Igor Tudor kicks off his quest to secure Juventus a spot in the Champions League against Genoa on Saturday, as Napoli face AC Milan in a crucial Serie A title race, with their battle for first place against Inter Milan reaching its climax.
Juventus currently sit one point and one position outside Italy’s top four as club action resumes. Tudor has been brought in to restore the “Old Lady” to their rightful place after the sacking of Thiago Motta during the international break.
Tudor, who spent much of his playing career at Juventus, has been hired until the end of the season. However, it’s expected that a bigger name will take over next season.
Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Gian Piero Gasperini are among the rumored candidates to lead Juventus in their ongoing quest to reclaim the Scudetto and recover from a period marred by scandal and financial woes.
Despite Tudor's relatively modest and itinerant coaching career, there are reasons for optimism at Juventus. His most recent role as caretaker manager of Lazio saw him step in under similar circumstances last season after Maurizio Sarri's resignation.
Tudor led Lazio to 18 points in his nine matches in charge, a record bettered only by Atalanta, who earned 22 points during the same period. Lazio’s points haul was tied with Inter Milan, who went on to claim the Serie A title.
Juve will be hoping Tudor can replicate that success this season, as the race for a Champions League spot remains tight, with clubs all the way down to ninth-placed Milan vying for a place in Europe’s elite competition.
Milan, despite a difficult start to the season, could still have a say in the Scudetto race. Their match against struggling Napoli could give Inter a boost toward securing a second consecutive title.
Napoli have been in poor form, earning just eight points since the end of January, and are now three points behind leaders Inter, who face Udinese on Sunday evening before two Milan derbies in the Italian Cup semi-finals next week.
Inter's month ahead is packed with high-stakes games, including a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and tough league fixtures against Bologna and Roma, both of which could be pivotal to their title defense.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will be without key players Lautaro Martinez and Denzel Dumfries this weekend, though star wing-back Federico Dimarco has recovered from a thigh injury.
Atalanta, still in the mix for a top-four finish and six points behind third-placed Milan, will face Fiorentina in what promises to be an exciting encounter. However, both midfield star Ederson and coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be absent due to suspension.
Player to watch: Tijjani Reijnders
Netherlands midfielder Reijnders has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for Milan. With 13 goals and 3 assists, he’s provided much-needed excitement for fans disillusioned with the team's struggles.
The 26-year-old will be crucial in Milan’s clash with Napoli on Sunday, having added another goal to his tally in a thrilling Nations League quarter-final against Spain.
Reijnders’ performances, including his standout display against Como just before the international break, have kept Milan within touching distance of the Champions League spots, despite their off-field turmoil.
Key stats
7 – The number of goals Juventus conceded in their last two matches against Atalanta and Fiorentina.
6 – The number of points separating fourth-placed Bologna and Milan in the Champions League race.
Fixtures (times GMT)
Saturday
Como vs Empoli, Venezia vs Bologna (1400), Juventus vs Genoa (1700), Lecce vs Roma (1945)
Sunday
Cagliari vs Monza (1030), Fiorentina vs Atalanta (1300), Inter Milan vs Udinese (1600), Napoli vs AC Milan (1845)
Monday
Verona vs Parma (1630), Lazio vs Torino (1845)
