Empoli Stuns Juventus to Advance in Coppa Italia
Defending Coppa Italia champions Juventus were knocked out of the tournament after losing to Empoli in a penalty shootout. The Turin giants faced an uphill battle from the first half, when Liam Henderson put Empoli ahead. Although Khephren Thuram managed to equalize for Juventus, the match went to penalties, where Empoli held their nerve to secure the win.
Notably, Ukrainian midfielder Viktor Kovalenko was named in Empoli's squad but did not feature in the match. His team's victory, however, marks a significant achievement as they continue their impressive run in the competition.
2024-25, Coppa Italia
Juventus - Empoli 1:1 (0:1), shoot-out 2:4
Goals: Maleh, 24 (0:1); Thuram-Ulien, 66 (1:1)
Juventus: Perin; Gatti; Kelly Ll. (Locatelli, 54); Cambiaso А. (Baio, 84); Koopmeiners T. (Yildiz Kenan, 54); Thuram-Ulien; McKennie; Vlahović; Gonzalez N. (Conceicao F., 60); Kolo Muani; Weah
Bench: Pinsoglio; Di Gregorio; Rouhi; Adžić; Mbangula
Yellow Cards: Locatelli 81
Empoli: Vasquez D.; Tosto L. (Pezzella, 61); Ismajli (Goglichidze S., 46); Marianucci; Sambia; Henderson L.; Cacace; Bacci (Gyasi E., 73); Maleh; Colombo (Kouamé C., 60); Konate I. (Esposito Se., 60)
Bench: Seghetti; Brancolini; De Sciglio; Grassi; Kovalenko
Yellow Cards: Henderson L. 65; Goglichidze S. 74; Esposito Se. 79
