This archive report was first published on 29 August 2021.
On August 28, 2021, Juventus began life without Cristiano Ronaldo with a shocking 1-0 defeat at home to promoted Empoli in Serie A.
Despite agreeing a deal with Manchester United to sell Ronaldo to the Premier League club, Juventus looked shorn of ideas up front in the Portuguese forward's absence.
Empoli, however, capitalized on Juventus' struggles, edging into a surprise lead when captain Leonardo Mancuso swept the ball home at the far post in the 21st minute.
Even with the introduction of Alvaro Morata, Dejan Kulusevski, and new signing Manuel Locatelli from the bench, Juventus created few openings of note, ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.
Empoli's victory marked their first win back in the Italian top flight, leaving Juventus on one point from their opening two matches of the season.
