Empoli midfielder Youssef Maleh played a key role in his side’s stunning victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday, scoring the opening goal at the Allianz Stadium.
The result marked a significant upset, with Empoli currently struggling in Serie A, while Juventus are among the top teams in the league.
Maleh’s first-half strike set Empoli on course for a famous 2-1 win, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
The 26-year-old’s performance was another highlight in a strong season, where he has been a regular starter in Empoli’s midfield despite the team’s league struggles.
Born in Italy, Maleh represents Morocco at international level, having made his debut in May 2023 in a friendly against South Africa.
He was also on the preliminary list for the 2023 AFCON but did not make the final squad selected by coach Walid Regragui.
With competition for places in Morocco’s midfield fierce, featuring the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Bilal El Khannouss, Maleh’s recent performances could give Regragui further selection headaches in the future.
WOOOW! Quel but incroyable de Youssef Maleh contre la Juventus ! ✨
— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) February 26, 2025
