Juventus Faces Empoli in Critical Coppa Italia Quarterfinal Showdown

Turin, Italy – Juventus will clash with Empoli in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia on February 26, 2025, at Allianz Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time, with broadcasts streaming online across various platforms including TLN in Canada and Mediaset Infinity in Italy.

Currently, Juventus is in a favorable position to advance after dominating a previous encounter with Empoli, winning 4-1 mere weeks ago. As they seek a path to the semifinals, this matchup against the struggling Empoli squad comes at a crucial time for Juventus, who are eager to secure a title this season.

Empoli, under manager Roberto D’Aversa, has yet to win a match in nearly three months, slipping down the Serie A table with an alarming record of one draw and ten losses over their last eleven games. Their recent performances have notably included a staggering 10-0 aggregate loss over their last three matches.

“We need to treat this game as a final,” said a Juventus spokesperson. “Empoli may be struggling, but every game must be approached with seriousness and focus.”

Juventus manager Thiago Motta faces challenges fielding his starting XI due to injuries. Key players including Renato Veiga, Andrea Cambiaso, and Douglas Luiz have recently been sidelined. Additionally, Nicolo Savona is expected to miss a few weeks, compounding the team’s injury woes.

Despite having fewer available players, Motta will lead a squad that includes Perin in goal, with a defensive lineup featuring Weah, Gatti, and Cambiaso. The midfield will see Koopmeiners and Thuram while Vlahovic spearheads the attack.

The absence of key defenders places additional stress on Juventus’ already tired players. Federico Gatti, who leads the team in minutes played, will be essential for maintaining defensive stability on Wednesday evening.

As they navigate their injury concerns, Juventus aims to leverage their historical performance against Empoli. With an eye on the semifinal round against Bologna, who hold fond memories of Motta’s management, advancing in the Coppa Italia is a top priority.

The match provides a glimmer of hope for Empoli as they search for a turnaround in their abysmal form. “We know we’re in a tough situation, but each game presents an opportunity,” said D’Aversa. “We have to find a way to harness that pressure and use it to our benefit.”

As anticipation builds among fans, the defining question remains – can Juventus maintain composure and skill to convert opportunities against an Empoli team desperate for a win?