Juventus coach: Igor Tudor is sticking with the system change!

Nikki Sharma

UPDATED: October 24, 2025

A New Era of Juventus Football Under Igor Tudor

Welcome to A Bright Time. So how are you guys? We’ve got you covered today. Breaking News Juventus coach: Many questioned whether Croatian tactician Igor Tudor could restore the Bianconeri to their former glory days when he took over as manager of Juventus. Tudor, who is well-known for favoring tactical discipline and organized defense, appears committed to giving Juventus a fresh look centered on a bold back-three lineup.

This weekend, Juventus will play Lazio with a back three as well. At the moment, coach Igor Tudor is continuing to use this strategy.

Lloyd Kelly, Federico Gatti, and Daniele Rugani all put up strong performances in spite of the team’s 1-0 Champions League loss to Real Madrid. Everything suggests that Tudor will continue to use this formation for the foreseeable future, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

But there might be a change on the right wing: Pierre Kalulu might be replaced by João Mário. In attack, Jonathan David is probably going to be chosen over Dusan Vlahovic. Against Real, the Serbian was in the starting lineup.

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With 12 points, Juventus is presently ranked seventh in Serie A.

Juventus finds itself at a crossroads as they get ready to play Lazio this weekend. Their Champions League loss to Real Madrid by a slim margin of 1-0 demonstrated Tudor’s developing system’s potential as well as its drawbacks. Even while losing is never ideal, the performance showed signs of resiliency and organization, which gave supporters cause for cautious optimism. Defensive Trio: Gatti, Rugani, and Kelly Impress Despite Defeat

In the clash against Real Madrid, the defensive trio of Federico Gatti, Daniele Rugani, and Lloyd Kelly put on a disciplined display, keeping the Spanish champions at bay for much of the match. Despite the final scoreline, their coordination and communication drew praise from analysts and supporters alike.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Tudor was particularly impressed with the trio’s compactness and positioning — a clear sign that Juventus may continue to rely on this defensive backbone in the coming fixtures.

The use of three center-backs provides greater flexibility in transition, allowing wing-backs to push higher up while maintaining defensive stability. However, this system requires constant communication and impeccable timing — something that Juventus is still perfecting.

Right-Wing Rotation: João Mário Could Step In for Kalulu

While the defense looks set to remain unchanged, a potential tweak could come on the right flank. Reports suggest that João Mário could replace Pierre Kalulu in the starting lineup.

Kalulu’s recent performances have been solid but unspectacular, and Tudor is believed to be seeking more attacking dynamism from the wing. João Mário’s experience and crossing ability could offer Juventus a stronger presence in wide areas — particularly against a Lazio side known for exploiting open spaces on the counterattack.

This move would signal Tudor’s willingness to experiment and adapt, reflecting his strategic mindset that blends pragmatism with controlled risk-taking.

Jonathan David Set to Lead the Line Over Vlahovic

One of the most discussed topics among fans and pundits this week has been the selection up front. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Jonathan David is likely to start ahead of Dusan Vlahovic in the upcoming match.

Vlahovic, who started against Real Madrid, struggled to make a significant impact against the Spanish defense. Jonathan David, on the other hand, offers pace, pressing, and link-up play — qualities that may align more closely with Tudor’s high-energy approach.

The Canadian striker has shown flashes of brilliance in training and could provide Juventus with the attacking spark they need. This decision, however, will not sit well with all supporters; Vlahovic remains a fan favorite and one of Serie A’s most lethal finishers when in form. Tudor’s challenge will be to balance form and reputation without disrupting team harmony.

Juventus’ Current Standings and the Road Ahead

As things stand, Juventus sits seventh in Serie A with 12 points, a position that doesn’t reflect the club’s ambitions or expectations. With the top four still within reach, every game from this point forward becomes a crucial opportunity to close the gap.

The Bianconeri’s defensive improvements have been evident, but their attacking inconsistency continues to hinder progress. Lazio, known for their fluid counter-attacks and creative midfield play, will be a stern test of Juventus’ tactical discipline.

If Tudor’s men can combine defensive solidity with sharper finishing, they could climb quickly up the table and reassert themselves as genuine contenders.

Tactical Analysis: Why Tudor’s Back Three Could Work

Tudor’s decision to persist with a 3-5-2 (or at times a 3-4-1-2) formation isn’t simply experimental — it’s a statement of intent. The system allows Juventus to:

Build from the back with confidence and spread play wide effectively.
Utilize wing-backs like Kostic or João Mário to stretch defenses.
Protect the center-backs, giving midfielders freedom to push higher.

It’s reminiscent of Antonio Conte’s early Juventus days — where tactical discipline and shape outweighed flair. Tudor, however, adds a more modern twist, encouraging fluid positional interchanges and higher pressing.

But such a system requires time and patience. The chemistry between defenders, midfielders, and forwards is still developing. For now, Juventus’ performances show promise rather than perfection.

Key Questions Fans Are Asking

1. Why is Juventus using a back three formation?

Tudor prefers a back three because it provides better defensive balance and allows wing-backs to contribute offensively without leaving gaps behind. It’s a formation that suits players like Gatti and Kelly, who are comfortable covering wide spaces.

2. Will Jonathan David permanently replace Dusan Vlahovic?

Not necessarily. Tudor’s decision seems tactical rather than permanent. Vlahovic remains a crucial player, but Jonathan David’s mobility and pressing style fit the upcoming fixture against Lazio, where quick transitions could be key.

3. Is João Mário’s inclusion confirmed?

While it’s not official, reports strongly suggest Tudor may start João Mário to inject more energy on the right flank. His experience could also prove valuable against Lazio’s aggressive wingers.

4. How has Juventus performed under Igor Tudor so far?

Mixed results. While defensive organization has improved, attacking fluidity remains inconsistent. Still, the players appear to have bought into Tudor’s philosophy, which bodes well for the future.

5. What are Juventus’ chances of finishing in the top four?

At this stage, Juventus remains in contention. With only a few points separating them from fourth place, consistent performances in the coming weeks could turn the tide.

Lazio: The Tactical Threat Ahead

Lazio, under Maurizio Sarri’s guidance, remains one of Serie A’s most tactically astute teams. Known for their quick passing and structured pressing, they can punish teams that lose possession in midfield.

For Juventus, maintaining compactness and controlling tempo will be vital. Lazio’s attackers like Felipe Anderson and Ciro Immobile can exploit defensive lapses in a heartbeat. Tudor’s back three will have to stay alert, especially in transitions.

The midfield battle — likely featuring Rabiot, Locatelli, and McKennie — will determine who controls the rhythm of the match.

Fan Reactions: Optimism Mixed with Anxiety

The Juventus fanbase is cautiously optimistic. While some applaud Tudor’s tactical bravery and focus on defensive discipline, others remain skeptical about sidelining key players like Vlahovic.

Social media has been buzzing with debates: Should Juventus continue to experiment, or revert to a more traditional 4-3-3 setup? The answer may depend on Saturday’s performance against Lazio.

If the Bianconeri secure a convincing win, Tudor’s vision could gain credibility. If not, the questions will only grow louder.

Conclusion: A Defining Weekend for Juventus

As Juventus prepares to lock horns with Lazio, one thing is certain — Igor Tudor’s tactical identity is beginning to take shape. The back-three formation, once considered a temporary fix, is fast becoming a defining feature of this new-look Juventus side.

With Jonathan David leading the line, João Mário adding width, and the defensive trio holding firm, Juventus has the pieces in place to mount a comeback in Serie A.

But football is a results-driven game, and only time will tell whether Tudor’s strategic gamble will pay off. For now, all eyes turn to the weekend clash — where Juventus’ new chapter continues to unfold.