Juventus aimed to recover from recent setbacks as they hosted Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 2, 2025. After suffering back-to-back defeats, losing 2-1 to Napoli and 2-0 to Benfica, the Bianconeri faced mounting pressure to secure three points against the struggling Azzurri, who had not won since December 8 and were perilously near the relegation zone.
The match kicked off at 12:30 PM local time, and both teams were eager to turn their fortunes around with something significant at stake. Juventus, hoping to revitalize their campaign, had brought newcomer Randal Kolo Muani back to the lineup. Kolo Muani had made waves with his debut goal against Napoli and was anticipated to provide the attacking spark needed for the team. Alongside him was debutant Renato Veiga, freshly arrived on loan from Chelsea, stepping straight onto the pitch amid injury struggles within the squad.
Juventus manager, Thiago Motta, made several adjustments to his starting lineup, with Michele Di Gregorio returning to goal, signaling his intent to rectify the team's fortunes. Key injuries included defender Pierre Kalulu, sidelined for at least four weeks, and other squad members like Andrea Cambiaso and Arkadiusz Milik were also absent, forcing tactical changes.
On the opposite end, Empoli entered the match following dismal performances, accruing only two points from their last seven Serie A games. The visiting side, managed by Roberto D’Aversa, was under similar pressure to perform, facing the possibility of slipping closer to the relegation zone. Lorenzo Colombo, leading Empoli's attack, was expected to capitalize on any defensive errors by Juventus.
The tension was palpable from the start, with both squads exchanging early chances. Federico Gatti of Juventus was involved early, earning free kicks as the home side sought to press their advantage through aggressive play. Conversely, Empoli’s strategy relied on counter-attacks and set pieces, examples being corner opportunities where they looked to unsettle Juventus' defense.
Just minutes after the kickoff, the match took its first dramatic turn. A well-executed corner kick led to Empoli's Mattia De Sciglio stealing the spotlight with a header from close range, giving the visitors the early lead with Juventus trailing 0-1. The setback energized Juventus, who ramped up their efforts to equalize, flooding the Empoli half with attacks.
Juventus's attempts bore fruit as they controlled possession, orchestrated by strong performances from midfielders Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli, who directed offensive flows. Timothy Weah had multiple shots on target, but consistent heroics from Empoli’s goalkeeper Devis Vásquez kept the score intact, denying the barrage of shots from Juventus’ frontline.
Frustration mounted for Juventus as chances went begging. Kolo Muani’s energy and drive were evident, yet he found it challenging to convert opportunities as Empoli’s defenders held firm. The VAR system came to life briefly with calls for penalties when high-press situations unfolded but determined no infractions warranted spot-kicks.
Both sides showed cracks as the game unfolded; Empoli struggled with maintaining discipline, leading to numerous fouls around the midfield, allowing Juventus to create set pieces. The tension bubbled over as the half progressed, though the halftime whistle blew with Empoli maintaining their 1-0 lead.
The second half put Juventus on the front foot with adjustments made during the break. Dusan Vlahovic, who had found himself benched amid contrasting form, was called upon to inject more energy as the Bianconeri pressed for the equalizer. The crowd grew boisterous, urging the players to push aside moments of missed chances.
Despite relentless pressure, Empoli's defense remained resolute. Faced with constant threats, their back line, anchored by Ismajli and Marianucci, neutralized several promising attacks with additional support from their midfielders, who tracked back to help defend against the wave of Juventus attacks.
The game unfolded with persistent tension, but as minutes ticked down and hopes of reviving their season dimmed, it became apparent for Juventus: their inability to break Empoli’s defense meant significant consequences for the Serie A table, as Empoli’s victory showcased their own resilience.
With the match concluding, the final whistle marked another disappointing result for Juventus, leaving them with pressing questions about their current form and strategy. Players and fans alike were left contemplating the repercussions of the loss as Empoli celebrated their unexpected success, rooted firmly away from the relegation fears as they celebrated this pivotal moment of resurgence.
Juventus will need to make swift adjustments if they intend to remain competitive as they push on for Champions League qualifications amid the volatile nature of Serie A.”