Igor Tudor’s debut as Juventus head coach resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Genoa at the Allianz Stadium. IlBianconero report that, while it is far too early to draw definitive conclusions after just one match, the Croatian tactician has already showcased his approach, blending practicality and defensive solidity. However, there are clear areas that require refinement as the team prepares for tougher challenges ahead.
A Promising Start: Practical Choices and Defensive Strength
Tudor’s immediate impact was evident in his pragmatic decisions. As Weston McKennie noted post-match, the new coach brought energy and simplicity to the team without introducing drastic tactical experiments. His lineup featured logical adjustments, such as reinstating Federico Gatti after his absence in Florence and deploying Nico Gonzalez in a dynamic wide role on the right. Most notably, Tudor repositioned Kenan Yildiz as a trequartista, allowing him to play centrally behind the striker—a move that paid off with Yildiz scoring the decisive goal.
Defensively, Juventus showed significant improvement. After conceding seven goals in their previous two Serie A matches under Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri managed to keep a clean sheet against Genoa. The backline, composed of Gatti (later replaced by Pierre Kalulu), Renato Veiga, and Kelly, effectively neutralized Genoa’s attacking threats. This newfound defensive solidity is a critical foundation for Juventus as they aim to secure Champions League qualification.
Areas for Improvement: Offensive Solutions
Despite the victory, Juventus’ offensive output left much to be desired. Aside from Yildiz’s goal, clear scoring opportunities were scarce. Tudor has identified this as a key area for development and plans to focus on increasing intensity and verticality in attacking play. By raising the team’s pressing and positioning higher up the pitch, he hopes to enhance their ability to create chances near the opponent’s goal.
Revitalizing Key Players: Vlahovic and Koopmeiners
Tudor also faces the challenge of maximizing the contributions of star players like Dusan Vlahovic and Teun Koopmeiners. Against Genoa, Vlahovic struggled to make an impact in the penalty area, while Koopmeiners found himself hindered by familiar difficulties in midfield. Tudor expressed confidence in Koopmeiners post-match, stating, “He’s a strong player who needs to be recovered.” The coach believes that his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation—successful during Koopmeiners’ time at Atalanta—could be the key to unlocking his potential.
Looking Ahead
Juventus’ next match against Roma on April 6 will serve as a true test of Tudor’s influence on the team. With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, every point is crucial in this final stretch of the season. While Tudor has made an encouraging start by emphasizing practicality and defensive resilience, refining offensive strategies and revitalizing key players will be essential for sustained success.
