AZ Alkmaar and Juventus put their ambitions of finishing in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) top eight to the test as they lock horns at the AFAS Stadion for the very first time.
Match News and Current Form
AZ Alkmaar have enjoyed a decent UEL campaign so far, sitting on six points (W2, L1) after brushing aside Ararat-Armenia 4-0 on matchday three. That European momentum contrasts with recent domestic setbacks for Leeroy Echteld’s side, who have suffered back-to-back scoreless Eredivisie defeats against Twente (2-0) and Ajax (1-0). Continental nights at the AFAS Stadion tell an entirely different story, with AZ proving formidable on their own turf thanks to an active 17-match unbeaten European home run (W14, D3) dating back to October 2023, and with four competitive home victories from six outings this term (D1, L1), confidence should be high.
Juventus arrive in the Netherlands sitting among the top eight with seven points (W2, D1) after finding the net nine times across the opening three rounds, with only Benfica scoring more. A 2-0 weekend triumph over rivals Napoli quickly silenced concerns over a surprise defeat to Genoa, restoring morale at just the right time, despite only two wins across the last five away trips leaving room for some doubts. The Italian giants travel with plenty of continental pedigree though, having lost just one of their last ten European outings (W6, D3) while scoring two or more goals in eight of those fixtures.
Head-to-Head History
This marks the first-ever meeting between the clubs, though AZ are unbeaten in five European games against Italian sides (W4, D1). Juventus boast their own impressive record, going unbeaten with just one goal conceded across three UEL clashes against Dutch opposition (W2, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Only three of Alkmaar’s last nine matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Just one of Alkmaar’s last four home outings saw a goal scored inside the opening 30 minutes.
Juventus have won the second half in four European matches in a row.
Only one of Juventus’ last five matches saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
For AZ, Weslley Patati arrives in buoyant mood after having a hand in three goals during their last UEL outing (G2, A1), with eight of his previous 12 strikes across all competitions arriving in the first half. Juventus’ teenage forward Kerim Alajbegović has made a habit of starting fast, scoring five of his last seven club goals inside the opening 30 minutes, including his strike against fellow Dutch outfit NEC in the UEL.
AZ will have to cope without recently injured goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, while Juventus continue to navigate an extensive injury list.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
AZ’s formidable unbeaten European home run meets a Juventus side that has found the net with regular ease on the continent, making both teams to score and over 2.5 goals a prime angle to consider.
Author: Tomáš Vlasák