Juventus injury crisis puts Europa League momentum to the test

A narrow gap in the league phase

Juventus are three places and one point above AZ Alkmaar after three matches in the 36-team Europa League league phase. That makes this meeting in Alkmaar a chance for AZ to draw level, while Juventus will want to protect their early advantage.

The contrast in momentum is notable: AZ have won their last two matches in the competition, while Juventus are unbeaten in three. But the central question is how well Juventus can cope with a lengthy list of absences.

Strong starts on both sides

In the Europa League only, AZ have two wins and a defeat from three matches, scoring six goals and conceding two. Their latest result was a win, and they have scored twice in their one home match in the competition, conceding once.

Juventus have taken two wins and a draw from their three Europa League fixtures, scoring nine and conceding three. Their most recent match ended level. Away from home in this competition, they won their sole match, scoring twice and conceding once.

Juventus stretched by injuries

Juventus have nine players marked unavailable, with Weston McKennie also doubtful because of a groin injury. The absentees include Federico Conceicao, Nico Gonzalez, Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz, alongside Zeki Celik and goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. Arkadiusz Milik is inactive, while Daniele Rugani and E. Zhegrova are off the roster.

That shortage could disrupt Juventus across several areas, particularly with injuries affecting midfield and attacking options. AZ also have absences: J. Hornkamp, S. Resink and K. Smit are out through injury, while H. Verhulst is off the roster and J. Zoet is inactive. Even so, Juventus’ much longer list makes their depth the defining concern.

Goals and pressure in Alkmaar

AZ’s six goals across their three Europa League matches show they can punish opponents, while Juventus have scored nine in the same number of games. Yet Juventus’ injury situation may make it harder to sustain their usual attacking threat, giving AZ an opening to build on their home win in the competition.

Our prediction

Juventus’ unbeaten run and stronger scoring record in Europe give them a slight edge, even with their depleted squad. The numbers point toward a tight contest, with Juventus still capable of finding a decisive moment.

AZ Alkmaar 0-1 Juventus