Juventus Vs Empoli Prediction: Bianconeri Aims For Coppa Italia Semifinal Tickets

Dusan Vlahovic is again trusted on the front lines of Juventus (photo: x @juventusfc)

JAKARTA - Juventus will try to step into the Coppa Italia semifinals when they host Empoli in the quarter-finals which takes place on Wednesday 26 February, or Thursday morning WIB at the Allianz Stadium. As the defending champion, the Bianconeri certainly want to defend their trophy, while Empoli tries to create a surprise in the midst of their struggle to avoid relegation in Serie A.

Juventus came into this match with high enthusiasm after securing an important victory over Cagliari in Serie A last weekend's Serie A match. Dusan Vlahovic's quick goal in the 12th minute was enough to ensure three points for Thiago Motta's side, while strengthening their position in the top four of the standings.

In the Coppa Italia, Juventus started their journey in the last 16 with a convincing 4-0 win over Cagliari. Thiago Motta wants to take advantage of the home game against Empoli to advance to the semifinals and keep his hopes of winning trophies this season.

Meanwhile, Empoli had quite an impressive journey in the Coppa Italia this season. They managed to get rid of Catanzaro, Torino, and Fiorentina to reach the quarter-finals. In the previous round, they drew 2-2 against Fiorentina and escaped on penalties.

However, their performance in Serie A is far from satisfactory. Empoli is currently slumped in the relegation zone after suffering six defeats in their last seven matches. A 0-5 defeat to Atalanta in their latest match shows how vulnerable Empoli's defense is ahead of the crucial match against Juventus.

The Bianconeri still have to face a number of injury problems, especially in the back lines. Nicolo Savona and Renato Veiga have recently been on the list of injured players, joining Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Pierre Kalulu who were absent first. Andrea Cambiaso also had fitness problems, making Thiago Motta have to rack his brains in determining his line-up.

In midfield, Juventus had to lose Douglas Luiz who suffered a muscle injury against Cagliari. However, they still have Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners who can rely on this sector.

Di lini depan, Dusan Vlahovic yang mencetak gol di laga terakhir bisa kembali dipercaya menjadi starter, tetapi ia akan bersaing dengan Randal Kolo Muani yang mulampresif sejak diperdatif dari Paris Saint-Germain.

The visitors also experienced an injury crisis, with five main players still missing in the long term. In addition, Mattia Viti and Ardian Ismajli are doubtful about appearing, while Tino Anjorin and Jacopo Fazzini have just returned from injury and are still in need of adjustment to physical conditions.

However, they got good news with Luca Marianucci's return from suspension. In the goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri, who conceded five goals against Atalanta, could be replaced by Devis Vasquez in this match.

Juventus are clearly more favored in this match, especially with their impressive record against Empoli in Turin. In the last meeting of the two teams in Serie A early February, Juventus won 4-1 with Randal Kolo Muani scoring two goals.

Empoli will try to play more defensively to avoid a big defeat like they did against Atalanta. However, Juventus have a much better quality in all lines, so they will most likely dominate the game.

With Empoli's fragile defense and Juventus having quite a sharp attack, the Bianconeri are predicted to win this match with a convincing score.

Juventus (4-2-3-1):Perin; Weah, Gatti, Kelly, Rouhi; Thuram, Koopmeiners; Gonzalez, McKennie, Mbangula; Kolo Muani

Empoli (3-5-2):Vasquez; De Sciglio, Goglichidze, Cace; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Maleh, Pezzella; ESPosito, Colombo

Score prediction: Juventus 3-0 Empol