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Juventus vs NEC Nijmegen Preview and Predictions for Europa League Clash

The first round of the UEFA Europa League sees Juventus hosting NEC Nijmegen at the Allianz Stadium on September 17, 2026. This marks a historic moment for NEC Nijmegen, as it is their debut in the Europa League at this venue. Juventus, back in Europe’s second-tier competition after reaching the semifinals in 2023, aims to make a strong impression.

Key Statistics Before Kickoff

  • Juventus: Unbeaten in eight of their last nine Europa League matches, with four wins and four draws.
  • NEC Nijmegen: Only one win in their last six games across all competitions, suffering four losses and one draw since August 19.
  • Juventus Home Form: Lost just once in their last nine competitive home matches, earning five wins and three draws since February 25.

Team Comparison: Juventus vs NEC Nijmegen

  • League Position: Juventus 8th in Serie A, NEC Nijmegen 10th in Eredivisie
  • Points: Both have 7 points from their respective leagues
  • Goals For: Juventus 6, NEC Nijmegen 11
  • Goals Against: Juventus 4, NEC Nijmegen 12
  • Clean Sheets: Juventus 2, NEC Nijmegen 0
  • Home/Away Rank: Juventus 5th at home, NEC Nijmegen 7th away

Recent Performances

Juventus suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 3-2 to Sassuolo in a thrilling match where four goals came in the last 12 minutes. Despite a goalless first half, Sassuolo took the lead twice, but Juventus fought back both times before conceding a late winner in stoppage time.

Before that loss, Juventus had won against Frosinone (1-0) and Parma (2-0), and drew 1-1 with AC Milan. Their manager Luciano Spalletti will want the team to bounce back quickly as they aim for their fourth Europa League title. Juventus previously claimed the UEFA Cup three times, last winning it in 1993 by thrashing Borussia Dortmund 6-1 on aggregate.

Juventus qualified for this Europa League season after falling short in Champions League qualification last year, finishing just two points off the top four due to a poor run in the final stages of the previous campaign.

NEC Nijmegen enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Eredivisie—their best-ever finish—to earn a spot in Champions League qualifiers. They defeated Olympiacos 2-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying round but were heavily beaten 6-1 on aggregate by Bodo/Glimt, ending their UCL hopes.

Currently, NEC are struggling, sitting 10th in the league with seven points from six games after a heavy 3-0 loss to Cambuur. Their recent form is weak, with five losses or draws in the last six matches across competitions, including two defeats and one draw this September.

Form Guide

  • Juventus Last 5 Matches: W W D L
  • NEC Nijmegen Last 5 Matches: L W L D L
  • Goals For (Last 5): Juventus 6, NEC Nijmegen 6
  • Goals Against (Last 5): Juventus 4, NEC Nijmegen 12

Predictions and Betting Tips

Given Juventus’ stronger squad and NEC Nijmegen’s current struggles, we think the Italian side will claim victory. The odds for a Juventus win stand at 1.22 (11/50). Expect a lively game with goals; NEC's last seven matches all featured at least three goals, so betting on over 2.5 goals at 1.44 (11/25) looks sensible.

Both teams scoring is also likely, with five of NEC's last seven games seeing both sides find the net. Combining a Juventus win with BTTS (both teams to score) at 2.75 (7/4) offers good value at the Allianz Stadium.

We anticipate more than 9 corners in the match, priced at 1.83 (83/100), and as an outsider tip, a correct score of 3-1 to Juventus is available at 11.00 (10/1).

Summary of Betting Tips

  • Over 2.5 goals: Yes at 11/25 (1.44) | Possible
  • Over 9 corners: Yes at 83/100 (1.83) | Possible
  • Correct score: 3-1 Juventus at 10/1 (11.00) | Outsider

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