Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Location: Turin, Italy
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, 21:00 CET, 12:00 PST, 15:00 EST
TV/Streaming: UK – TNT Sports, US – Paramount+
Recent form
Juventus were dumped out of the Champions League by PSV Eindhoven last week, and bounced back with a slender 1-0 success in Sardinia over lowly Cagliari.
The Bianconeri’s recent results in Serie A means that they have an outside chance of winning the Scudetto, as the three teams above them are showing inconsistency.
Motta’s best chance of silverware this season lies in successfully defending the Coppa Italia. Juve thrashed Cagliari in the last 16 and victory over Empoli sets up a two-legged semi-final tussle with Bologna.
Roberto D’Aversa’s Empoli have claimed some impressive scalps to set up a showdown with Juventus. They overwhelmed Catanzaro 4-1 in the opening round then notched a last-gasp winner to edge past Torino 2-1.
Empoli conquered hosts Fiorentina 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 Derby dell'Arno draw in the last 16. Serie A has dipped since then, with the Tuscany team having only scored one victory from their past dozen matches. They were outclassed at home to Atalanta last weekend, humiliated by a hefty 5-0 result.
Head-to-head
This will be their third meeting this season. Empoli fended off the challenge of Juventus inside the Stadio Carlo Castellani with a gritty scoreless draw in September.
The return Serie A game saw a tight first-half, but capitulated in the final half-hour by conceding four goals to lose 4-1 this month. Former Juve defender Mattia De Sciglio broke the deadlock, but when Empoli were reduced to 10-men in the second half it was game over.
Team news
Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are long-term absentees for Motta. Andrea Cambiaso (groin), Douglas Luiz (ankle), Pierre Kalulu (muscle injury), Nicola Savona (thigh) and Renato Veiga (leg) are all sidelined.
Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic scored on his first Serie A start of 2025 by bagging the winner against Cagliari, and should be given more minutes as substitute Kolo Muani was virtually anonymous in Sardinia.
The Coppa Italia tie is a chance for Motta to rue his eye over fringe players, although wholesale changes are not expected against injury-ravaged Empoli.
Players to watch
Juventus - Samuel Mbangula
The sheer pace of the 21-year-old whizzy winger could be showcased against Empoli. Tends to excel on the left wing but his versatility means that he can be switched to an attacking midfield role or as a support striker.
Should be able to provide the final pass for Vlahovic, who lacked service against Cagliari, to give Motta food for thought about starting the Belgium more regularly.
Empoli - Saba Goglichidze
Atalanta, Inter Milan and Juventus have been tracking the center-back for months, with the Bianconeri aiming to secure his signature during the summer transfer window.
The Georgian finished on the losing side during their recent 4-1 reversal to the Bianconeri, but only played 31 minutes as a late substitute. Should be given the nod for a starting booth to give Motta a glimpse of his ability.
Expected line-ups
Juventus possible starting XI:
Perin; Weah, Gatti, Kelly, Costa; Thuram, Locatelli; Gonzalez, McKennie, Mbangula; Vlahovic
Empoli starting XI:
Vasquez; De Sciglio, Goglichidze, Cacace; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo
Prediction
Juventus are unlikely to risk a shock defeat to Empoli, who still have a shot to claim their maiden Coppa Italia crown, by potentially being disjointed.
Their winning streak was only ended by PSV, and despite some unconvincing displays there are signs that the Bianconeri are getting back to their best.
The 15-time Coppa Italia champions should stroll past Empoli, with a plethora of substitutes given a chance to strut their stuff inside the Allianz Stadium.