Juventus head to the Netherlands on Thursday to take on AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion, hoping to preserve their unbeaten run in this season’s UEFA Europa League.
The Bianconeri have been inconsistent lately. They responded well with a 2-0 Serie A win against Napoli, but that followed a poor 2-0 loss to Genoa and a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Lazio.
Their European record, however, has been far steadier under Luciano Spalletti. Sitting seventh with seven points, Juventus have beaten Celta Vigo and NEC, then shared a lively 2-2 draw with Rennes.
Juventus team news
Spalletti arrives in the Netherlands with a serious selection headache, with at least 11 first-team players unavailable through injury or registration issues. The absences affect every part of the team.
In attack and midfield, Juventus are without Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Francisco Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez. At the back, Zeki Celik and goalkeeper Kamil Grabara are also out, while Arkadiusz Milik, Daniele Rugani, and Edon Zhegrova were left off the European squad list.
Weston McKennie remained in Turin as a precaution because of an adductor strain. There is some relief, though: Juan Cabal and young winger Kerim Alajbegovic made the trip after recovering from recent knocks, and Jeff Ekhator is fit again.
Spalletti has called up four NextGen academy players to strengthen a thin bench. With so many players missing, Juventus will depend heavily on Teun Koopmeiners, Pierre Kalulu, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Juventus predicted lineup
Possible starting XI: Vicario; Kalulu, Gatti, Bremer, Cambiaso; Luiz, Sarr; Kolo Muani, T. Koopmeiners, Alajbegovic; Woltemade
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday, 5th November.
How to watch AZ Alkmaar vs Juventus?
The AZ Alkmaar versus Juventus match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 4.
Read Also – Everton favourite names Eddie Howe as ‘great’ candidate to replace Moyes – but fears Man United competition
See More – Bayern Munich monitor Odegaard contract talks at Arsenal