Allianz Stadium sets the stage for a handsomely-looking UEFA Europa League clash between Juventus and Rennes. It’s a chance for both sides to put last weekend’s disappointments behind them and turn the page.
Lazio shocked Turin on Sunday, strolling to a dominant 3-0 win and heightening the pressure on head coach Luciano Spalletti. It’s been an underwhelming start to the season for Juventus, who have won just three of their last seven outings in all competitions (W3, D2, L2), though two of those three wins came in the Europa League.
After a thumping 5-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen on the opening matchday, Juventus fought back from an early deficit to beat Celta Vigo 2-1 on the road last week. As a result, they head into round three as one of just ten teams with a 100% record in this season’s league-phase campaign. However, Rennes could be a tricky opponent.
Like Juventus, Franck Haise’s side suffered defeat in their domestic championship at the weekend. Paris FC eked out a pulsating 4-3 win over Rennes in the last Ligue 1 round, knocking Les Rouge et Noirs off a two-game winning streak in all competitions. A come-from-behind 2-1 home triumph over OFI Crete in the last Europa League round was part of that run, which was a perfect response to a dull 0-0 draw at Sturm Graz on day one.
Match Preview
Juventus
Spalletti can only hope that a return to the Europa League could be a welcome distraction from Juventus’ domestic slump. The record-time Italian champions already trail Serie A pacesetters Inter by eight points and are seemingly out of the Scudetto race after just seven league rounds.
However, Juventus could salvage what promises to be another heartbreaking Serie A season with a long-awaited European success. Their last Europa League triumph came in the early 1990s, and lifting the trophy this term would provide a much-needed morale boost and restore some pride amid immense domestic struggles.
Juventus can draw confidence from winning their last four home outings in major European competitions, their longest such run since December 2021. Furthermore, the Bianconeri have won both previous meetings with Rennes, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup final.
Visiting Italian clubs spells disaster for Rennes, who have lost all four previous away clashes against Serie A opposition. Yet, the visitors’ promising Europa League start, highlighted by remarkable defensive discipline, suggests they could buck that trend on Thursday despite long odds.
Haise’s men lead the competition this season for the lowest expected goals against (0.79) and fewest shots faced (13). Another solid defensive performance may be vital as Rennes bid to overcome notorious inconsistency (W2, D1, L2) and put a woeful three-game winless away streak to an end (D1, L2).
It’s worth noting that Les Rouge et Noirs failed to get on the scoresheet in two of those three winless outings. Moreover, despite their impressive defensive exploits at the start of this season’s league phase, the French side conceded at least three goals in four of their last six away games in all competitions (W1, D1, L4).
Team News
Diminutive winger Francisco Conceicao dislocated his shoulder against Lazio, joining long-term absentees Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara, and captain Manuel Locatelli on the sidelines. With the Portuguese star ruled out, Kerim Alajbegovic could make another start for Juventus, with Nick Woltemade expected to lead the line ahead of Randal Kolo Muani.
Meanwhile, French forward Esteban Lepaul remains Rennes’ only missing player ahead of this trip. Lepaul’s absence could make room for Lazio loanee Boulaye Dia to partner up with Ludovic Blas and Issa Soumare in attack.
Juventus vs Rennes Potential Starting Lineups
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Vicario; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Celik, Luiz, Sarr, Cambiaso; McKennie, Alajbegovic; Woltemade.
Rennes (4-3-3): Samba; Reynolds, Cresswell, Ait Boudlal, Nagida; Szymanski, Rongier, Camara; Blas, Dia, Soumare.
Juventus vs Rennes Prediction
Spalletti is running out of excuses and can’t afford another slip-up if he’s to solidify his position in the dugout. Despite lacking several first-team stars, Juventus head into proceedings as favorites to continue their flawless Europa League start and return to winning ways against travel-sick Rennes.
Both sides have demonstrated their capacity to score in abundance so far, suggesting a high-scoring contest could be on the cards as well.