Serie A giants Juventus faced a shocking exit from the Coppa Italia on February 26, 2025, as they were eliminated by underdogs Empoli after losing 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium. Despite arriving as clear favorites and enjoying strong league form, Juventus fell short against the spirited display of Empoli.
The match kicked off with Juventus showing immediate intent, as Nicolas Gonzalez had an early chance but missed the target. Yet, it was Empoli who struck first, with Youssef Maleh scoring the opening goal at 24 minutes. He made space on the edge of the box before unleashing a magnificent low drive with his weaker right foot, stunning the home crowd. The goal marked Maleh's first for the club and offered Empoli the lead against the run of play.
The hosts dominated possession but could not break through the resolute Empoli defense as they sought to restore parity. Juventus's frustration grew, particularly after several missed opportunities, including two significant chances hit wide by Dusan Vlahovic and another by Randal Kolo Muani. On the other hand, Empoli capitalized on their moment and almost doubled their advantage when Ismael Konate struck the post just before halftime.
After the break, both teams exchanged chances, with Maleh trying to extend the lead, but Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin parried his shot. Minutes later, Khephren Thuram provided Juventus fans with hope, equalizing at 66 minutes. Combining well with Timothy Weah, Thuram flicked the ball past his defender before finishing at the near post. With the scores level, Juventus ramped up the pressure for the winner, but they failed to convert their chances, with Vlahovic fluffing a great opportunity just five minutes from the end of normal time.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal, the match proceeded to the nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Dusan Vlahovic, who had been pivotal throughout the match, was first to step up but sent his penalty soaring over the bar, handing Empoli the early advantage. Empoli's Liam Henderson, Christian Kouame, and Liberato Cacace all successfully converted their attempts, putting pressure back on Juventus, who saw Kenan Yildiz’s penalty saved by Empoli's Devis Vasquez.
It was Luca Marianucci who secured Empoli's historic advancement with his penalty, sending waves of disbelief through the home stadium as Empoli triumphed to the semi-finals for the first time ever. The moment marked not just another loss for Juventus but left the team's season hanging by the thread, with only Serie A left to focus on as they now face the prospect of ending the season without silverware.
After the match, Juventus manager Thiago Motta did not hold back on the team’s disappointing performance. "I am ashamed; it was embarrassing. One must earn their successes in life, yet this team seemed to expect them instead," he lamented. Motta emphasized the need for his players to reflect on their approach and attitude, as he deemed the showing unacceptable for the prestigious club.
"We owe apologies to our fans, to the club, and to the history of this institution. We truly hit rock bottom today," said Motta, expressing his belief in the quality of his squad but insisting talent alone is not enough. “Achievements must be earned and deserved, not anticipated. Today, I witnessed a squad expecting favorable outcomes, and it fills me with shame.”
The loss followed Juventus's recent humiliation of being knocked out of the Champions League and raised questions about the team's mentality and whether they could recover moving forward. Motta claimed responsibility for not instilling the importance of the match and the club's heritage, declaring it clear after this performance, adjustments must be made as they aim to regain their footing.
Empoli’s victory serves as stark evidence of how unpredictable football can be, reflecting the dramatic nature of cup competitions where the underdog can prevail against all odds. The excitement of this match will echo through the fans of Empoli, who now look forward to their semi-final clashes with Bologna, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling chapter of the Coppa Italia.