Juventus vs Nijmegen – News and Probable Lineups

The Italian powerhouse Juventus is set to welcome Dutch contenders NEC Nijmegen on Thursday night, as both teams kick off their Europa League campaigns.

Although in different ways, both clubs saw their chances for Champions League qualification slip away, and now they must focus on UEFA’s secondary tournament.

Match overview

Juventus faced a significant setback at the conclusion of the previous season, having secured only five points from their last five matches, which led to them finishing outside the top four in Serie A and missing out on Champions League participation.

After being appointed mid-season during yet another disappointing run, interim head coach Luciano Spalletti managed to retain his position and received an extension on his deal, yet his squad has had a mixed start to the new term.

They narrowly defeated Frosinone and Parma, needed a last-minute equalizer to salvage a point against AC Milan at home, and then experienced a painful loss last Sunday.

After equalizing twice, Spalletti’s squad pushed for a winning goal but were caught on a counterattack by Sassuolo, who netted a winner in the 94th minute from Vasilije Adzic—a player currently loaned from Juventus.

Thus, the Bianconeri are eager to quickly recover from this defeat as they embark on their latest European journey.

Having won the European title twice, Juventus has an illustrious legacy, and their seasoned manager is well-acquainted with this competition.

Spalletti will be managing in the Europa League with Juventus for the fifth time, having previously led Zenit St Petersburg, Roma, Inter de Milão, and Napoli. He has only faced defeat in two out of 18 group stage matches.

In stark contrast to their prestigious hosts, NEC are participating in European competitions for just the fourth time, and the first time in 17 years.

Under the management of Dick Schreuder, NEC exceeded expectations last season, finishing third in the Eredivisie, which earned them a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

They triumphed over Olympiacos in their opening game but fell just short of reaching the group stage, losing to Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs.

Despite suffering a 6-1 aggregate defeat—losing 3-1 in Nijmegen and 3-0 in Norway—gaining direct entry into the Europa League was a significant consolation.

Like Juventus, their domestic form has been inconsistent: after winning their first two away matches, they managed just one point from a potential six at home, and last week they suffered a heavy defeat.

A 3-0 loss to newly promoted Cambuur was not the ideal preparation for a tough trip to Turin.

Team News

Spalletti is facing an early injury crisis, necessitating a careful balance among Juventus’s various commitments, so some squad rotation is anticipated on Thursday.

The hosts will be missing Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Juan Cabal, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator, and captain Manuel Locatelli, who has just undergone knee surgery and may be sidelined until next spring.

Lloyd Kelly is also suspended, but Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie have returned to full training and are expected to make the squad.

Strikers Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani will compete to lead the home side’s attack, while NEC will look to Kaj Serhuis, with regular forward Bryan Linssen currently out injured.

Ahmetcan Kaplan, Deveron Fonville, and goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz are also unfit; the latter is suspended after being sent off during the Champions League playoff against Bodo/Glimt.

Supporting Serhuis up front, Dusan Tadic is likely to partner with fellow veteran Tjaronn Chery, NEC’s 38-year-old captain.

Juventus probable starting XI:

Grabara; Celik, Lucumi, Gatti, Cambiaso; Sarr, Koopmeiners; Zhegrova, Gonzalez, Alajbegovic; Woltemade

NEC probable starting XI:

Pad; Sandler, Storm, Bras; Tahaui, Lebreton, Nejasmic, Bischoff; Tadic, Chery; Serhuis

Considering their injuries, Juventus might have one eye on Sunday’s league fixture against Atalanta, yet even a weakened side should be capable of overcoming NEC.

The visitors have talent and some European experience, but they were clearly outclassed by Bodo/Glimt and have struggled defensively.