Juventus vs Nijmegen Prediction & Tips | Europa League - League phase | FootballTips.app

Juventus begin their Europa League campaign at home to NEC Nijmegen with both sides looking for a response after disappointing domestic defeats. Luciano Spalletti’s team were beaten 3-2 by Sassuolo at the weekend, while NEC arrive in Turin on a three-match winless run after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Cambuur.

The Dutch side dropped into this competition following a difficult Champions League play-off against Bodø/Glimt, losing 6-1 on aggregate and failing to score in the second leg. Their recent defensive record has remained a concern, with NEC conceding 15 goals across their last six matches and going nine games without a clean sheet.

Juventus have also had an uneven start, winning two of their opening four Serie A matches, but their home form remains considerably stronger. They are unbeaten domestically at the Allianz Stadium this season and have won each of their last three European home fixtures.

This will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs. Juventus have won only two of their last six major European matches against Dutch opposition, but NEC are competing in a major European tournament for only the fourth time in their history and the first since 2008/09.

Spalletti brings considerable experience at this level, having previously managed Zenit St Petersburg, Roma, Inter and Napoli in the Europa League. He has lost only two of 18 group-stage matches in the competition, winning 12, and will see this fixture as a chance to build early momentum despite a lengthy injury list.

NEC’s aggressive pressing identity offers them one potential route into the game, having led the Eredivisie last season for high turnovers and defensive actions. However, their recent results, away struggles in Europe and depleted squad leave them facing a substantial challenge against a Juventus side expected to dominate possession and territory.