Empoli beat Juventus 4-2 on penalties to advance to the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Wednesday after a resilient performance helped them hold the defending champions to a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Dusan Vlahovic missed Juve's first attempt from the spot, sending his effort way over the bar before Empoli keeper Devis Vasquez denied Kenan Yildiz and Empoli defender Luca Marianucci sealed the win for the visitors.

Youssef Maleh put Empoli in front after 24 minutes, scoring with a powerful strike from outside the box, before Khephren Thuram levelled for the struggling hosts after the hour mark with a stunning individual effort from a tight angle.

Empoli, who were playing in the competition's quarterfinals for the first time since 2006-07, will face Bologna in a two-legged semifinal in April. Inter Milan and AC Milan will play each other for the other spot in the final.

Serie A strugglers Empoli eliminated Fiorentina on penalties in the last 16 after beating Torino 2-1 in the second round.

Winless in 11 consecutive league games, they were thrashed by Atalanta 5-0 at home last weekend and fell into the relegation zone.

But now they managed to hold on to a draw away from home and eliminated Juventus in a penalty shootout, which was really surprising.