Coppa Italia Preview! Juventus vs Empoli (26th Feb, 2025)

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Juventus welcomes Empoli in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals as both sides deal with injury concerns ahead of this crucial clash. With a spot in the semi-finals at stake, Juventus will be looking to assert their dominance, while Empoli hopes to cause an upset despite their struggles. Both teams have different priorities this season, but neither will want to miss out on a chance to move closer to silverware.

Juventus’ form in all competitions has been inconsistent, but they remain one of Italy’s strongest teams. They have had to manage injuries in key positions, which has forced Thiago Motta to make tactical adjustments. Despite these setbacks, their attacking options remain strong, with players eager to prove themselves. At home, they have been difficult to break down, and that resilience could be crucial in this encounter.

Empoli, on the other hand, has had a tough campaign, struggling to find consistency in both league and cup competitions. Defensive lapses and a lack of firepower up front have cost them valuable points. Against a team like Juventus, they will need to be disciplined and organized to have any chance of progressing. While their form has been shaky, cup competitions often provide surprises, and they will be hoping for one here.

With both teams missing key players, the match could be decided by squad depth and tactical discipline. Juventus will look to control possession and break Empoli down with their superior attacking options. Empoli, knowing they will have fewer chances, must be clinical and avoid unnecessary defensive errors. The battle for a place in the semi-finals promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting ambitions.

How to Watch: Juventus vs Empoli

Fans looking to watch this Coppa Italia quarter-final clash will have multiple viewing options. In Italy, the match will be broadcast live on Mediaset, offering comprehensive coverage, including pre-match analysis and expert commentary. For those in other regions, checking local sports networks or official streaming services will be essential to catching the action.

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Juventus vs. Empoli (Photo credit – Goal)

In the United States, fans can stream the match live on Paramount+, which has exclusive rights to Coppa Italia fixtures. With the growing popularity of streaming platforms, fans can watch from anywhere on their preferred devices. UK viewers, meanwhile, can follow the match on Viaplay Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights for the competition.

Regardless of location, there are plenty of ways to tune in for this exciting knockout encounter. Given the stakes involved, this is a match that fans won’t want to miss. Juventus will be eager to prove their dominance, while Empoli will look to defy the odds and pull off an upset.

Juventus enters this match with a depleted defense, as several key players remain sidelined. Nicolo Savona and Chelsea loanee Renato Veiga are the latest to join a growing injury list, which already includes Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Pierre Kalulu. Andrea Cambiaso also suffered a knock in their last match, further limiting Thiago Motta’s options at the back. These absences mean the Juventus coach will have to reshuffle his defense and possibly take some risks.

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Juventus vs. Empoli (Photo credit – Rating Bet)

In midfield, Juventus faces another setback, with Douglas Luiz ruled out after picking up a flexor injury. His absence reduces the team’s stability in the middle of the pitch, making Manuel Locatelli’s role even more crucial. Despite these concerns, Juventus still has an array of attacking talent available. Dusan Vlahovic recently found the net and will be pushing for another start, while Randal Kolo Muani remains a strong option in attack.

Empoli is also dealing with an extensive injury list, with several first-team players unavailable. Their defensive unit has been hit hard, with Mattia Viti and Ardian Ismajli both doubts for this fixture. These injuries leave Empoli vulnerable at the back, forcing Roberto D’Aversa to make tough decisions. However, there is some good news, as Luca Marianucci returns from suspension and could be a vital addition to their backline.

Further up the pitch, Empoli has lacked consistency, and their attacking options have struggled to convert chances. Tino Anjorin and Jacopo Fazzini have resumed training, but it remains to be seen whether they will be match-fit. Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri has started in recent matches but conceded five goals against Atalanta. That performance could lead to a change in goal, with Devis Vasquez potentially stepping in for this crucial encounter.

Juventus is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mattia Perin retaining his place in goal. In defense, Timothy Weah is likely to slot in at right-back, while Federico Gatti and Dean Kelly take up central roles. If Cambiaso is fit enough to start, he will provide width on the left. With defensive absences piling up, Juventus will need their backline to remain focused and disciplined.

Formation Line Ups (Photo Credit - FootItalia)
Formation Line Ups (Photo Credit – FootItalia)

In midfield, Manuel Locatelli will be tasked with dictating play, while Manu Thuram offers defensive stability alongside him. Angel Gonzalez and Weston McKennie will likely operate in more advanced roles, supporting the attack. Randal Kolo Muani could play just behind Dusan Vlahovic, giving Juventus a potent attacking threat. With Empoli’s defensive struggles, Juventus will aim to dominate possession and break them down through patient build-up play.

Empoli is expected to set up in a 3-5-2 system, prioritizing defensive solidity. If Devis Vasquez replaces Marco Silvestri in goal, he will need to deliver a strong performance to keep his side in the game. In defense, Luca Marianucci’s return from suspension will provide much-needed stability, alongside Mattia De Sciglio and Liberato Cacace. Their defensive unit will have to remain compact to withstand Juventus’ attacking pressure.

Midfield control will be crucial for Empoli, with Sambia and Pezzella expected to play key roles as wing-backs. The central trio of Kovalenko, Henderson, and Maleh will need to be disciplined, ensuring Juventus does not dominate possession. Up front, Sebastiano Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo will lead the attack, looking to capitalize on any defensive lapses. Empoli’s hopes will rest on their ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.

With both teams dealing with injuries, this match could be a scrappy affair as they adjust to missing key players. Juventus still holds the advantage, with their depth allowing them to rotate effectively. Their home form has been solid, and they will look to control possession from the start. If they can create enough chances, their attacking players should have the quality to finish the job.

Todays Match Prediction
Todays Match Prediction (Todaymatchprediction)

Empoli’s confidence has been low, and their struggles in defense make them vulnerable against a team of Juventus’ caliber. They will need a disciplined defensive performance to keep the game tight and hope to capitalize on counterattacks. However, with their injury problems and lack of attacking firepower, finding a way past Juventus will be a tough challenge. Unless they can produce something special, their Coppa Italia journey is likely to end here.

Juventus has the upper hand in terms of squad strength, even with their injuries, and will be expected to secure a routine win. Their defensive vulnerabilities might give Empoli a glimmer of hope, but their superior quality in attack should prove decisive. Empoli will need to dig deep to avoid a heavy defeat, but Juventus should be able to control proceedings.

A 2-0 win for Juventus seems the most likely outcome, securing their place in the semi-finals. With Empoli struggling at both ends of the pitch, Juventus should have enough firepower to get the job done. Their focus will then shift back to their top-four ambitions in Serie A, while Empoli continues their fight for survival.



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