Juventus begin their Europa League league-phase campaign at home to NEC Nijmegen on Thursday, with both sides meeting for the first time in an official match.
The game at Allianz Stadium gives Juventus the opportunity to respond after suffering their first defeat of the new season. Luciano Spalletti’s side had opened the campaign with two wins and a draw before losing 3-2 at Sassuolo on Sunday, despite a double from Edon Zhegrova.
Juventus return to the Europa League after finishing sixth in Serie A last season on 69 points. They will aim to use home advantage to make a positive start to their European schedule, with summer arrivals Randal Kolo Muani and Jhon Lucumi among the players available to Spalletti.
For NEC Nijmegen, the match marks a return to European competition for the first time since the 2008-2009 season. The Dutch club finished third in the Eredivisie in 2025-2026 and began this season’s European journey in Champions League qualifying.
NEC Nijmegen overcame Olympiakos in the preliminary round before losing to Bodø/Glimt in the play-off round. Their recent domestic form has been less encouraging, however, with Dick Schreuder’s team going three matches without a win.
That run included a 3-0 defeat by Cambuur on Saturday, leaving NEC Nijmegen with a difficult challenge as they prepare to face Juventus in Turin.
Tjaronn Chery will be one of the visitors’ key attacking threats. He is NEC Nijmegen’s leading scorer this season, with three goals.
The opening fixture represents an early European test for both teams. Juventus will look to establish their campaign with a home victory, while NEC Nijmegen will attempt to produce a surprise result against the Italian side.