Juventus return to European duty on Thursday evening carrying the mark of their heavy Serie A defeat to Sassuolo, with Luciano Spalletti asked to balance an immediate response against the wider demands of the season. NEC Nijmegen arrive in Turin for the opening Europa League fixture, as the Bianconeri approach a weekend round and then the international break with a depleted squad.
Headline: Juventus begin Europa League campaign against NEC Nijmegen in Turin
SEO Title: Juventus vs NEC Nijmegen: Europa League opener at Allianz Stadium
SEO Description: Juventus host NEC Nijmegen in their Europa League opener on 17 September, with Luciano Spalletti managing several absences after the Sassuolo defeat.
A European night after the Sassuolo setback
The match will be played at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Thursday 17 September, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00. Ukrainian referee Oleksiy Derevinskyi has been appointed to oversee the contest between Spalletti’s Juventus and Dick Schreuder’s NEC.
For Juventus, the occasion offers an early continental test rather than a simple interruption to the league calendar. The Sassuolo result has sharpened the need for a composed performance, but Spalletti must also protect players before the next Serie A weekend and the forthcoming pause for international football.
- Competition: Europa League
- Match: Juventus vs NEC Nijmegen
- Date: Thursday 17 September
- Kick-off: 21:00
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
- Referee: Oleksiy Derevinskyi
Spalletti works around an extensive injury list
Juventus have several unavailable players, leaving the coach to make changes and manage the physical and mental load within his group. Ekhator, Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Cabal, Locatelli and Boga are unavailable, while Zhegrova is not included on the European list. Lloyd Kelly is suspended.
The projected Juventus side is set to feature a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Woltemade leading the attack and Conceiçao and Nico Gonzalez operating behind him. Grabara is expected in goal, while Douglas Luiz and Sarr could form the central midfield pairing.
Expected Juventus team
- Goalkeeper: Grabara
- Defence: Kalulu, Gatti, Lucumi
- Midfield: McKennie, Douglas Luiz, Sarr, Celik
- Attacking midfielders: Conceiçao, Nico Gonzalez
- Forward: Woltemade
Juventus have Vicario, Pinsoglio, Bremer, Rugani, Cambiaso, Koopmeiners, Owusu, Elimoghale, Alajbegovic and Kolo Muani available from the bench.
NEC arrive under Schreuder with Tadic expected to start
Schreuder’s NEC are also anticipated to use a 3-4-2-1 system. Tadic is expected to spearhead the Dutch side’s attack, supported by Linssen and Chery, while Polster is projected to start in goal.
NEC will be without Tahaui through injury, while Crettaz is suspended. Their substitutes are expected to include Geneste, Bras, Nuytinck, Sandler, Kaplan, Kabar, Geiger, Bischoff, Willumsson, Kers, Emre Mor and Sierhius.
Expected NEC Nijmegen team
- Goalkeeper: Polster
- Defence: Fonville, Schuurs, Storm
- Midfield: Thomas, Jamiro Montero, Nejasmic, Lebreton
- Attacking midfielders: Linssen, Chery
- Forward: Tadic
How to watch Juventus against NEC
The game will be shown live in Italy on Sky Sport Uno, channel 201, and Sky Sport 252, as well as through NOW. Streaming access is available via Sky Go and NOW for subscribers on supported devices, including smartphones and tablets.
