Motta has struggled all season to shed the defensive tactics instilled by his predecessor, Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus has drawn half of its Serie A matches — 13 of 26. Allegri was fired for his ugly outburst toward the referee and others in the Italian Cup final won by Juventus last season.

Empoli knocked Juventus out of the Coppa Italia with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw in regular time, leaving coach Thiago Motta ashamed by the Bianconeri's shock exit.

Thiago Motta is under growing pressure at Juventus following The Old Lady’s exit to Empoli in the Coppa Italia quarter final. The Bianconeri lost to the Tuscan side on penalties after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.