Juventus 0-1 Empoli: player ratings as Juve fall to shock home defeat

Juventus succumbed to their first defeat of the new Serie A campaign, thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory to Empoli and a Guglielmo Vicario masterclass.

Amid around 20,000 fans allowed in the Allianz Arena, Juventus hosted Empoli in the second Matchday of Serie A 2021/22. With the hosts embarking on a new era without Cristiano Ronaldo following a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the current domestic season, Empoli, on other hand, were visiting the den of 36-time Scudetto winners on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Lazio last weekend.

The line-up selected by Massimiliano Allegri, however, was unusual, with the gaffer picking a starting eleven devoid of the presence of a natural out-and-out forward. In spite of giving Manuel Locatelli, Juventus’ midfield signing this summer, his first start in the Juventus shirt, Allegri fielded Danilo in the regista position with Rodrigo Bentancur, Weston McKennie and Adrien Rabiot playing ahead of the Brazilian. The pair consisting of Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa was found leading the line for the home side.

The net at the away end shook first as Leonardo Mancuso, following an explosive dart down the left from Filippo Bandinelli, broke the deadlock with one of the scrappiest finishes of the weekend. However, the goal gave the visitors the lead at the 21st minute of the game. Empoli ended the first half on the top, with those in the White and Black heading down the tunnel with a 1-0 deficit.

In the season half, Juventus kept pushing for an equaliser. But success didn’t follow. Guglielmo Vicario, Empoli’s goalkeeper, made five saves in what was a successful visit to Turin for the Tuscany side. As the referee blew the final whistle and drew the match to an end, a Ronaldo-less Juventus endured their first defeat of Serie A 2021/22.

Here, we have rated the Juventus players.

Goalkeeper

Wojciech Szczęsny (5.5/10): It was not a perfect outing. But, following the two howlers last week, it was a far more convincing performance from the Polish custodian. Against Empoli, his distributions were appropriate, with Szczęsny perfecting 13 out of 14 passes. In terms of long balls, three of launched four found their target. Not only that, but also he made three clearances to aid an unfortunate Juventus defence. With two matchdays gone, the Pole is still on the hunt for his first clean-sheet in Serie A.