Juventus secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Dutch side NEC in their opening Europa League group stage fixture on September 17, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium. This emphatic win provides a significant response after their recent league defeat to Sassuolo, according to both La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
Juventus quickly established control, scoring three goals in just over half an hour. Nico Gonzalez opened the scoring in the eighth minute, capitalising on a long ball from debutant goalkeeper Grabara and a misjudged clearance from NEC goalkeeper Polster. Bosnian talent Alajbegovic doubled the lead in the 24th minute, firing home from the edge of the area following a pass from McKennie. Woltemade then converted a penalty in the 35th minute after Gonzalez was fouled by Kabar in the box, marking his first goal for the club.
Second-Half Strikes Secure Rout
The second half saw Juventus maintain control, adding two more goals. Celik scored the fourth goal in the 75th minute, finishing from close range after an assist from substitute Kolo Muani. Kolo Muani then sealed the 5-0 victory in the 82nd minute, latching onto a long pass and taking advantage of another ill-advised charge by Polster, walking the ball into an empty net. These goals marked the first of the season for Alajbegovic, Woltemade, Celik, and Kolo Muani, as noted by Corriere dello Sport.
Tactical Shifts and Player Impressions
Manager Luciano Spalletti implemented a three-man defence for the match, with Weston McKennie, who captained the side, operating on the left of midfield. The starting lineup also featured debuts for Grabara in goal and first starts for Gatti, Sarr, and Woltemade, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Spalletti made multiple substitutions in the second half, bringing on Bremer, Koopmeiners, and Conceiçao for McKennie, Nico Gonzalez, and Douglas Luiz around the hour mark, followed by Kolo Muani replacing Alajbegovic. Post-match, Nico Gonzalez commented that the team “needed this victory, to play good football,” and expressed hope that the goals for Woltemade and Kolo Muani “is just the beginning for them,” according to Sky Sport via Corriere dello Sport.
Upcoming Challenge for Juventus
While the victory provides a morale boost, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the true test of Juventus’s recovery from their recent “mini-crisis” will come in their upcoming Serie A fixture against Atalanta on Sunday at 18:00. This follows earlier news regarding a friendly encounter between the club and another European side. Readers interested in previous fixtures may wish to revisit details from the Basel and Juventus friendly encounter.
