Juventus is set to host Genoa at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this Saturday. This match marks the debut of Igor Tudor as the new manager for Juventus, following the departure of Thiago Motta during the international break. Tudor, who previously played as a defender for Juventus, returns to Serie A management after a year. His last role was as head coach for Lazio at the end of the 2023-24 season, where he replaced Maurizio Sarri but later parted ways with the club.
Juventus` sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, appointed Tudor to guide the team to a top-four finish and secure qualification for the next UEFA Champions League. Tudor`s contract extends at least until the end of the current season, which includes participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Tudor was introduced on Thursday in a press conference ahead of his Serie A debut. He expressed his strong connection to Juventus, stating, `I consider myself a coach. I started coaching early due to injuries. I`ve gained international experience. I am passionate, and my decisions are heart-led. Contract or not, if it feels right, I stay; if not, I leave. But that`s not the case here.`
He added, `We focus on the present. Even with a ten-year contract, the job remains. We have a match on Saturday, and we are motivated. That`s coaching life. The future is uncertain; I focus on today`s training.`
Match Information
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 29
- Location: Allianz Stadium — Turin, Italy
- TV: CBS
- Odds: Juventus -180; Draw +280; Genoa +550
Tudor`s Juventus History
Igor Tudor has a significant history with Juventus as a player. He played 174 matches for the club, scoring 21 goals as a defender. During his time at Juventus, he won two Serie A titles (2001-02, 2002-03), two Italian Supercups (2002, 2003), and the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999. He was also part of the Juventus team that won the Serie B title in 2006, although he missed that season due to injury. Despite this, the club kept him, and he agreed to a salary reduction. Tudor left Juventus in 2007 after nearly a decade and returned as assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
Managerial Career
Tudor began his coaching career early due to injuries forcing his retirement at 30. He coached youth teams at Hajduk Split before managing the first team, winning the Croatian Cup in 2013. He then managed clubs such as Karabükspor, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, and again Hajduk Split, before his Juventus assistant role. He also managed Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, and Lazio, where he replaced Maurizio Sarri last season.
Playing Style
Tudor is known for his aggressive, high-pressing football style. He emphasizes intensity and discipline in both attack and defense. He typically employs a three-man defense, using formations like 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2. His teams favor direct transitions over slow, possession-based play. Tudor prefers attacking football, as he stated during his time at Lazio: `I prefer to win 4-3 rather than 1-0.`
Recent Updates
- Juventus dismissed manager Thiago Motta and announced Igor Tudor as the new coach for the remainder of the season.
- An analysis of Juventus`s decision to sack Thiago Motta and the club`s future direction.
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