Italian attention turns to Peer Koopmeiners before AZ face Juventus

AZ’s Europa League meeting with Juventus will carry particular interest in Italy, with attention expected to fall on Peer Koopmeiners and a possible encounter with his brother Teun. The Alkmaar side enter Thursday’s game after European wins over Hapoel Beer Sheva and Ararat-Armenia, either side of an away defeat to Sunderland.

GOAL journalist Lelio Donato told Voetbalzone that Italian observers are eager to assess Peer because of the family connection. Donato also identified striker Mexx Meerdink and winger Ro-Zangelo Daal as two of AZ’s principal threats, suggesting they could cause Juventus’ central defenders problems.

Juventus are expected to retain the 3-5-2 formation introduced by Luciano Spalletti after beginning the season in a 4-2-3-1. Donato said the change has made the Italian side more secure defensively but also more predictable in wide areas. Their attacking options have been further reduced by injuries to Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceição, while Khéphren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Zeki Çelik and Nico González are also unavailable. Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara is out after suffering a cruciate-ligament injury following his debut against NEC.

Nick Woltemade represents another danger for AZ, having scored in each of Juventus’ opening three Europa League fixtures. Teun Koopmeiners has received more playing time because of the tactical switch and midfield absences and is included in the projected starting XI. Donato expects Juventus to pursue victory as they target direct qualification for the last 16, although the fixture’s position between Serie A games against Napoli and Fiorentina could divide their focus.