Juventus and Milan Learn Europa League Fates: Heavyweights Drawn in Pot 1

FolioPitch.com – 28 August 2026 | The 2026-27 Europa League draw Liveblog Juventus and Milan involved has been the talk of European football this week, and on Friday afternoon the suspense finally ended. Both Serie A giants discovered their league-phase opponents during a ceremony held in Nyon, Switzerland, which began at 13:00 CET. With the draw officially complete, the road to the final in Frankfurt – scheduled for 26 May 2027 – is now taking shape for two of Italy’s most storied clubs.

This 2026-27 Europa League draw Liveblog Juventus and Milan involved was particularly significant because both Italian sides were placed in Pot 1, alongside other continental heavyweights such as Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Lyon, and Marseille. The draw procedure meant each team would face two opponents from each of the four pots, resulting in eight matches – four at home and four away. Fixtures for the league phase will be confirmed by UEFA on Saturday, 29 August, but the identities of their rivals are now known.

For Juventus, who finished seventh in Serie A last season, this competition represents a chance to return to European glory after a disappointing campaign. The Bianconeri will be eager to navigate a challenging set of opponents that could include dangerous sides from Pot 2 like Celtic, Salzburg, or Rennes, and potential banana skins from Pot 3 such as Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, or Sunderland – all English clubs who have impressed in recent years. Meanwhile, AC Milan, who ended the 2025-26 season in sixth place, will also need to be wary of tricky ties from Pot 4, which features Beşiktaş, Hoffenheim, and N.E.C. Nijmegen.

The 2026-27 Europa League draw Liveblog Juventus and Milan involved highlighted the new league-phase format, which replaces the traditional group stage. Instead of facing three teams home and away, each club will play eight different opponents, with the top eight automatically advancing to the round of 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will enter knockout round play-offs, while those below 24th are eliminated. This format has been designed to create more competitive matches and increase the stakes for every fixture, and both Italian clubs will need to hit the ground running in September.

Here is a breakdown of the pots for the league phase draw:

• Pot 1: Leverkusen, Benfica, Juventus, Milan, Lyon, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiacos, Real Sociedad, Marseille
• Pot 2: Ferencváros, Viktoria Plzeň, Union SG, GNK Dinamo, Salzburg, Celtic, Sparta Praha, Rennes, Anderlecht
• Pot 3: Sturm Graz, Lech Poznań, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Celje, Jagiellonia, Omonia, Celta Vigo
• Pot 4: Hoffenheim, Beşiktaş, Torreense, H. Beer-Sheva, N.E.C., OFI Crete, Lillestrøm, Levski Sofia, Ararat-Armenia

From an Italian perspective, the draw has thrown up some fascinating possibilities. Milan and Juventus could both face Celtic or Rangers? No, Rangers are not here, but Celtic from Pot 2 would be a glamorous tie with a raucous atmosphere at Parkhead. Similarly, a trip to Crystal Palace or Bournemouth would provide a stern test of their Premier League pedigree. On the other hand, ties against sides like Celje or Omonia might appear favorable, but the new format rewards consistency, and no match can be taken lightly.

The league phase dates have already been confirmed by UEFA, and both clubs will have to juggle domestic duties with their European campaigns. Matchday 1 is scheduled for 16/17 September 2026, followed by Matchday 2 on 15 October, Matchday 3 on 22 October, Matchday 4 on 5 November, Matchday 5 on 26 November, Matchday 6 on 10 December, Matchday 7 on 21 January 2027, and Matchday 8 on 28 January 2027. The knockout phase then begins with play-offs in February, followed by the round of 16 in March, quarter-finals in April, semi-finals in early May, and the final in Frankfurt on 26 May 2027.

For fans of Juventus and Milan, the draw has certainly delivered talking points. The possibility of facing either Marseille or Lyon – both French clubs with passionate fanbases – adds an extra layer of excitement. Similarly, a reunion with Real Sociedad, who have become a regular European presence, would be a clash of styles. And let’s not forget the dark horses: Hapoel Beer-Sheva shocked many last season, while Lillestrøm and Ararat-Armenia are considered unpredictable newcomers to this stage.

In the end, the 2026-27 Europa League draw Liveblog Juventus and Milan involved has set the stage for a thrilling campaign. Both Italian clubs have the squad depth and experience to go all the way, but the new format leaves little room for error. Every point matters, and even a single surprise defeat could prove costly in the race for the top eight. As the football world now waits for the official fixture list, one thing is certain: the road to Frankfurt will be anything but easy.

The draw ceremony may have lasted less than an hour, but its consequences will be felt for months. For Juventus, it is an opportunity to rebuild their reputation on the continent. For Milan, it is a chance to prove that they belong among Europe’s elite once more. Both clubs know that the Europa League is no longer a consolation prize – with the winner earning a spot in the following season’s Champions League, the competition has never been more important. The 2026-27 campaign promises to be unforgettable, and these two Italian powerhouses will be at the heart of the drama.