As the Derby d’Italia approaches, Igor Tudor faces key decisions in attack. With Juventus preparing for Saturday’s clash against Inter at the Allianz Stadium, the coach now has the full squad at his disposal, but the doubts over Chico Conceicao’s fitness could force changes to the attacking setup.
Conceicao Remains a Doubt
IlBianconero report how, In an ideal scenario, Tudor would not alter the formula used in Juventus’ first two matches, which featured Kenan Yildiz and Conceicao supporting Jonathan David. However, the Portuguese winger returned from international duty with a muscle problem and has trained separately from the group. His chances of featuring against Inter will become clearer in the next 48 hours, though he remains very much in doubt.
Zhegrova, signed at the end of the transfer window, is seen as Conceicao’s natural alternative, but he has been out of action since December and is still regaining full fitness. As such, the game against Inter is deemed too soon for him to start.
Two-Striker Option
With Conceicao unlikely to be ready, Tudor has been weighing up a tactical shift. One possibility would have been to push Teun Koopmeiners further forward, but the coach has consistently preferred him as a midfielder to alternate with Manuel Locatelli.
Instead, Tudor is seriously considering a switch to a 3-4-1-2 formation. In this system, Yildiz would slot in as the trequartista, positioned just behind two strikers. Jonathan David’s place is secure, while the second attacking spot is open to competition between Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda.
Vlahovic enters in fine form and offers the advantage of already knowing the side well. Openda, by contrast, only began training with the squad this week and is still adjusting. However, the Belgian striker has characteristics that could complement David perfectly, making him a strong candidate for a partnership up front once fully integrated.
A Delicate Choice for the Derby
The upcoming fixture adds extra weight to Tudor’s decision. Dropping Conceicao would reduce Juventus’ wide attacking options but could also give the coach the chance to unleash a more direct, strike-heavy formation.
With two more training sessions before the showdown with Inter, the tactical shape remains undecided. What is certain is that Yildiz will keep his place, while the question of Vlahovic or Openda alongside David may go down to the wire.
