Missing out on the chance to widen their buffer at the top of the Serie A table, Juventus were forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 stalemate at home against Empoli on Saturday evening.
Although the Old Lady might have been in complete control throughout the early stages, Massimiliano Allegri s men were handed a real blow as Arkadiusz Milik was handed a straight red card following a dangerous tackle after 18 minutes.
Nevertheless, not unsettled by their one-man disadvantage, the red-hot Dusan Vlahovic notched his 12th Serie A strike of the season just five minutes after returning from the interval as Juventus appeared firmly on course for a valuable three points.
However, although Saturday’s hosts might have extended their unbeaten run to 19 appearances on the bounce, Allegri s men would have been left hugely frustrated at the Allianz.
With second half substitute Tommaso Baldanzi producing a slick finish just 14 minutes after coming off the bench, Empoli handed the Italian heavyweights what could be a crucial blow.
Dropping what could turn out to be a pair of costly points in Turin, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
Juve miss out on a golden opportunity
While Juventus might have found themselves in the midst of a string of off-field issues last season, the Italian icons have certainly come roaring back this time around.
Although the Old Lady might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with their sights firmly set on book a lucrative Champions League return, Saturday’s hosts suddenly find themselves at the heart of a title scrap.
However, although Allergri’s side might have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across Italy’s elite this season, Juve will undoubtedly be frustrated after missing out on a golden opportunity this weekend.
Missing out on the opportunity to widen their buffer over the chasing pack, the former domestic champions will know the importance of claiming an immediate boost and dusting themselves down quickly.
With Inter Milan still breathing firmly down their neck and still holding a pair of games in hand, Allegri’s men face what could be a season-defining showdown on February 4th when they travel to the San Siro.
Vlahovic continues on his domestic romp
While there might have been more speculation last summer that Vlahovic could be heading for the Turin exit, the Serbian international has only continued to underline his crucial role in Juventus’ Serie A charge.
Although the 23-year-old might have initially struggled to find his feet following a £64million move from Fiorentina in January 2022, Vlahovic is in the midst of a major domestic romp this season.
Once again getting on the scoresheet here and causing Empoli’s leaky defence a string of issues, the 25-cap international has now bagged six strikes in his previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.
Spearheading a Juventus attack that have made plenty of improvements in the final third this season, Vlahovic clearly has a leading role to play in 2024.
Already setting a career-best Serie A tally of 12 goals and only sat behind Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez in the race for Italy’s Golden Boot, Vlahovic has also bagged double the amount of any other play in Turin.
Empoli still seeking a Serie A miracle
While Lecce might have sprung a real upset on Saturday evening, the Wolves are still face a real uphill battle in their bid to avoid the drop in 2024.
Although Roberto D’Aversa’s men might have eventually clung to their top-flight status last season, they still find themselves battling it out in the bottom-three and tipped as a leading relegation contender this year.
Despite claiming a crucial boost last week as they secured an eye-catching 3-0 romp against Monza, the Apulia-based outfit are without a win from any of their other nine appearances across all competitions a run that stems back to a 1-0 victory against defending champions Napoli on November 12th.
Opening the New Year with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of AC Milan, the former Sampdoria boss would have eased some of the mounting pressure on his shoulders.
Collecting four points from their back-to-back Serie A appearances over the past week, Lecce will face a must-win showdown on February 3rd when they welcome Genoa to the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero.
Match Report
Juventus: Szczesny, Gatti, Bremer, Sandro, Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Moretti, Kostic, Milik, Vlahovic
Subs: Weah, Iling-Junior, Yildaz
Empoli: Caprile, Ismajil, Walukiewicz, Luperto, Cacace, Maleh, Grassi, Zurkowski, Gyasi, Cerri, Cambiaghi
Subs: Fazzini, Marin, Cancellieri, Baldanzi, Cancellieri
Goals: Juventus: Vlahovic (50’) Empoli: Baldanzi (70’)
Yellow Cards: Juventus: Weah Empoli: Walukiewicz
Red Cards: Milik (18’)
Referee: Livio Marinelli
