AZ was due to host Juventus in Alkmaar on Thursday in the fourth round of the Europa League. Three Juventus supporters from the Netherlands, Massimo di Mattia, Vito Lato and Tonino Gelsumino, said they were looking forward to seeing their club play close to home. Lato had bought a ticket and planned to go to the match after working as a forklift driver in the harbor, while the three supporters intended to sit with other Italian fans.

The supporters expressed hope that Juventus would win, but also concern about the team’s form. Juventus was reported to be seventh in Serie A, while Gelsumino described AZ as a strong team and Juventus as struggling. The match was scheduled to begin at 21:00.