Juventus, the holders of Coppa Italia, are set to face off against struggling Empoli at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on February 26, 2025, as they compete for a place in the semi-finals. The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT, and the stakes couldn't be higher for the seasoned champions who aim to secure their 16th Coppa Italia title.
The home side, Juventus, boasts strong form, having won five of their last six matches. They are currently well positioned to capitalize on their favorable head-to-head record against Empoli, whom they recently defeated 4-1 earlier this month. Despite their recent setbacks, including a loss to PSV Eindhoven which saw them exit the Champions League, Juventus remains focused on preserving their title.
Team news indicates some injury concerns for the Turin giants, particularly on the defensive end. Currently, Andrea Cambiaso, Nicolo Savona, and Renato Veiga are sidelined, joining Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Pierre Kalulu on the injured list. Midfielder Douglas Luiz, who recently sustained a hip injury during the match against Cagliari, is considered doubtful. With the defense stretched thin, coach Massimiliano Allegri might have to make tactical adjustments to counter Empoli’s attack.
Empoli enters this contest hoping to pull off what would be regarded as yet another monumental upset. Despite beating Fiorentina on penalties to reach this stage, they come off the back of four consecutive losses, placing them precariously near the relegation zone of Serie A. The team has struggled offensively, failing to score in their last three league matches. The situation is dire for the visitors, as their reliance on specific players like Mattia Viti and Ardian Ismajli will depend on their fitness following late training returns.
The odds reflect the gap between the two teams, with Juventus favored at 2/9 to win. Meanwhile, Empoli’s chances linger at 10/1 to pull off the upset. Statistics reveal Juventus has been tight defensively, with recent clean sheets against teams like Inter and Cagliari, giving them the confidence to aim for another shutout. Striker Dusan Vlahovic, boasting prolific scoring records historically within this tournament, is anticipated to play a pivotal role once again, alongside Randal Kolo Muani, who has recently found his scoring touch.
While Juventus paces through this match, they also look to establish dominance over their opponents. The tactical advantage lies within the squad depth and experience of Juventus, making them formidable contenders. The visitors, managing to keep their spirits high through difficult times, will look to seize any opportunity to exploit Juventus' defensive frailties.
Historically, Juventus has rarely faltered this deep in the tournament. They are the only team to reach the round of 16 for 17 consecutive editions, and their pedigree makes them overwhelming favorites on paper. Empoli, helmed by their manager Thiago Motta, has shown resilience, but they must translate their training and preparation to performance come match day.
For fans and punters alike, the large backing for Juventus goes without saying. Yet, Empoli’s underdog status adds elements of unpredictability, making this quarter-final match enticing for viewers. The previous encounters signal trends, particularly Juventus’ capability to score freely once finding their rhythm, and yet, Empoli could swing the tide if they can capitalize on any complacency. Analysts suggest wagering on Juventus to win by at least two goals, emphasizing their current fixtures' continued trend of high goal yields.
With both teams directly aware of what’s at stake, the atmosphere at the Allianz Stadium promises to be electric. Juventus fans will fill the stands, hoping to cheer their team through to the semi-finals where they would face Bologna. The only question remains—will Juventus live up to expectations, or could the struggling Empoli pull off the shock of the tournament?
Expectations point toward a strong showing from Juventus, but as with all knockout rounds, surprises can lurk around every corner. Whatever the outcome, Wednesday night at the Allianz Stadium is set to be one for the books.