- The Juventus vs Rennes prediction for the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League examines both teams’ current form, team news, predicted lineups and head-to-head record ahead of their third league-phase fixture.
- Juventus will host Rennes at Juventus Stadium in Turin on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm East Africa Time (EAT).
Juventus will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the Europa League campaign when they welcome Rennes, who are also unbeaten in the competition after collecting four points from their opening two matches.
The Italian giants have taken maximum points from their first two fixtures, putting them in a strong position to progress towards the knockout stages. Rennes, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their first European victory of the campaign and test themselves against one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Juventus opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over NEC before travelling to Spain, where they secured a 2-1 win against Celta Vigo. Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani scored in the latter encounter to help the Turin side maintain their winning run.
However, their European performances have contrasted with their struggles in Serie A. Juventus have won only one of their last five league matches and suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Lazio last weekend, leaving them eighth in the standings.
Luciano Spalletti will therefore be keen to see his side carry their European confidence into domestic competition while keeping their continental campaign on track.
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Rennes, meanwhile, have shown promise in Europe despite inconsistent domestic results. They began with a goalless draw against Sturm Graz before claiming a 2-1 victory over OFI Crete, courtesy of a late goal from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal.
Franck Haise’s side have also demonstrated their attacking potential in Ligue 1, scoring 15 goals so far. However, defensive problems remain a concern after conceding 14 times, including four goals in their recent 4-3 defeat to Paris FC.
With Juventus enjoying home advantage and Rennes capable of causing problems going forward, Thursday’s encounter promises to be a demanding test for both teams.
What time does Juventus vs Rennes kick off?
Juventus will welcome Rennes to Juventus Stadium in Turin on Thursday, October 22, 2026, for a UEFA Europa League league-phase encounter.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm East Africa Time (EAT).
Juventus vs Rennes team news
Juventus are expected to make changes as Spalletti manages an injury-hit squad during a busy run of fixtures.
Francisco Conceicao suffered a shoulder dislocation in the defeat to Lazio and is expected to miss the match. Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara and captain Manuel Locatelli are also listed among the unavailable players.
Woltemade is likely to feature in attack after scoring in both of Juventus’ opening Europa League matches. The German forward has struggled to reproduce the same scoring form in Serie A, but his European performances make him an important option for Spalletti.
He could lead the line alone or partner Kolo Muani, depending on the manager’s tactical approach and the available personnel.
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For Rennes, Esteban Lepaul is a doubt after suffering an ankle injury during the defeat to Paris FC. The Ligue 1 top scorer could be replaced by Boulaye Dia, who is expected to be considered for a starting role.
Captain Valentin Rongier is set to return to the midfield after being rested at the weekend. His presence will be important as Rennes look to compete with Juventus in the middle of the pitch.
Haise could also make changes at full-back, with Mahamadou Nagida competing with Quentin Merlin and Bryan Reynolds hoping to start ahead of Przemyslaw Frankowski.
Rennes will need to be disciplined defensively against a Juventus side that has scored seven goals in its first two Europa League matches.
Juventus vs Rennes predicted lineups
Juventus: Vicario; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Celik, Luiz, Sarr, Cambiaso; McKennie, Alajbegovic; Woltemade.
Rennes: Samba; Reynolds, Cresswell, Ait Boudlal, Nagida; Szymanski, Rongier, Camara; Blas, Dia, Soumare.
Juventus vs Rennes head-to-head record
Juventus and Rennes have a limited history of competitive meetings, with their previous encounter dating back to the 1999 Intertoto Cup final.
Juventus won that two-legged contest, giving the Italian side the historical advantage ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture.
The upcoming match will be another opportunity for Juventus to demonstrate their strength against French opposition, while Rennes will be determined to produce a better result and challenge the hosts on their own ground.
Juventus’ European home form offers encouragement, as they have won their last four matches in continental competition at home, scoring 12 goals and conceding just twice during that run.
Rennes, however, have shown defensive discipline in the Europa League this season, particularly in their opening goalless draw against Sturm Graz. They will need that organisation to frustrate Juventus and give their attacking players an opportunity to make an impact.
Juventus vs Rennes current form
Juventus have two wins out of two in the Europa League while Rennes have a win and a draw. Both teams have two losses each in their last 6 matches with Rennes having won three and drew one while the Old Lady has three wins and a draw too.
Juventus vs Rennes prediction
Juventus enter this fixture with confidence after winning their first two Europa League matches convincingly. Their five-goal opening victory over NEC and subsequent success against Celta Vigo have demonstrated their attacking potential, even as their domestic campaign continues to disappoint.
Spalletti will be eager for his team to maintain that European momentum, particularly with pressure building following their heavy defeat to Lazio. Playing at home should provide Juventus with an advantage, and their recent record in European matches in Turin suggests they are capable of controlling the contest.
Rennes should not be underestimated. They have remained unbeaten in the Europa League and possess an attack capable of troubling Juventus, although their recent defensive lapses in Ligue 1 remain a concern.
The French side will need to stay compact and avoid giving Juventus too much space in the final third. If they can maintain their defensive shape, they could make the match uncomfortable for the hosts.
Juventus are expected to make their home advantage count, although Rennes could pose a threat on the counterattack. A narrow victory for the Italian side appears the most likely outcome as they look to preserve their perfect start to the Europa League campaign.
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