Igor Tudor has been appointed as the new manager of Juventus, replacing Thiago Motta. His debut match will be against Genoa at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday. This marks Tudor`s return to Juventus, where he previously played as a defender. He last coached in Serie A with Lazio in the 2023-24 season, taking over from Maurizio Sarri. Despite initial success, Tudor and Lazio parted ways at the end of the season. Juventus` sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli called upon Tudor to guide the team to a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. His contract extends until the end of the current season and includes managing Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States.
Tudor was introduced at a press conference on Thursday, expressing his strong connection with Juventus: `I consider myself a coach. I started coaching early because of injuries. I`ve worked abroad for several years. I am passionate and make decisions based on conviction. Contract or not, if it feels right, I stay; if not, I leave. But this Juventus opportunity feels right.`
`We focus on the present. A long contract doesn`t change my approach. I`m motivated for Saturday`s match; that`s a coach`s life. We can`t control the future. I`m focused on today`s training.`
Here`s what to know before Saturday`s game:
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 29 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Stadium — Turin, Italy
- TV: CBS
- Odds: Juventus -180; Draw +280; Genoa +550
Tudor`s Juventus Legacy as a Player
Igor Tudor is a significant figure at Juventus from his playing days. He played 174 matches, scoring 21 goals as a defender. During his time, Juventus 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 squad that won the Serie B title after relegation due to the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, although injury prevented him from playing that season. He remained with the club, accepting a salary reduction. In 2007, after almost a decade with Juventus, Tudor left but returned as assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
Tudor`s Coaching Career
Tudor`s early transition to coaching was due to injuries that ended his playing career at 30. He began coaching Hajduk Split`s youth teams before leading the first team, winning the Croatian Cup in 2013. His managerial path includes Karabükspor, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, and another stint at Hajduk Split before becoming Juventus` assistant coach. He then managed Hellas Verona for a year, followed by Olympique Marseille and Lazio, where he replaced Maurizio Sarri in the previous season.
Playing Style
Tudor is known for his aggressive, high-pressing, and intense football philosophy. He emphasizes discipline in both attack and defense. Typically employing a three-man defense in formations like 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2, his teams prioritize direct transitions over slow possession-based play. He favors attacking football, stating a preference for high-scoring wins like `4-3 instead of 1-0.` during his time at Lazio.
Recent Updates
- Juventus dismiss Thiago Motta and appoint Igor Tudor as coach until season`s end.
- Juventus crisis explained: Reasons behind Thiago Motta`s dismissal and future club direction.
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