Empoli vs. Juventus: Winners and Losers from Serie A Game
After taking three points thanks to a late goal against derby rivals Torino, Juventus travelled to Empoli on Sunday wanting another win before the international break. They would emerge with a 3-1 victory, with the result temporarily bumping them into seventh place ahead of the evening fixtures.
The Bianconeri have suffered some disappointing results against Serie A’s minnows, and they were wary of repeating the mistakes seen against Sassuolo and Frosinone, with coach Massimilano Allegri demanding concentration from his players.
“We’re still yet to win back-to-back Serie A games, and it’s crucial we start doing so,” the Juve boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “We also need to return to winning ways on the road.”
He added that Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani is “never an easy venue to get a result from,” and so it would prove as the home side took the lead through Massimo Maccarone. The Turin giants would quickly turn the game around, however, with goals from Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra and Paulo Dybala.
What follows is a look at the winners and losers from this encounter, highlighting the best and worst performances from both teams in what proved to be a difficult game on a hot afternoon in the Tuscan sunshine.
Winner: Massimo Maccarone, Empoli
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While his team may have ended up with nothing to show for their performance, Massimo Maccarone deserves credit for handing Empoli the lead. Before there were even 20 minutes on the clock, the 36-year-old striker found the net with a low shot after Leonardo Bonucci gave the ball away cheaply.
It gave the home side hope of ending a losing run against the Bianconeri that stretches back to 1999, but in the end, it was not to be.
Loser: Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus
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Leonardo Bonucci has been one of Juve’s most consistent performers over recent seasons, but he was certainly at fault for Massimo Maccarone’s opening goal. The striker did well to capitalise on the error, but the Italian defender—usually so assured in possession—should never have allowed him the chance.
Winner: Patrice Evra, Juventus
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As Juventus turned around the result before half-time, they had Patrice Evra to thank for the goal that put them in front. From Juan Cuadrado’s corner, the Frenchman timed his jump perfectly to nod beyond Empoli goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, but after the game, he was already looking ahead.
Evra spoke with reporters shortly after the final whistle:
"We had to win and produce a professional performance this afternoon and now we need to make sure we continue in the same vein and with the same good spirit in the games to come. ... Getting back to the top of the table and closing the gap on our rivals is all about focusing on each game as it comes. Our next match against Milan will show if we’re really back to form.
"
Loser: Mario Rui, Empoli
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As the game wore on, there was little doubt that Juventus were targeting Mario Rui as the weak link in the Empoli defence. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Juan Cuadrado repeatedly ran at the Portuguese full-back, who had little protection from his midfielders and was inexplicably left exposed throughout.
Winner: Paulo Dybala, Juventus
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Over the course of the game, the feeling Juventus needed Paulo Dybala on the field continued to grow. Both Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata were out of sorts, offering very little cutting edge. It was no surprise when coach Massimiliano Allegri opted to make a change during the second half.
Dybala provided a different dimension from his team-mates, running at the Empoli defence. He was eventually rewarded with a goal for his efforts, telling Sky Italia he was happy to play his part.
“There are many players who are doing well, so I was not remotely upset at starting from the bench,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “I am just happy when I get to give my contribution, and I remain concentrated always. Unfortunately, in this sport, only 11 players can start.”
