Serie A bottom side Empoli beat 10-man Juventus 2-1 at home in an Italian Cup last 16 first leg match yesterday.

Juve, third in Serie A, fielded a much-changed side from their usual league lineup and paid the price when Empoli's Nicola Pozzi scored on 19 minutes when his header came down off the bar and just crossed the line.

Ignazio Abate extended the Tuscan side's lead six minutes into the second half before Juve's former Empoli midfielder Sergio Almiron was sent off for a foul and subsequent protest.

Italy striker Vincenzo Iaquinta pulled one back for Juve 10 minutes from time to give the visitors hope of going through when Empoli go to Turin for the second leg on Jan. 16.

Serie A fixtures

Milan face a tough period of fixtures early next year after the rearrangement of their abandoned match at Atalanta and the two games postponed this month because of their involvement in the Club World Cup.

Atalanta against Milan will take place on Wednesday Jan. 23 while Reggina vs Milan has been rearranged for Jan. 30 and Milan vs Livorno for Wednesday Feb. 13.

Milan will now have to play twice a week between Jan. 13 and March 9 for every week except one.

The period also includes their Champions League last 16 first and second legs.

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