The Europa League returns to the spotlight with the 2026-27 campaign bringing renewed European ambitions for two of Italy’s most historic clubs, Juventus and AC Milan. Both sides enter the competition with significant expectations as they look to challenge for the trophy and potentially secure a route back to next season’s Champions League.
The new campaign also comes with a different format. Instead of the traditional group stage, the competition now features a single league table involving 36 teams. Each club plays eight matches against different opponents, with four fixtures at home and four away.
For Juventus and Milan, the opening phase offers an immediate opportunity to make a statement.
Milan Begin European Return Against Benfica
Milan are back in European competition after a lengthy absence. The Rossoneri’s last European appearance came 575 days earlier, when they were eliminated by Feyenoord in the Champions League playoffs.
Much has changed since then. Milan have added new players, changed their coach and begun adapting to a different tactical approach under Ruben Amorim.
The Europa League could provide Amorim with valuable opportunities to continue developing his squad. Young players have already been given important roles, with Cisse emerging in attacking midfield following Rafa Leao’s departure.
Diego Moreira has also attracted attention after scoring twice to help Milan recover from a difficult start against Lazio, while Hutchinson is expected to be involved from the beginning against Benfica.
The challenge for Milan, however, is to ensure the competition is more than simply a testing ground for the squad.
A deep Europa League run would provide the club with the opportunity to compete for another European trophy while also offering a potential route into next season’s Champions League. European matches could also give Amorim a different environment in which to test his attacking ideas, particularly against teams that may provide more space than some Serie A opponents.
Juventus Look for European Momentum
Juventus enter the Europa League with several objectives. The Italian giants want to compete for the trophy, build confidence and potentially use the competition as an alternative route to Champions League qualification.
Their opening opponent is NEC Nijmegen, with the match scheduled at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus have endured some frustrating moments domestically, including a stoppage-time defeat to Sassuolo. European competition therefore arrives at an important point for Luciano Spalletti’s team.
The manager will be looking for an immediate response from his players as Juventus begin their continental campaign.
Bremer Targets European Glory
Juventus captain Gleison Bremer has made his ambitions clear ahead of the opener. The Brazilian defender wants to help Juventus challenge for European glory and create his own place in the club’s history.
Bremer has spoken about the responsibility of wearing the Juventus captain’s armband, particularly given the legendary defenders who have represented the club.
Gaetano Scirea was specifically highlighted as an inspiration, although Bremer stressed that he wants to establish his own legacy through hard work and performances on the pitch.
The 29-year-old also pointed to his physical qualities, aerial ability and aggressive defending as important parts of his game.
Bremer has also praised Spalletti’s influence since taking charge. According to the Juventus captain, the manager has provided the team with a clear tactical direction and helped the squad develop.
That relationship could be particularly important as Juventus attempt to turn their European ambitions into results.
Kolo Muani Searching for a Breakthrough
Another major storyline surrounding Juventus is Kolo Muani.
The French striker returned to the club from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer but has endured a difficult beginning to the campaign. He has registered no goals and one assist across four matches.
The Europa League opener against NEC could therefore represent an important opportunity for the forward to regain confidence.
Muani is expected to feature alongside the towering Nick Woltemade, giving Juventus another attacking combination to test against the Dutch side.
A strong performance from the striker would not only benefit him individually but could also provide Juventus with greater attacking momentum.
Juventus and Milan Carry European History
The importance of the Europa League is heightened by the history of the clubs involved.
Milan and Juventus are among the competition’s most prestigious names, while both have already experienced European success at the highest level. Alongside Benfica and Marseille, they are among the teams in this season’s competition that have previously won the Champions League.
Juventus, in particular, have endured a long wait for European silverware. Their last European trophy came in 1996, making this campaign another opportunity to end that drought.
For Milan, meanwhile, the competition represents a return to the European stage and an opportunity to build momentum under Amorim.
A New Europa League Era
The new league-phase format adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. With 36 teams competing in one table and every club facing eight different opponents, there is less room for slow starts.
Milan’s meeting with Benfica and Juventus’ clash with NEC provide immediate tests for two Italian giants.
For Juventus, Bremer’s leadership, Spalletti’s tactical project and Muani’s search for form will be central storylines. For Milan, Amorim’s tactical evolution and the development of young players will attract attention.
The Europa League may sit below the Champions League in the European hierarchy, but for Juventus and Milan, the 2026-27 tournament presents a meaningful opportunity: compete for continental silverware, develop their squads and potentially secure a path back to the Champions League.
The first step begins now.
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