Juventus claimed three crucial points against Empoli by beating them 3-2 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. However, the Bianconeri were made to work for it. Juve opened the scoring thanks to a header from Moise Kean but Empoli equalized through Szymon Zurkowski.
The visitors restored there lead through their new talisman Dusan Vlahovic who later added a third to take his league tally of the season to 20.
Empoli pulled one back through substitute Andrea La Mantia and had some more scoring opportunities. However, they could not make the most out of it. Massimiliano Allegri will be glad with the three points but Empoli will no doubt rue their missed opportunities.
Starting XIs: Both Teams Make Five Changes Each
Juventus made five changes from their Champions League clash against Villarreal with Leonardo Bonucci and Luca Pellegrini back in the lineup. The duo replaced Alex Sandro and Mattia de Sciglio. Arthur partnered Denis Zakaria in central midfield with Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie on the bench. Moise Kean was in the lineup at the expense of Alvaro Morata. Empoli also made five changes from their previous match which was a defeat to Sampdoria.
Kean Puts Juventus in Front
Juventus were looking to attack from the very first minute and had a good early chance to find the net through Denis Zakaria when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the Swiss was unable to make the most out of it. Zakaria and Vlahovic had a few more chances to put Juve ahead but could not do so.
The Bianconeri eventually opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark after Kean headed in from Adrien Rabiot’s cross. They were unfortunately forced to make an early change as Zakaria sustained an injury. He was replaced by Locatelli.
Empoli did not take long to equalize thanks to Zurkowski who found the net from a corner. However, Juve restored their lead just before the interval through Vlahovic who found the net after a pass from Juan Cuadrado.
Vlahovic Puts the Game to Bed
Empoli were keen on getting back on level terms but the Juventus backline was disciplined enough to foil them. The Bianconeri extended their lead after a fine pass from Alvaro Morata found Vlahovic who beat the goalkeeper Vicario to net his 20th Serie A goal of the season. Empoli however fought back and scored a second through La Mantia’s left-footed shot.
The hosts had a number of chances to equalize and it took some good defending from Juve to deny them. La Mantia had a fie chance to score a second of the match but his shot was just wide.
In the end, Juventus did enough to preserve their lead to win the match. Vlahovic is showing why the team spent the big bucks on him. However, Allegri will hope that Zakaria’s injury is not to serious. With the win, Juve are six points ahead of Atalanta in fourth place although the latter have two games in hand.
The Bianconeri are gradually becoming title contenders as the gap between them and the top spot is only seven points. Empoli remain 13th in the table following their defeat.
What’s Next for Empoli and Juventus
Juventus travel to Florence for the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal against Vlahovic’s former side Fiorentina on Wednesday. The Bianconeri will have a tough task ahead as La Viola are a team to watch out for. Empoli next have an away fixture against Genoa next weekend.
MATCH SCORECARD
February 26, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Round 27
EMPOLI – JUVENTUS 2-3
SCORERS: 32′ Kean (J), 39′ Zurkowski (E), 45+2′ Vlahovic (J), 66′ Vlahovic (J), 76′ La Mantia (E)
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EMPOLI (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Stojanovic (85′ Henderson), Ismajli, Luperto, Cacace (70′ Parisi); Zurkowski, Asllani, Bandinelli (70′ Benassi); Bajrami (85′ Verre), Di Francesco (70′ La Mantia); Pinamonti (Ujkani, Furlan, Romagnoli, Tonelli, Viti, Fiamozzi, Stulac, Henderson, Cutrone) Coach: Andreazzoli |
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JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, De Ligt, Pellegrini; Cuadrado, Zakaria (37′ Locatelli), Arthur, Rabiot; Vlahovic, Kean (62′ Morata) (Perin, Pinsoglio, De Sciglio, Miretti, Akè, Soulè) Coach: Allegri |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Ismajli (E), Parisi (E); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 4′