Empoli, December 7:

Empoli beat under-strength Juventus 2-1 in the first leg of the fourth round of the Italian Cup on Thursday.

Nicola Pozzi and Ignazio Abate scored for Empoli before Juventus midfielder Sergio Almiron was expelled for protesting in the 61st minute.

Vincenzo Iaquinta came on and added a goal in the 81st to keep alive Juventus’ hopes of advancing.

Pozzi’s header in the 20th minute hit the crossbar and referee Stefano Farina ruled that the ball passed the goal line despite protests from Juventus players.

In the 51st, Abate added another score with a low shot after being set up by Empoli captain Ighli Vannucchi. Iaquinta converted off a quick free kick from captain Alessandro Del Piero while Empoli were protesting. Juventus were without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved and David Trezeguet. The winner will face either Inter Milan or Reggina in the quarter-finals.