Overview
- Juventus beat NEC Nijmegen 5-0 at the Allianz Stadium in their Europa League opener after a match played on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
- Three players made their first Juve starts — Kamil Grabara, Pape Matar Sarr and loanee Nick Woltemade — and five different players scored: Nicolás González, Kerim Alajbegović, Woltemade, Zeki Çelik and Randal Kolo Muani.
- Grabara produced the decisive long pass that led to González’s opener, Woltemade converted a first-time Juve penalty, and substitute Kolo Muani assisted and then finished late to complete the rout.
- Juventus still face a severe selection crisis with Manuel Locatelli out long term after knee surgery, multiple injuries, Lloyd Kelly suspended for European competition and Edon Zhegrova ineligible for the league-phase squad.
- The win eases immediate pressure on Spalletti and earned public backing from sporting director Frederic Massara, but Financial Fair Play limits and the thin squad mean further reinforcements or sales may be required.