Vlahovic miss costly as Empoli stuns Juventus
Empoli beat Juventus on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.
Empoli knocked Juventus out of the Coppa Italia with a 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Allianz Stadium.
Youssef Maleh put the visitor a goal up after 24 minutes against the run of play with a fierce strike from outside the penalty area. Juventus had lost possession deep in its own half and Maleh made them pay.
Empoli had chances to extend the lead after going a goal ahead, but neither Junior Sambia nor Maleh were able to make the telling contribution after carving out opportunities.
Khephren Thuram then made Empoli rue its missed opportunities as he got Juve back on level terms in the 66th minute.
Randal Kolo Muani had found Thuram with his back to goal with a ball from the left, with the latter then producing a stunning flick to get past his man before firing home on the angle.
Dusan Vlahovic missed a brilliant opportunity to win the tie five minutes from time, but could not get his half-volley on target. The Serbian missed the opening penalty of the shoot-out, sending his spot-kick over the bar.
Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez then denied Kenan Yildiz and Luca Marianucci won it for the visitors.
Empoli will face Bologna in a two-legged semi-final in April. Inter Milan and AC Milan will play each other for the other spot in the final.
