Leo Peterson
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
On February 26, 2025, the Allianz Stadium in Turin will host the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia between Juventus and Empoli. We suggest placing a bet on one of the teams.
Preview
Juventus finds itself in a difficult situation this season. In Serie A, the Bianconeri are eight points behind the league leaders, Inter, which significantly complicates their title fight. Additionally, the team unexpectedly exited the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, losing to PSV. Thus, the Coppa Italia remains the only competition where the Turin side can fight for a trophy.
As the reigning Coppa Italia holder, Juventus began their campaign from the Round of 16 and confidently overcame the first hurdle, crushing Cagliari 4-0 at home. Now, the team must defend its title to end the season on a high note.
Empoli began their Coppa Italia run from the Round of 32, where they comfortably defeated Serie B side Catanzaro 4-1. In the Round of 16, the team claimed an away victory over another Turin club, Torino, finishing the match 2-1. In the quarterfinals, again away, Empoli triumphed over Fiorentina in a dramatic penalty shootout.
However, the team's league form is much less promising. Empoli currently sits in the relegation zone in 18th place, and although they still have chances to secure survival in Serie A, their form raises serious concerns. They have gone 11 matches without a win, earning only two draws during this stretch. Now, the Coppa Italia provides Empoli with not only a chance to fight for a trophy but also an opportunity to regain their confidence.
Possible line-ups
- Juventus: De Gregorio, Vea, Gatti, Kelly, Cambiaso, Compiégners, Thuram, Conceição, McKennie, Yıldız, Kolo Muani
- Empoli: Silvestri, De Sciglio, Goglichidze, Pessella, Cacace, Henderson, Grassi, Sambya, Esposito, Maleh, Kwame
Match Facts and H2H
- In three of Empoli's last four away matches, they conceded at least three goals.
- Juventus, on the other hand, has performed confidently at home, winning three of their last four home matches.
- Empoli's attack remains one of the worst in Serie A — with only 22 goals in 26 matches.
- The head-to-head record is also heavily in favor of Juventus: Empoli has won just once at Juventus' home ground in 15 encounters.
- In early February, the teams met in Turin in Serie A, and Juventus secured a comfortable 4-1 win.
Prediction
Juventus enters the match as the clear favorite. Empoli is in poor form, and their defense is experiencing significant issues, especially away. Additionally, the head-to-head record and their recent 4-1 defeat in Turin weigh against them. Given these factors, a confident Juventus win is expected. The optimal bet is a home win with a -1.5 handicap at odds of 1.89.
