Juventus vs NEC Nijmegen Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Europa League 2026-27

This will be the first-ever clash between these clubs!

Juventus FC are going to lock horns with NEC Nijmegen for their opening league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 edition. The Allianz Stadium is going to witness this entertaining outing.

The Old Lady haven’t been able to secure a positive outcome in their last two matches. They were first held to a 1-1 draw by AC Milan and then faced a 2-3 loss against Sassuolo in the Serie A 2026-27 campaign. Luciano Spalletti’s men will now be looking to jump back to winning ways and what can be a better opportunity to do it in the European competition.

Juventus FC will be at home for their first UEL game of the season and they will be desperately pushing for a win. Their confidence levels might not be on the highest side, but they are surely going to have an advantage.

The Eredivisie club, NEC Nijmegen, are going to have a tough challenge up their sleeves. They have not been able to secure a win in their last three matches and will be under pressure for their UEFA Europa League fixture.

The Dick Schreuder-led side must do a lot of hard work in the final third and will also have to keep their defence tight or otherwise the Old Lady might unleash havoc on the visitors.

Kick-off:

• Location: Torino, Italy
• Stadium: Allianz Stadium
• Date: Friday, September 18
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Wednesday, September 17; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
• Referee: Oleksiy Derevinskyi
• VAR: In use

Form:

Juventus: W-W-W-D-L

Nijmegen: L-W-L-D-L

Players to Watch

Edon Zhegrova (Juventus)

Edon Zhegrova was the star of the show, but it was not enough for Juventus to avoid defeat against Sassuolo. He completed most dribbles (3) and also came up with the joint-most chances (3) for his side. The 27-year-old winger from Kosovo scored a sensational brace and will now be looking to help his side once again.

Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen)

The 27-year-old will have a crucial role to play for NEC Nijmegen in their upcoming UEFA Europa League outing against the Old Lady. His work rate across the field will be quite crucial for the visitors. Darko Nejašmić can control the midfield well and is also capable of scoring goals. He can also be included in helping his side in the backline.

Match Facts

• Juventus have secured three wins in their last five matches.
• NEC Nijmegen haven’t bagged a win in their last three games.
• These sides are going to square off for the first time.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Juventus to win @26/100 10bet
• Kolo Muani to score @11/10 QuinnBet
• Goals over 3.5 @11/10 Ladbrokes

Injury and Team News

Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Juan Cabal, Jeff Ekhator and Jeremie Boga are not going to be in action for Juventus. They are injured. Lloyd Kelly is serving his suspension.

NEC Nijmegen will miss out on the services of Deveron Fonville and Ahmetcan Kaplan due to their fitness issues. Gonzalo Crettaz is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 0

Juventus (wins): 0

NEC Nijmegen (wins): 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Juventus predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Vicario (GK); Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumi, Celik; Luiz, Koopmeiners; Zhegrova, Gonzalez, Alajbegovic; Kolo Muani

NEC Nijmegen predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Polster (GK); Storm, Sandler, Kabar; Tahaui, Geiger, Nejašmić, Bischoff; Lebreton, Chery; Sierhuis

Match Prediction

With superior squad quality and the home ground advantage, Juventus are going to have a slight edge over their opponents. NEC Nijmegen will be under pressure, but will be keen to put up a fight.

The Old Lady are likely to come out on top with a win in their opening UEFA Europa League 2026-27 fixture.

Prediction: Juventus 3-1 NEC Nijmegen

Telecast Details

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: TNT Sports

Italy: Sky

Norway: Viaplay

USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN

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