UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Juventus edge Empoli cup classic

Members

Nine-times Italian Cup winners Juventus came through a thrilling eight-goal second leg against Empoli FC to make it through to the quarter-finals 6-5 on aggregate.

Alessandro Del Piero scored the winning goal from the penalty spot for Juventus
Alessandro Del Piero scored the winning goal from the penalty spot for Juventus ©Getty Images

Nine-times Italian Cup winners Juventus came through a thrilling eight-goal second leg contest against Empoli FC to make it through to the quarter-finals 6-5 on aggregate.

Bright start
The Turin giants, who despite winning the trophy on more occasions than any other club have not tasted success since 1995, went into the second half of their last 16 tie with Empoli trailing 2-1 after the first leg in December. However, they wasted little time in wiping out their opponents' lead at the
Stadio Delle Alpi as Marco Marchionni and Pavel Nedved scored in the opening ten minutes.

High drama
Visitors Empoli fought back though, making it 2-2 on the night with goals from Luca Antonini and Nicola Pozzi late in the opening half. The topsy-turvy tie then found Juventus back in front through Vincenzo Iaquinta before Pozzi pounced to make it 3-3 two minutes later. Italian international Iaquinta put Juventus back in front again just after the hour before a stunning 6-5 aggregate win was clinched from the penalty spot by Alessandro Del Piero with eleven minutes to spare. Their prize is now likely to be a last-eight meeting with FC Internazionale Milano, who lead Reggina Calcio 4-1 after their first leg encounter.

Selected for you