Juventus Host NEC Nijmegen at Allianz Stadium

Stage Set for European Opener in Turin

Juventus commence their 2026/2027 UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when they welcome Eredivisie outfit NEC Nijmegen to Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin for Round 1. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 local time as Luciano Spalletti's side look to launch a deep run in Europe's secondary club competition.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head History

The Bianconeri enter the clash eager to respond following a surprising 3-2 defeat away at Sassuolo in Serie A on September 13. Before that setback, Juventus had compiled a steady run, drawing 1-1 against AC Milan, claiming back-to-back 2-0 and 1-0 victories over Parma Calcio 1913 and Frosinone Calcio respectively, and defeating Palermo FC 2-0 in a preseason friendly. Overall, Juventus have won three of their last five competitive matches across all competitions.

In contrast, Dick Schreuder's NEC Nijmegen have endured a difficult stretch, securing just one victory in their last five competitive outings (W1, D1, L3). NEC suffered a 3-0 loss to Cambuur in their latest Eredivisie appearance on September 12, following a 2-2 draw with Excelsior and a 3-1 defeat to Feyenoord. Their sole victory in this sequence came in a 3-1 away win against PEC Zwolle, while their European journey was rerouted to the Europa League following a 3-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt in Champions League qualifying. This midweek clash marks the very first competitive head-to-head meeting between Juventus and NEC Nijmegen.

Team News and Key Players

Luciano Spalletti must navigate a significant injury crisis within his squad. Captain Manuel Locatelli is sidelined following knee surgery, joined on the injury list by Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Jeremie Boga, and Juan Cabal. Defender Lloyd Kelly misses out through suspension, while winger Edon Zhegrova is ineligible for the league phase squad list. On a positive note for the hosts, both Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie returned to full training ahead of kickoff. The Bianconeri can still count on key starters such as Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, Francisco Conceicao, Federico Gatti, Mehmet Zeki Celik, and attacker Randal Kolo Muani, with recent signing Pape Matar Sarr and forward Nick Woltemade also pushing for starting roles.

For the visiting Dutch side, coach Dick Schreuder is without primary goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz due to suspension, meaning Nikolas Polster is expected to start between the posts. Defenders Ahmetcan Kaplan and Deveron Fonville, alongside forward Bryan Linssen, remain unavailable due to injuries. NEC's key threats include experienced Serbian forward Dusan Tadic and veteran playmaker Tjaronn Chery, supported up front by striker Kaj Sierhuis, alongside central defender Philippe Sandler and midfielder Darko Nejasmic.

Match Prediction

Despite their extensive casualty list, Juventus boast superior squad depth and international experience, making them clear favorites on home turf against an NEC Nijmegen team struggling for defensive stability. Expect Luciano Spalletti's side to set the tempo in Turin, with pre-match projections pointing toward a comfortable home victory, such as a 2-0 or 3-1 outcome for the Italian side.