The encounter carried a special storyline as Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners faced his former club, while his younger brother Peer Koopmeiners featured for the Dutch side.
Juventus started brightly and created the first significant opportunity through Randal Kolo Muani, whose effort narrowly missed the target after Nick Woltemade released him behind the AZ defence.
The visitors eventually took the lead in the 19th minute when Koopmeiners finished clinically with his left foot following an excellent attacking move involving Kolo Muani.
The Dutch midfielder chose not to celebrate against the club where he spent 12 years developing as a player.
Juventus continued to threaten and doubled their advantage eight minutes before half-time.
Kolo Muani capitalised on a defensive mistake, winning possession before exchanging passes with Woltemade and firing a left-footed effort into the bottom corner in the 37th minute.
AZ attempted to respond before the break, with Peer Koopmeiners coming close to reducing the deficit through a header that narrowly missed the target.
The hosts increased their attacking intensity after the restart but struggled to break down Juventus' defensive organisation.
Kerim Alajbegovic missed a promising opportunity to make it 3-0 after AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser gifted possession to Koopmeiners, who immediately set up the youngster.
Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also remained alert as AZ searched for a way back into the contest.
The hosts eventually pulled one back in the 88th minute when Mexx Meerdink converted Elijah Dijkstra's cutback from close range.
AZ pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and appeared to have found one during stoppage time, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Juventus survived the late pressure to secure an important victory on the road.
Juventus strengthen Europa League position
The victory gave Juventus 10 points from their opening four league-phase matches, strengthening their position in the race for automatic qualification to the round of 16.
AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, suffered their first home defeat in European competition in 17 matches, bringing an impressive unbeaten run to an end.
Kolo Muani was named Flashscore's Man of the Match after contributing a goal and an assist, while Koopmeiners enjoyed a memorable evening against his former employers.
Full-time: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Juventus
Goalscorers:
• AZ Alkmaar: Mexx Meerdink 88'
• Juventus: Teun Koopmeiners 19', Randal Kolo Muani 37'