Spalletti praises NEC: an unexpected threat to Juventus

On a cold Thursday evening in Turin, Juventus and NEC are ready for their first Europa League duel. Luciano Spalletti, the Italian top coach of Juventus, has studied the Dutch club thoroughly and praises the “special way of playing” of coach Dick Schreuder. Both teams are seeking revenge after recent defeats.

Spalletti admitted on Wednesday during the press conference that he has studied NEC in detail. He emphasized that the Italian coach has prepared well for the confrontation in Turin. The research included both tactical analyses and the recent successes of the coach. Spalletti called the Dutch coach a high‑level trainer.

Spalletti praises Schreuder’s vision

According to Spalletti, Dick Schreuder has had the courage to showcase his ideas outside the Netherlands, namely in Spain. After becoming champion in the third division of Spain, he led Castellón before joining NEC. Spalletti values that Schreuder has ideas different from most coaches and stands by them consistently. He also praised that Schreuder, despite his young age, has already won a championship in Spain.

Spalletti noted that NEC averages two goals per game, an indication of their attacking strength. He described their playing style as a right‑footed player on the left and a left‑footed player on the right, causing them to cut inside to create danger. Moreover, the team constantly applies pressure and creates countless chances. Spalletti warned that teams that cannot cope with that pressure may have a difficult evening.

Preview of the Europa League duel

The match kicks off on Thursday at 21:00 in Turin. Juventus is seeking revenge after a 3‑2 loss to Sassuolo last weekend, while NEC wants to bounce back after a 3‑0 defeat to SC Cambuur. It is NEC’s first European campaign since the 2008/09 season. The confrontation marks the official start of their Europa League season.

Spalletti warned that a lack of mental preparation could make the evening difficult. “We must prepare for a special way of playing, otherwise we may be surprised,” he said. He urged the players to keep their heads in the match, even when the moment seems calmer. He emphasized that concentration is crucial, even when the phases of the game appear quieter.

The respect of a top coach like Spalletti underscores the growing reputation of NEC in European football. If the Dutch club delivers the promised pressure and creativity, it can certainly surprise Juventus and other big clubs. Such recognition can change the perception of Dutch clubs in European competitions.