We take a closer look at Southampton’s UEFA Europa League opponents after they were drawn to face Internazionale, Sparta Praha and Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Group Stage.
Saints will breach new territory by playing in the group stage format for the first time.
All three teams will provide new experiences for the club as well, having never previously played any of the sides that they will face in matches both home and away in Group K.
Internazionale were first out of the hat for the group. Frank de Boer took over at the San Siro in the summer and he replaced Roberto Mancini who led the Italians to a 4th place side in Serie A last season.
They have won the competition on three previous occasions, in 1991, 1994 and 1998, and have plenty of Champions League experience too.
The next team out were Sparta Praha who entered the Group Stage after beating Danish side Sønderjyske in the play-off round.
Prague are multiple winners of the Czech domestic league, and the furthest they have gone in European tournaments is reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1992.
Saints also face a trip to Israel to take on Hapoel Be’er-Sheva who were knocked out of Champions League qualification by Glasgow Celtic earlier this week.
Situated next to the Gaza strip, Be’er Sheva qualified having finished as champions of the Israeli Premier League last season.
Matches will be held on 15 and 29 September, 20 October, 3 and 24 November, and 8 December, with confirmation expected shortly on exact date/times.
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