Juventus were unable to secure a victory at home against Empoli, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite being reduced to 10 players, Juve couldn’t overcome an early goal from Dusan Vlahovic.

Tommaso Baldanzi of Empoli FC celebrates with teammate Nicolo Cambiaghi after scoring their side’s first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on January 27, 2024 in Turin, Italy.

Ten-man Juventus missed the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Serie A as they could only draw 1-1 with struggling Empoli at the Allianz Arena. Dusan Vlahovic struck early in the second half for his 12th goal of the season, after Arkadiusz Milik was shown a straight red following a VAR check just 18 minutes into the game.

But the highly rated Tommaso Baldanzi came off the bench to earn Empoli a share of the spoils with a fine effort from distance. Milik’s red card – shown for a late challenge on Alberto Cerri – changed the complexion of the match as the hosts deployed a low block, allowing Empoli control of the possession while waiting for the opportunity to launch a counter-attack.

A golden chance fell to Fabio Miretti on the stroke of half-time when he pounced on a mistake in the Empoli half but somehow failed to hit the target from point-blank range.

Five minutes after the restart, Juventus broke the deadlock as Vlahovic capitalized on slack defending to swivel and fire home following a corner delivery. But their lead only lasted 20 minutes as Baldanzi fired Empoli level with a low shot that left Wojciech Szczesny rooted to the spot.

It could have been worse for Juventus only for Szczesny, who denied Nicolo Cambiaghi as Empoli piled on the pressure in search of a winner. The Old Lady held on to keep their unbeaten home run intact, but their lead at the top of the table is only two points when it could have been four, with second-placed Inter yet to play this weekend.

Talking Point – Juve pay the price for a moment of madness

Juventus were searching for a sixth straight victory, having scored 18 goals in their last five. They welcomed a struggling Empoli side – already on their third coach of the season – full of confidence that another win would follow. However, a moment of madness from Milik left them facing an uphill battle when the striker made a clumsy tackle on Cerri. The referee had no option but to send him off, and Massimiliano Allegri had to adjust his tactics accordingly.

Victory had still looked likely thanks to Vlahovic’s goal, but Baldanzi’s brilliance secured a point for Empoli and left Allegri reflecting on what could have been. The red card also has implications going forward as Milik will now have to sit out the crunch game against Inter next week.

Player of the Match – Tommaso Baldanzi (Empoli)

On this fine display, it is no surprise that Roma are strongly linked with the 20-year-old. Introduced in the 56th minute, the midfielder turned the game in Empoli’s favor with a masterclass in the center of the park.

Player Ratings

Juventus: Szczesny 7, Gatti 6, Bremer 6, Alex Sandro 7, Cambiaso 6, McKennie 6, Locatelli 5, Miretti 5, Kostic 5, Milik 3, Vlahovic 7. Subs: Weah 7.

Empoli: Caprile 6, Ismajli 6, Walukiewicz 7, Luperto 7, Cacace 6, Zurkowski 6, Grassi 6, Maleh 7, Gyasi 6, Cambiaghi 7, Cerri 7. Subs: Baldanzi 8*, Fazzini N/A, Marin N/A.

Match Highlights

18′ – RED CARD! Milik takes a poor first touch and in a bid to keep possession, the Juventus striker catches Cerri with a late challenge. He’s booked. You could say it was a forward’s tackle. The referee is having a look on the monitor, and Milik could be sent off here. Indeed, the Juventus striker is shown his marching orders, and the hosts are down to 10 men!

45’+2 – BIG CHANCE FOR JUVE! Gyasi’s loose pass is pounced on by Miretti, who races through on goal but somehow fails to hit the target from point-blank range!

50′ – GOAL! JUVENTUS 1-0 EMPOLI (DUSAN VLAHOVIC): Ten-man Juve is ahead! And it’s that man Vlahovic once more with the goal. Empoli fails to clear from a corner, it drops kindly for Vlahovic who turns and volleys home.

70′ – GOAL! JUVENTUS 1-1 EMPOLI (TOMMASO BALDANZI): Empoli has a goal! The substitute Baldanzi fires Empoli level with a fine effort from distance! The low shot nestles in the bottom corner with Szczesny rooted to the spot.

82′ – SZCZESNY SAVE! Empoli continues to push for a winner, and Juventus requires a save from Szczesny to keep the scores level as the Poland international pushes Cambiaghi’s angled effort wide.

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