Nantes vs Juventus Predictions

• Juventus dominated the first-leg but were caught on a counter-attack to leave the tie poised at 1-1
• Nantes subsequently lost 3-1 at Lens in a poor defensive display
• Juventus beat Spezia 2-0 away in Serie A on Sunday with Di Maria on target

Old Lady mean business in the Europa League

Juventus left themselves a bit to do by failing to win their home first-leg of this Europa League play-off against Nantes, but they surely won’t let it happen again in France. Massimiliano Allegri’s side were so dominant that a 3-0 scoreline would not have flattered them in Turin as Federico Chiesa struck the woodwork twice with one shot and another dangerous centre came off the crossbar amid a hectic second half.

This competition is hugely important to the Old Lady’s chances of returning to the Champions League as their domestic points deduction has hurt their qualification prospects from Serie A.  Allegri’s men served up a solid away showing to beat Spezia 2-0 on Sunday, however, with Angel di Maria to the fore once more.

Di Maria set up Juve’s goal in the first-leg with a sublime through ball, albeit it was not the official assist. The World Cup winner has scored two and assisted two in his last six starts and looks to be playing close to his best again.

Nantes not likely to deny in-form Di Maria

Les Canaris will attempt to keep him quiet on Thursday with a compact display out of Antoine Kombouare’s favoured 3-4-1-2 formation. But there will be more onus on them to attack at home, which should help Di Maria find the spaces to cut them apart.

Distracted by the looming second-leg, Nantes were not quite at it on Sunday in a lame 3-1 loss at Lens. But although they should be more focused against Juve, the visitors have too much quality and motivation to let them off the hook again.

A 2-0 away win is the preferred correct score because Nantes have not shipped more than two at home since October while Juve are averaging exactly two goals on their travels since the turn of the year.