Empoli show intent as toothless Juventus are defeated post Ronaldo era

Newly-promoted Empoli inflicted a shock defeat on Juventus in Turin as the Old Lady made a miserable start to life without Cristiano Ronaldo.

All eyes were on Max Allegri’s side after a manic few days in which they lost their star striker, but it was in defence where they were found wanting when Leonardo Mancuso gave Empoli the lead in the 21st-minute, an advantage they would hold onto.

It was no less than Empoli deserved, as not only did they work harder than their opponents, but also passed the ball better and were much more organised.

Paulo Dybala, Weston McKennie and Federico Chiesa all started for Juventus, but only the latter of the three had an impact in the first-half, drawing two fine saves from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Alvaro Morata replaced McKennie at the break as Allegri desperately looked for a spark in attack, but Juventus only regressed after the restart.

However, without the prowess of Ronaldo, Juventus never came close to drawing level. In injury-time, substitute Manuel Locatelli had their best chance, but failed to steer his shot on the shot on target.

The defeat means Juventus are still without a win this season, having drawn their opening game 2-2 with Udinese.

With Ronaldo making a stunning move to Manchester United on Friday, the most immediate concern for Juventus was who would fill the void.

Juventus have failed to win each of their first two Serie A matches for only the third time in their last 52 top-flight campaigns (after 2010/11 and 2015/16).