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Juventus Faces AZ Alkmaar in Europa League Clash

The Italian side travels to the Netherlands for a pivotal fourth-round Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar.

By 2 min read

Juventus travels to the Netherlands to face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the fourth round of the UEFA Europa League. The match, held at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, marks the first historical meeting between the two clubs in European competition.

Entering the contest, Juventus holds a strong position in the tournament standings with seven points from their opening three matches, remaining unbeaten in the competition. AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, has secured six points, having won two of their first three fixtures. The Dutch side maintains a formidable European home record, having gone 17 consecutive continental matches without a defeat in Alkmaar.

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti faces a challenging roster situation, with only 15 outfield players available for the trip. The team has been dealing with several injury concerns following their recent Serie A victory against Napoli. Midfielder Weston McKennie and defender Juan Cabal, who both dealt with physical setbacks after the weekend match, participated in training sessions leading up to the game, though their full fitness remained a point of focus for the coaching staff.

The match holds personal significance for Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who is set to compete against his younger brother, Peer, who plays for AZ Alkmaar. Ahead of the game, the home fans displayed a banner honoring the brothers, reflecting the unique nature of the encounter.

Spalletti emphasized the need for his team to maintain the intensity shown in their recent domestic performances. "The important thing is not to identify the signs, but to recognize their strength and propose them again with more force and continuity," the manager stated. He further noted the importance of adapting to the atmosphere of European away fixtures, acknowledging that his squad must continue to prove its mental and physical resilience.

The match officials for the fixture include referee Damian Sylwestrzak, supported by assistant referees Adam Karasewicz and Bartosz Heinig, with Piotr Lasyk serving as the Video Assistant Referee. Fans in the United States can stream the match via Paramount+, DAZN, or Prime Video, while viewers in other regions have access through various local broadcasters.

As both teams vie for better positioning in the Europa League table, the outcome of this match will be critical for their advancement prospects. Juventus looks to build on their unbeaten European run, while AZ Alkmaar aims to defend their long-standing home invincibility against the Italian visitors.

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