Juventus’ place in the next round of the Europa League is still far from assured. They weren’t able to make home advantage count in the opening game between the sides last week, which means that there will be added pressure on the Old Lady ahead of their trip to France on Thursday afternoon.
Europa League Preview
Juventus will need a positive result on the road this week if their journey in the Europa League will continue into the latter stages. The Old Lady were extremely dominant on the pitch in the first meeting between the sides at the Allianz Stadium, but they weren’t able to net a crucial second goal. Juventus went ahead after just 13 minutes through Dusan Vlahovic, but they were able to add a second goal. Juventus had the majority of the play in the match, and they registered six shots on target.
However, they were made to pay for not doubling their advantage, as Ludovic Bias scored a dramatic equaliser with Nantes’ first shot on target in Turin. Back in Nantes, they may feel as though they are on the cusp of a dramatic result in the Europa League this week.
Juventus has come up short in the knockout stages of European competition in each of the past four seasons, as they have failed to make it past the opening round of a knockout competition. Nantes should feel confident coming into this home game, as they have gone three without defeat in European competition for just the second time in their history.
However, the same can’t be said of the Old Lady. Juventus has now won just once in their previous nine matches in Europe. Over that run, they have lost on six occasions, and they are averaging at least two goals against over that period.
Nantes vs Juventus Head to Head
This will only be the second meeting between the two sides this week. The previous meeting, which took place last Thursday, ended in a 1-1 draw in Turin.
Nantes vs Juventus Prediction
It was a smash-and-grab from Nantes last week, as they scored with their only shot on target at the Allianz Stadium. They will need to defend as strongly as they did that evening to stand any chance of progression in the Europa League on Thursday. However, we find it challenging to see anything other than the Old Lady qualifying for the next stage.
Make sure to bet on Nantes vs Juventus with 22Bet!
