Juventus head coach Igor Tudor is weighing up a tactical change as his side prepare to face Como in Sunday’s lunch-time fixture. After a string of draws, the Bianconeri aim to return to winning ways and close the gap on the league leaders, following Napoli and Roma’s defeats in Saturday’s matches.
These are decisive hours for Tudor, who must finalise his starting eleven against Cesc Fàbregas’s Como. Reports suggest the Croatian coach could introduce a surprising tactical shift: a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation — a potential turning point for Juventus’ season.
Change to a Four-Man Defence
IlBianconero report that Injuries to Cabal and Bremer could force Tudor’s hand in defence. The main novelty may be a back four, a structure often rumoured in recent weeks. Should Tudor make that choice, Federico Gatti and Kelly are expected to form the central defensive partnership, with Rugani likely starting on the bench. Pierre Kalulu would take his place on the right, and Andrea Cambiaso would operate on the left flank.
Locatelli and Thuram: Midfield Stability
Regardless of formation, Tudor plans to rely on his most trusted players in midfield. Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram remain the cornerstones of the team’s balance, and for the first time in a month, they are both set to start together. Their partnership offers the coach both reliability and structure in the centre of the pitch.
Focus on the Attacking Midfield Trio
The 4-2-3-1 shape recalls the tactical system once tested by Thiago Motta before being abandoned last spring. Tudor appears ready to revisit that idea, relying on a familiar set of creative players behind the striker. Conceição is expected to start wide on the right, Yildiz will drift from the left into central positions, and Koopmeiners will act as the primary playmaker in the number ten role.
The Striker Question: David, Vlahović, or Openda?
The most pressing dilemma concerns the centre-forward spot. Whether in a 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1, the question remains: who leads the line? Jonathan David currently appears ahead of both Dusan Vlahović and Loïs Openda in the coach’s plans. The Canadian, who scored on his debut against Parma, is likely to start once again at the Stadio Sinigaglia — a clear sign of Tudor’s confidence in him despite a recent dip in form.
