Juventus
NiceBy Kelechi Balogun — Football expert specializing in European and American leagues
Juventus and Nice are set to face off in a final pre-season friendly before the Bianconeri depart for their tour of Asia and Australia. The two clubs have crossed paths frequently on the transfer market in recent years, with Khephren Thuram moving from Nice to Turin and Juventus recently making Jeremy Boga’s loan move permanent this summer.
A disappointing end to last season—picking up just one point from their final two Serie A matches—cost Juventus a spot in the Champions League. Despite this, Luciano Spalletti has continued his work with the squad. However, his ability to shape the team is severely limited: to fund expensive incoming transfers, the club must first sell players. In the meantime, the Bianconeri boss has been using pre-season friendlies to evaluate a host of young players and long-standing reserves, assessing whether they can contribute in the new campaign.
Most of those being tested have performed only modestly, and the team’s results have been far from impressive. In friendlies against Basel (0-0) and Standard Liège (1-0)—neither of which are competing in European competition—Juventus managed just a single goal, and that did not come from open play. The only bright spots have been Fabio Miretti, virtually the sole source of attacking danger, and 21-year-old midfielder Augusto Owusu, who has done a solid job filling in for the injured Khephren Thuram while putting in plenty of gritty work in midfield.
Both new signings, Jeff Ekhator and Zeki Çelik, have made their debuts for Juve, but the former has already picked up an injury, while the latter was always viewed as a backup to right-back Pierre Kalulu. For the match against Nice, we again expect a few unfamiliar names in the starting lineup, particularly in attack. Kenan Yıldız is still training individually, while Francisco Conceição and Jonathan David have only just returned from vacation and are not yet ready to start. Most likely, this trio will be replaced by the aforementioned Miretti, Adin Ličina, and Armand Durmishi.
Despite possessing a squad that is more than respectable by Ligue 1 standards, Nice narrowly avoided relegation last season, surviving only thanks to a playoff victory over Saint-Étienne (0-0 and 4-1). Even staying in the top flight was not enough to save experienced coach Claude Puel, who was replaced by Olivier Pantaloni—a manager who had built a strong reputation at the more modest Lorient. Under the new boss, Nice have recorded two emphatic friendly wins: 4-0 against Nîmes and 3-0 against Marseille.
Pantaloni has retained the 3-4-3 formation that has become traditional for the Red and Blacks, focusing on a strong defensive block and packing the central areas. The result has been two clean sheets in as many matches. Meanwhile, Nice’s quick counter-attacks have become even more dangerous, with Moroccan winger Sofiane Diop playing a key role—he has scored in both of the team’s summer friendlies.
The visitors play a high-intensity brand of football, maintaining their tempo through active squad rotation. However, the quality of their play has not dropped off at all, and even without major new signings, the team looks in very good shape. Their only new arrival is 33-year-old defensive midfielder Laurent Abergel, who followed his former Lorient coach to Nice. He has slotted into the system without any issues and has been effective at breaking up opposition attacks in midfield. He started both friendlies, and we expect the Frenchman to be in the starting eleven again on Friday.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin – Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Cambiaso – Locatelli, Owusu – Ličina, Miretti, Boga – Durmishi
Out: Ekhator, Yıldız, Thuram (all injured), González (not in squad)
Head coach: Luciano Spalletti
Nice (3-4-3): Bulendi – Louchet, Ndayishimiye, Viti – Clauss, Coulibaly, Abergel, Bard – Cho, Diallo, Diop
Out: Abdelmonem (injured)
Head coach: Olivier Pantaloni
Main prediction: Nice to win or draw at 2.55
Juventus and Nice began their pre-season preparations at roughly the same time, but at this stage, the French side look far sharper than Italy’s most decorated club. While Spalletti is still struggling to find a working combination in attack, Pantaloni has been highly effective with his familiar defensive system. It is also worth noting that Nice’s counter-attacks have been extremely dangerous in their first two friendlies, while the Old Lady has actually lost the expected goals (xG) battle against both Basel and Standard Liège. Under these circumstances, we recommend backing Nice to avoid defeat at odds of 2.55.
Total goals prediction: The French side’s new style is primarily focused on containing the opposition, while Juventus defend well even with a less-than-optimal lineup. Both teams have played two pre-season matches each and have not conceded a single goal in any of them. Therefore, for this head-to-head clash, we will go with under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.23.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Juventus4-2-3-1
Nice3-4-3I’m predicting both teams will score in this match. The reasoning is straightforward: neither side is likely to keep a clean sheet given their defensive vulnerabilities and attacking momentum. Expect goals at both ends.
I'm confident Juventus will beat Nice. They're an unpredictable side, but their quality still gives them the edge in this matchup.
I’m backing both teams to score when Juventus and Nice face off in this friendly. Even in a preseason setting, both sides have attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities that should lead to goals at either end. I see no reason to doubt that we’ll see each team find the net at least once.
I’m confidently backing both teams to score here. The reasoning is solid, and this bet is fully justified in this situation.
I'm betting on over 2.5 goals. As with any friendly match, the outcome is hard to predict, but I'm going with the higher total—it might just hit.
I'm predicting both teams will play a weak first half, with players holding back and not giving full effort. The reasoning is simple: in matches where stakes are low or fatigue is high, squads often conserve energy early on, leading to fewer chances and a slower tempo. This pattern is common, and I expect it to hold here.
I predict Juventus will keep possession and pass the ball around for the entire first half without any urgency. I wouldn't expect any goals in that period—they'll focus on control, not attacking.
I'm backing Nice with a +1 handicap. Their recent form has been solid, especially at home, and they consistently avoid heavy defeats against stronger opponents. Even if they don't win outright, a draw or a one-goal loss still cashes the bet. The odds are generous for a team that rarely gets blown out.
I'm confident that both teams will not score. The defensive setups are solid, and the attacking form on both sides has been lackluster, making a goalless or very low-scoring outcome the most likely scenario.
I'm backing the French. They've looked sharp in every friendly match, and that form is hard to ignore.
I'm confident Juventus will beat Nice today. Their squad depth and home advantage give them a clear edge, and Nice's inconsistent form on the road makes this a straightforward call.
I’m backing over 2.5 goals in this friendly. Both teams will rotate their squads, but attacking intent remains high, and friendlies often see open play with defensive lapses. The lack of high stakes means a more free-flowing match, so goals should come.
I’m backing both teams to score in Juventus vs. Nice. This is a friendly, but both sides have attacking quality and defensive gaps in preseason form. Juventus will push forward, and Nice have the pace to hit back. Goals at both ends look likely.
I’ve been on a strong run this month, and this bet fits the pattern.
I'm confident Nice will play attacking football, so I'm betting on their total goals.
I'm backing Nice to get something here. Juventus rarely show their best in friendlies, and Nice have the quality to exploit that. I see value in backing the underdog.
I'm betting on over 3.5 goals in the Juventus vs Nice match. Both teams have been pushing forward in preseason, and with Juventus's attacking talent and Nice's ability to hit on the counter, this should be an open game. I expect at least four goals, so I'm confident this total will go over.
I'm predicting that [Team A] will win this match. Their recent form has been strong, and they've consistently outperformed their opponents in head-to-head meetings. The key players are in good shape, and the team's tactical setup should give them a clear edge. I'm confident this bet will hit.
I am predicting that both teams will score in the Juventus vs. Nice match on July 31 at 9:00 PM. Nice has a strong attacking lineup and will likely break through Juventus’s defense, while Juventus will also find the net. The odds of 1.76 are solid value for this outcome.
I'm predicting that the French club will avoid defeat. They're in strong form and have the momentum to secure at least a draw.
I am confident they will win again. Their recent performances and team cohesion make a repeat victory highly likely.
I’m backing Nice to avoid defeat in this matchup today. The team’s form and defensive solidity give them a clear edge, and they’ve consistently stepped up in similar situations. I see no reason to expect a collapse here—they have the quality and the motivation to hold their own, at minimum.
This is a straightforward call for me: Nice won’t lose. I’m confident in that outcome, and that’s where my money goes.
Juventus will start aggressively today, and I expect a high-scoring first half. Their attacking momentum and defensive gaps early on make this the most likely outcome.
Both teams will experiment with their lineups, so I expect goals from both sides.
I’m predicting that Juventus will score under 2.5 goals in their friendly match. Their finishing has been inconsistent in Serie A, and friendlies typically see even less urgency or sharpness in attack. There’s no reason to expect a sudden breakout here.
These guys are definitely not soft. I'm betting they'll hold their ground and push through whatever's coming their way. The reasoning is solid—they've shown resilience and grit in past situations, and there's no sign that's about to change. I'm confident in this call.
I'm backing Juventus to score over 2.5 goals at 2.77. Their attacking form has been sharp, and the opponent's defense is vulnerable—this line offers clear value given the matchup. I see multiple goals coming for the home side, so I'm taking the over confidently.
I believe they can avoid losing in this match. The chances are real, and I'm confident they'll get at least a draw.
Nice will not lose this match. Their recent form shows solid defensive organization and the ability to grind out results against tough opponents. The squad depth and tactical discipline give them a clear edge, especially away from home where they've proven hard to beat. I'm backing them to avoid defeat.
I’m predicting a win for Juventus against Nice on July 31, 2026. My confidence is high based on their stronger form: in 50 matches, Juventus have 23 wins, 17 draws, and just 10 losses, scoring 1.6 goals per game while conceding only 1.0. Nice, in contrast, have only 13 wins in 50 games, with 14 draws and 23 losses, averaging 1.2 goals for and 1.6 against. This clear edge in both attacking output and defensive solidity makes me back the hosts to take the victory.
I predict Italy will score fewer than 1.5 goals against Belgium. The Italian team is already known for their defensive, low-tempo style, and with key players missing due to international duty or training camps, they’ll play even more cautiously. Expect a match with very few chances and goals, making a low-scoring outcome highly likely.
I'm backing the corner market for the Juventus vs. Nice friendly. This is a strong play because both sides tend to push forward in preseason matches, leading to a steady flow of set-piece opportunities. The relaxed defensive intensity typical of friendlies only increases the chance of a high corner count.
I’m predicting that both teams will score in this match. The attacking quality on both sides is strong, and defensive vulnerabilities suggest goals at both ends. I’m confident we’ll see each team find the net.
I see no reason to believe Nice is inferior to their opponent in any way. They have the quality and form to match up well, so I'm confidently backing them here.
I predict the final score will be exactly 2-2. This is a high-risk, high-reward bet because draws with four total goals are statistically rare, but the matchup strongly supports it. Both teams have potent attacking threats and defensive vulnerabilities, which should lead to an open, end-to-end game. Recent form and head-to-head history also show a pattern of high-scoring draws when these sides meet.
I'm betting on both teams to score in the Juventus vs. Nice match. Both sides have shown attacking intent in preseason, and defensive setups are often shaky during this period. With Juventus adjusting to new tactics and Nice looking to prove themselves, I expect goals at both ends.
I predict that both teams will score in this match. Both sides have been consistently finding the net, and their defensive records suggest they’re vulnerable at the back. The attacking talent on display, combined with recent high-scoring trends, makes a goal exchange the most likely outcome. I’m confident this bet will hit.
I'm confident this match between Juventus and Nice will be a low-scoring affair. I expect very few goals.
I am confident that Juventus, with their slow, methodical attacks, will completely confuse Nice. The Old Lady’s deliberate pace will disrupt Nice’s defensive organization, giving Juventus the edge they need to control the game and secure a positive result.
I'm confidently predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Both teams have been consistently involved in high-scoring affairs, and their attacking styles should produce enough chances to clear this line. Defensive vulnerabilities on both sides further support my call for at least three total goals.
I expect 2 goals in the first half, as that’s the typical pattern, followed by a quieter second half with just 1 goal. That gives us exactly 3 goals total—2 in the first half and 1 in the second.
I expect Nice to play defensively as usual, which keeps the total low. That's the bet—under on goals.
I'm betting on Juventus -1.5 against Nice. Juventus are the clear favorites here, and they have the quality to win by at least two goals. Their defensive solidity and attacking depth should overpower Nice, especially with home advantage. This line gives great value for a comfortable victory.
I'm confident that Juventus vs Nice will see goals. Both teams are in preseason mode, which often leads to open, high-scoring friendlies as they build fitness and test new tactics. Nice have attacking threats, and Juventus will push forward at home. I expect both sides to find the net.
I'm confident Juventus will beat Nice today. Their squad depth and home advantage give them a clear edge, and Nice's inconsistent form on the road makes this a straightforward call.
I am confident they will win again. Their recent performances and team cohesion make a repeat victory highly likely.
I am confident that Juventus, with their slow, methodical attacks, will completely confuse Nice. The Old Lady’s deliberate pace will disrupt Nice’s defensive organization, giving Juventus the edge they need to control the game and secure a positive result.
I'm backing Nice to get something here. Juventus rarely show their best in friendlies, and Nice have the quality to exploit that. I see value in backing the underdog.
I'm predicting that the French club will avoid defeat. They're in strong form and have the momentum to secure at least a draw.
I’m backing Nice to avoid defeat in this matchup today. The team’s form and defensive solidity give them a clear edge, and they’ve consistently stepped up in similar situations. I see no reason to expect a collapse here—they have the quality and the motivation to hold their own, at minimum.
This is a straightforward call for me: Nice won’t lose. I’m confident in that outcome, and that’s where my money goes.
I believe they can avoid losing in this match. The chances are real, and I'm confident they'll get at least a draw.
Nice will not lose this match. Their recent form shows solid defensive organization and the ability to grind out results against tough opponents. The squad depth and tactical discipline give them a clear edge, especially away from home where they've proven hard to beat. I'm backing them to avoid defeat.
I’m backing both teams to score when Juventus and Nice face off in this friendly. Even in a preseason setting, both sides have attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities that should lead to goals at either end. I see no reason to doubt that we’ll see each team find the net at least once.
I'm betting on over 2.5 goals. As with any friendly match, the outcome is hard to predict, but I'm going with the higher total—it might just hit.
I'm backing the French. They've looked sharp in every friendly match, and that form is hard to ignore.
I'm confident Nice will play attacking football, so I'm betting on their total goals.
I'm betting on over 3.5 goals in the Juventus vs Nice match. Both teams have been pushing forward in preseason, and with Juventus's attacking talent and Nice's ability to hit on the counter, this should be an open game. I expect at least four goals, so I'm confident this total will go over.
Juventus will start aggressively today, and I expect a high-scoring first half. Their attacking momentum and defensive gaps early on make this the most likely outcome.
These guys are definitely not soft. I'm betting they'll hold their ground and push through whatever's coming their way. The reasoning is solid—they've shown resilience and grit in past situations, and there's no sign that's about to change. I'm confident in this call.
I'm backing Juventus to score over 2.5 goals at 2.77. Their attacking form has been sharp, and the opponent's defense is vulnerable—this line offers clear value given the matchup. I see multiple goals coming for the home side, so I'm taking the over confidently.
I'm backing the corner market for the Juventus vs. Nice friendly. This is a strong play because both sides tend to push forward in preseason matches, leading to a steady flow of set-piece opportunities. The relaxed defensive intensity typical of friendlies only increases the chance of a high corner count.
I see no reason to believe Nice is inferior to their opponent in any way. They have the quality and form to match up well, so I'm confidently backing them here.
I predict the final score will be exactly 2-2. This is a high-risk, high-reward bet because draws with four total goals are statistically rare, but the matchup strongly supports it. Both teams have potent attacking threats and defensive vulnerabilities, which should lead to an open, end-to-end game. Recent form and head-to-head history also show a pattern of high-scoring draws when these sides meet.
I'm confidently predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Both teams have been consistently involved in high-scoring affairs, and their attacking styles should produce enough chances to clear this line. Defensive vulnerabilities on both sides further support my call for at least three total goals.
I expect 2 goals in the first half, as that’s the typical pattern, followed by a quieter second half with just 1 goal. That gives us exactly 3 goals total—2 in the first half and 1 in the second.
I'm predicting both teams will play a weak first half, with players holding back and not giving full effort. The reasoning is simple: in matches where stakes are low or fatigue is high, squads often conserve energy early on, leading to fewer chances and a slower tempo. This pattern is common, and I expect it to hold here.
I predict Juventus will keep possession and pass the ball around for the entire first half without any urgency. I wouldn't expect any goals in that period—they'll focus on control, not attacking.
I’m predicting that Juventus will score under 2.5 goals in their friendly match. Their finishing has been inconsistent in Serie A, and friendlies typically see even less urgency or sharpness in attack. There’s no reason to expect a sudden breakout here.
I’m predicting a win for Juventus against Nice on July 31, 2026. My confidence is high based on their stronger form: in 50 matches, Juventus have 23 wins, 17 draws, and just 10 losses, scoring 1.6 goals per game while conceding only 1.0. Nice, in contrast, have only 13 wins in 50 games, with 14 draws and 23 losses, averaging 1.2 goals for and 1.6 against. This clear edge in both attacking output and defensive solidity makes me back the hosts to take the victory.
I predict Italy will score fewer than 1.5 goals against Belgium. The Italian team is already known for their defensive, low-tempo style, and with key players missing due to international duty or training camps, they’ll play even more cautiously. Expect a match with very few chances and goals, making a low-scoring outcome highly likely.
I'm confident this match between Juventus and Nice will be a low-scoring affair. I expect very few goals.
I expect Nice to play defensively as usual, which keeps the total low. That's the bet—under on goals.
I'm confident Juventus will beat Nice. They're an unpredictable side, but their quality still gives them the edge in this matchup.
I'm backing Nice with a +1 handicap. Their recent form has been solid, especially at home, and they consistently avoid heavy defeats against stronger opponents. Even if they don't win outright, a draw or a one-goal loss still cashes the bet. The odds are generous for a team that rarely gets blown out.
I'm betting on Juventus -1.5 against Nice. Juventus are the clear favorites here, and they have the quality to win by at least two goals. Their defensive solidity and attacking depth should overpower Nice, especially with home advantage. This line gives great value for a comfortable victory.
I'm confident that Juventus vs Nice will see goals. Both teams are in preseason mode, which often leads to open, high-scoring friendlies as they build fitness and test new tactics. Nice have attacking threats, and Juventus will push forward at home. I expect both sides to find the net.
I’m predicting both teams will score in this match. The reasoning is straightforward: neither side is likely to keep a clean sheet given their defensive vulnerabilities and attacking momentum. Expect goals at both ends.
I’m confidently backing both teams to score here. The reasoning is solid, and this bet is fully justified in this situation.
I'm confident that both teams will not score. The defensive setups are solid, and the attacking form on both sides has been lackluster, making a goalless or very low-scoring outcome the most likely scenario.
I’m backing over 2.5 goals in this friendly. Both teams will rotate their squads, but attacking intent remains high, and friendlies often see open play with defensive lapses. The lack of high stakes means a more free-flowing match, so goals should come.
I’m backing both teams to score in Juventus vs. Nice. This is a friendly, but both sides have attacking quality and defensive gaps in preseason form. Juventus will push forward, and Nice have the pace to hit back. Goals at both ends look likely.
I’ve been on a strong run this month, and this bet fits the pattern.
I'm predicting that [Team A] will win this match. Their recent form has been strong, and they've consistently outperformed their opponents in head-to-head meetings. The key players are in good shape, and the team's tactical setup should give them a clear edge. I'm confident this bet will hit.
I am predicting that both teams will score in the Juventus vs. Nice match on July 31 at 9:00 PM. Nice has a strong attacking lineup and will likely break through Juventus’s defense, while Juventus will also find the net. The odds of 1.76 are solid value for this outcome.
Both teams will experiment with their lineups, so I expect goals from both sides.
I’m predicting that both teams will score in this match. The attacking quality on both sides is strong, and defensive vulnerabilities suggest goals at both ends. I’m confident we’ll see each team find the net.
I'm betting on both teams to score in the Juventus vs. Nice match. Both sides have shown attacking intent in preseason, and defensive setups are often shaky during this period. With Juventus adjusting to new tactics and Nice looking to prove themselves, I expect goals at both ends.
I predict that both teams will score in this match. Both sides have been consistently finding the net, and their defensive records suggest they’re vulnerable at the back. The attacking talent on display, combined with recent high-scoring trends, makes a goal exchange the most likely outcome. I’m confident this bet will hit.
The match takes place on 31 July 2026 at 17:00. The venue is not specified in the preview.
The main prediction is Nice to win or draw (double chance) at odds of 2.55, as Nice look sharper in pre-season while Juventus are still struggling to find form.
Juventus are without Jeff Ekhator, Kenan Yıldız, and Khephren Thuram due to injury, and Nicolás González is not in the squad. Nice only have Mohamed Abdelmonem out injured.
Juventus drew 0-0 with Basel and won 1-0 against Standard Liège, scoring just one non-open-play goal. Nice have won 4-0 against Nîmes and 3-0 against Marseille, keeping two clean sheets.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Owusu; Ličina, Miretti, Boga; Durmishi. Nice (3-4-3): Bulendi; Louchet, Ndayishimiye, Viti; Clauss, Coulibaly, Abergel, Bard; Cho, Diallo, Diop.
Yes, the recommendation is under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.23, as both teams have not conceded in their two pre-season matches and Nice focus on defensive containment.