Juventus is set to host Genoa at Allianz Stadium this Saturday, marking Igor Tudor`s first game as the club`s new manager. Tudor, a former Juventus defender, takes over after Thiago Motta`s departure during the international break. This marks Tudor`s return to Serie A management after previously coaching Lazio in the 2023-24 season, where he replaced Maurizio Sarri and later parted ways at the end of the season.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli brought in Tudor with the goal of securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Tudor`s contract extends until the end of the current season, which includes managing the team in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
During his unveiling press conference on Thursday, Tudor expressed his enthusiasm for Juventus, stating, `I see myself as a coach. My coaching career started early due to injuries. I`ve gained experience abroad. I`m driven by passion and make heart-led decisions. Contract or not, if it feels right, I commit; if not, I move on. My focus is on the present, especially in this profession. A long contract doesn`t change the immediate job at hand. We have a game on Saturday, and I`m focused on motivating the team and today`s training.`
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 29
- Location: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
- TV: CBS
- Odds: Juventus -180; Draw +280; Genoa +550
Tudor`s Juventus Background
Igor Tudor has a significant history with Juventus as a player, having played 174 matches and scored 21 goals as a defender. During his playing career at Juve, 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 after relegation in 2006, although he missed that season due to injury. He later returned to Juventus as assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, contributing to their Coppa Italia and Italian Supercoppa victories.
Managerial Career Highlights
Tudor`s early transition to coaching was prompted by injuries that led to his retirement at age 30. He began coaching at Hajduk Split`s academy and progressed to manage the first team, winning the Croatian Cup in 2013. His managerial journey includes stints at Karabükspor, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, and Lazio, where he replaced Maurizio Sarri last season.
Playing Style Philosophy
Known for his aggressive and intense football philosophy, Tudor emphasizes pressing in both attack and defense. He typically employs a three-man defense, favoring formations like 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2. His teams prioritize direct transitions over slow, possession-based play. Tudor has stated his preference for attacking football, expressing a desire to win games with high scores like 4-3 rather than narrow 1-0 victories.
Recent Updates
- Juventus has appointed Igor Tudor as head coach, replacing Thiago Motta until the season`s end.
- The Juventus decision to replace Thiago Motta comes amidst a period of crisis for the Italian club.
