​Empoli stunned Juventus, qualified for their first-ever Coppa Italia semi-finals

Empoli stunned Juventus, securing a historic 4-2 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw, propelling them into their first-ever Coppa Italia semi-finals. The resilient underdogs held the defending champions, delivering a masterclass in disciplined defense and opportunistic attack.

Youssef Maleh's powerful strike from outside the box gave Empoli a shock lead in the 24th minute, silencing the Allianz Stadium. Despite Juventus's dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Empoli's organized backline. Khephren Thuram eventually equalized for Juventus with a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past defenders to score from a tight angle.

The match went to penalties after a tense finish, with Dusan Vlahovic's missed attempt setting the tone. Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez’s saves, coupled with Luca Marianucci’s decisive penalty, sealed the upset.

Empoli's journey to the semi-finals, where they will face Bologna, is a testament to their fighting spirit. Their victory over Juventus follows a penalty shootout win against Fiorentina and a 2-1 triumph over Torino. This remarkable Coppa Italia run provides a stark contrast to their struggles in Serie A, where they sit in the relegation zone after a series of disappointing results. The team, winless in 11 league games and recently thrashed by Atalanta, found redemption in this cup upset.