Making their second appearance at the tournament, United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain face unfamiliar opposition in Italian side Juventus, who are hoping to mark their Club World Cup debut with a win. Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin offers insight into the match scheduled for June 19.
Al Ain vs Juventus Match Preview
Al Ain will begin their quest for a first-ever Club World Cup title after their historic run to the final in 2018, where they lost 4–1 to Real Madrid. The UAE giants, who boast three Nigerian internationals in their ranks, head into their second appearance in the competition, having qualified as winners of the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.
Juventus, on the other hand, are making their debut in the competition despite being the most successful club in Italian football. They qualified as the eighth-best ranked eligible team in the URFA four-year ranking. Despite some faltering performances, the former Serie A champions head into the contest as heavy favourites and will be looking to secure maximum points to avoid a shock exit in the group stage.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, although Al Ain famously defeated the Old Lady in a friendly match back in 2003.
Recent Form: Al Ain
The UAE side are unbeaten in their last seven games, keeping clean sheets in all of them. However, Juventus are a far superior opponent compared to their domestic league rivals.
Former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan remains the club’s all-time top foreign goalscorer in the AFC Champions League with 18 goals.
Recent Form: Juventus
The Old Lady are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three and drawing two, a run that secured their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Player to Watch: Rilwanu Sarki (Al Ain)
The 21-year-old winger, who was a key part of Nigeria’s U20 squad at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, is known for his pace and trickery and could pose a threat to Juventus’s defence if called upon.
- Al Ain vs Juventus Best Betting Odds (via 1xBet)
- Juventus to win – 1.24
