Randal Kolo Muani’s brace propelled Juventus to a 4-1 victory over Empoli, lifting them into the Champions League qualification spots. The French striker, continuing his impressive start with the Turin giants, netted twice in quick succession during the second half, adding to goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao. Empoli, struggling near the relegation zone, initially took the lead through Mattia De Sciglio but were eventually overwhelmed, particularly after Youssef Maleh’s red card late in the game. While the win was welcome for Juventus, the performance itself was far from polished, reflecting Empoli’s own struggles and raising questions about Juventus’ consistency.
Kolo Muani’s first goal showcased his composure and skill, as he deftly bypassed Saba Goglichidze before slotting the ball home from close range. His second, just three minutes later, involved a touch of fortune, as he diverted Timothy Weah’s errant long-range shot past Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. These goals, coupled with Vlahovic’s late strike – his first since mid-December – and Conceicao’s stoppage-time effort, secured a comfortable margin of victory for Juventus. However, the subdued celebrations underscored the less-than-convincing nature of the performance, a sentiment echoed by the home crowd.
Empoli, under the management of Thiago Motta, have endured a difficult period, accumulating a mere two points from their last eight matches. Their early lead, courtesy of De Sciglio’s header, offered a glimmer of hope, but their inability to capitalize on it and their subsequent defensive frailties ultimately led to their downfall. Maleh’s dismissal, following a reckless challenge on Nicolas Gonzalez, further compounded their woes and effectively sealed their fate. The defeat leaves Empoli precariously positioned just above the relegation zone, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
The victory for Juventus, while important in the context of their Champions League aspirations, did little to dispel concerns about their overall form. The performance, particularly in the first half, lacked the fluidity and dominance expected of a team challenging for a top-four finish. The struggles against a struggling Empoli side will undoubtedly raise questions about Juventus’ ability to compete against stronger opposition. While Kolo Muani’s emergence as a reliable goal scorer is a positive development, the team’s overall performance needs improvement if they are to maintain their challenge for a Champions League spot.
Later on Sunday, Inter Milan faced AC Milan in a crucial derby clash with significant implications for the Serie A title race. Inter, under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, entered the match in strong form, seeking their first derby victory of the season and aiming to close the gap on league leaders Napoli. A win at the San Siro would draw Inter level on points with Napoli, who faced a challenging fixture against Roma later in the day. The derby, always a high-stakes affair, carried added significance given the close competition at the top of the table.
Adding to the tension surrounding the derby was the Italian police’s decision to ban fan displays, a measure taken to curb potential clashes between rival supporter groups. This decision followed a crackdown on ultra supporters from both clubs, with arrests made in connection with illegal profits from matches and alleged mafia infiltration. The pre-match atmosphere, typically vibrant and intense, was noticeably subdued due to these restrictions. The focus shifted solely to the on-field action, with both teams under pressure to deliver a positive result. Inter also had a rescheduled fixture against Fiorentina looming, adding to the complexity of their schedule. This match, originally postponed due to the collapse of Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove in December, further intensified the demands on Inter’s squad.
