Igor Tudor won his first match as Juventus manager on Saturday evening. With a narrow victory over Genoa, the Old Lady finally washed away the bitter taste of the painful defeats against Atalanta and Fiorentina before the international break.
Igor Tudor marked his debut as Juventus manager with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Genoa on Saturday evening, a result that provided much-needed relief for the Turin club.
The narrow win allowed the Old Lady to put behind the painful defeats they suffered against Atalanta and Fiorentina before the international break, restoring some sense of stability and confidence within the squad.
The appointment of Tudor came as a direct response to the poor form under Thiago Motta, who had struggled to implement consistency in both performances and results. The Croatian coach, known for his tactical acumen and ability to reorganize defenses effectively, wasted no time in making his presence felt. Opting for a switch to a system with three central defenders, Tudor aimed to reinforce Juventus’s backline and provide more structural solidity against a Genoa side known for its resilience and ability to frustrate stronger opponents. The decision appeared effective, as Juventus managed to maintain their defensive shape throughout the match.
In his attacking setup, Tudor made the bold decision to start Dusan Vlahovic up front, favoring him over the Paris Saint-Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani. Despite an impressive start to his Serie A career with five goals in his first three matches, Kolo Muani had been struggling to find the net in recent weeks. Tudor’s decision to bench him was undoubtedly a statement of intent, prioritizing current form over past glories. Vlahovic, with his imposing physical presence and clinical finishing, was expected to lead the line and cause problems for the Genoa defense.
The tactical changes were not limited to the defensive setup, as Tudor also made alterations to the midfield. Teun Koopmeiners, who had been utilized in deeper roles under the previous management, was handed a more advanced position as one of the attacking midfielders positioned behind Vlahovic. The Dutch international’s vision and passing ability made him an ideal choice for the role, tasked with threading balls through the Genoa defense and supporting the attack with late runs into the box.
One of the most promising decisions Tudor made was to include nineteen-year-old Turkish talent Kenan Yildiz in the starting lineup. Yildiz, who has been regarded as one of Juventus’s most exciting young prospects, repaid Tudor’s faith with a spectacular performance. In the 25th minute, Yildiz opened the scoring with a brilliant strike that showcased his composure and technical skill. The goal came after Tudor played a pivotal role in the build-up, quickly handing the ball to Koopmeiners during a throw-in. Koopmeiners, using his awareness and creativity, found Yildiz in a dangerous position, allowing the youngster to break towards the goal before unleashing a precise finish past the Genoa goalkeeper.
The sequence highlighted Tudor’s proactive approach from the touchline and his determination to keep the tempo high. It also underlined Koopmeiners’ growing influence in a more advanced role, where he could contribute to attacking moves more directly. Ironically, the 27-year-old Dutchman had earlier squandered a decent opportunity to put Juventus ahead, shooting over the bar from a promising position. Nonetheless, his overall performance justified Tudor’s decision to deploy him in a more creative capacity.
As the match progressed, Juventus maintained control of possession but struggled to convert their dominance into additional goals. Genoa, to their credit, remained organized and resilient, making life difficult for the home side. Despite the pressure, Juventus’s new-look defense appeared more composed and structured than it had been in previous outings. The back three, led by experienced campaigners, managed to repel Genoa’s counter-attacks effectively.
However, Juventus did not escape the encounter unscathed. A setback for the team occurred when defender Federico Gatti was forced off due to injury. The Italian international had been playing a key role in the newly implemented defensive structure, and his departure posed a challenge for Tudor’s side. Without Gatti’s presence, Juventus had to adapt quickly, relying on their collective discipline to maintain the slim advantage.
Genoa did not go down without a fight and nearly found an equalizer in the second half. Andrea Pinamonti, a constant threat throughout the match, came agonizingly close to leveling the score when his powerful volley struck the post. The effort was a reminder of Genoa’s attacking potential and a warning to Juventus that their lead remained fragile.
Tudor responded by making a series of substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy into his side. Among the changes was the introduction of former Ajax player Francisco Conceição, who replaced Teun Koopmeiners midway through the second half. Conceição’s pace and creativity added a different dimension to Juventus’s attack, although the team remained unable to extend their lead.
As the clock ticked down, Juventus focused on preserving their narrow advantage. The defensive line, despite the absence of Gatti, held firm under Genoa’s late pressure. Tudor’s tactical adjustments, particularly the decision to employ a back three, appeared justified as the team demonstrated greater cohesion and resilience than in previous matches.
The final whistle brought relief and celebration to the Juventus bench, as Tudor secured a valuable victory in his debut match as manager. While the scoreline may have been modest, the result carried significant importance. After two consecutive defeats, Juventus needed to restore confidence and momentum, particularly as they aim to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League.
Moving forward, Tudor’s immediate impact will provide encouragement to both players and fans alike. His tactical approach, emphasizing defensive solidity and proactive management, appears well-suited to Juventus’s current needs. However, challenges remain, particularly in finding the right balance between attack and defense.
The Croatian manager will undoubtedly face tougher tests in the coming weeks, but this positive start provides a solid foundation to build upon. Juventus’s ambitions for Champions League qualification remain intact, and Tudor’s debut victory may prove to be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
