventus pushed hard for the win, driven by their desperation to avoid another early exit from cup competition, having just faced elimination from the UEFA Champions League by PSV Eindhoven the week before.
With the match deadlocked at 1-1, the dreaded penalty shootout loomed. Empoli approached the penalties with air of assurance, converting all their shots expertly. Unfortunately for Juventus, the pressure got the best of them. Vlahovic, one of their star players, opened the shootout with his try, only for his kick to sail over the crossbar, marking the beginning of the end for the Bianconeri.
Taking turns, both teams went back and forth, but another missed attempt by Juventus’s Yıldız fell to goalkeeper Vasquez, who was impressively saving shots on the night. Empoli's success came from Henderson, Kouamé, Cacace, and Marianucci, all of whom found the back of the net, securing the victory. The final score of the shootout was 4-2, sending Empoli jubilantly through to the semifinal stage.
Speaking after the match, Maleh, who electrified the pitch with his opening goal, expressed the pride felt within the Empoli squad: "It was incredible how we fought until the end. We’re so proud to advance to the semifinals,” he stated. Meanwhile, Thuram's reflections captured the disappointment of the moment, asserting, "We need to reflect on this loss; we expected to win at home.”
This loss continues the disheartening trend for Juventus, which finds itself without any trophy this season, with only the Serie A left to contest. They return to league action soon, facing Verona, hoping to restore some pride. Conversely, Empoli’s success stands as both hope and inspiration against the backdrop of their desperate fight to climb out of the relegation zone, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football.
Empoli will now advance to face Bologna for the semifinals scheduled for April 2, 2025, aiming to make history by entering the finals for the first time ever. Amid the triumph of Empoli and the heartbreak of Juventus, this Coppa Italia match proved once again how the game can defy expectations, offering moments of glory to the unexpected.