Empoli stunned Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals on Wednesday, securing a dramatic 4-2 victory on penalties after holding the defending champions to a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic squandered their first spot-kick, blasting his attempt over the crossbar, before Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez denied Kenan Yildiz.
The decisive moment came when defender Luca Marianucci converted the winning penalty, sealing a historic triumph for the visitors.
Youssef Maleh had given Empoli an early lead in the 24th minute with a thunderous strike from distance.
Juventus responded after the hour mark through Khephren Thuram, who produced a moment of brilliance, weaving past defenders before slotting home from a tight angle.
This victory marks a milestone for Empoli, who last reached the Coppa Italia quarterfinals in the 2006-07 season.
They now prepare to face Bologna in a two-legged semifinal in April, while city rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan will battle for the other final spot.
Juventus could have taken control of the game within the opening minutes, but Nicolás González missed a golden opportunity, firing over the bar after connecting with Randall Kolo Muani’s headed pass.
Despite dominating possession, the 15-time champions struggled to break down Empoli’s disciplined defence, and their frustration deepened when Maleh’s strike found the bottom left corner.
Empoli nearly doubled their lead just before halftime when Ismael Konaté’s low drive was stopped by Juve’s Mattia Perin.
Moments later, the 18-year-old forward struck the post, with the rebound bouncing away harmlessly.
As boos rang out from the home crowd at halftime, Juventus’ struggles were evident, despite enjoying 70% possession, they had failed to register a single shot on target.
Vlahovic tested Vasquez with a free kick in the 52nd minute, but the Empoli goalkeeper reacted sharply to keep the hosts at bay.
Empoli then squandered a golden opportunity to extend their lead, with Junior Sambia’s solo effort culminating in a weak shot straight at Perin.
Juventus finally found a breakthrough through Thuram, who showcased his skill by dribbling past defenders before calmly finishing.
The match intensified in the final minutes, with Vlahovic threatening multiple times and Empoli’s Christian Kouamé narrowly missing the target. Sambia then sent another chance over the bar in stoppage time, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Empoli’s fairytale run in the competition continues, having already knocked out Fiorentina on penalties in the previous round after edging Torino 2-1.
However, their league struggles persist, as they remain winless in 11 consecutive Serie A games and recently suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Atalanta, dropping into the relegation zone.
