Juventus Turns to Tudor After Dismissing Motta Ahead of Key Match

TORINO, Italy — Juventus FC has appointed Igor Tudor as its new manager, replacing Thiago Motta, who was dismissed after a string of underwhelming performances.

The decision comes just ahead of their matchup against Genoa on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as Juventus aims to reclaim a spot in the Serie A Top Four. Tudor, a former Juventus defender, returns to the Allianz Stadium with ambitions to steer the club back on course amid a disappointing 2024-25 season.

During his brief time as manager, Motta was unable to instill confidence in a squad experiencing significant turnover. The team’s last two matches, where they netted no points and allowed seven goals, ultimately sealed his fate. Juventus is currently in fifth place, just one point behind former club Bologna, leading to heightened pressure on Tudor to quickly integrate his philosophies.

“The mentality of the team was clearly not right towards the end of Motta’s tenure,” a club spokesperson noted. Tudor’s primary objectives are to mentally revitalize the squad and secure a top-four finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Juventus faces a pivotal moment in their campaign, making the upcoming match against Genoa an essential moment for Tudor. Meanwhile, Genoa has seen a resurgence under Patrick Vieira, collecting 25 points in 17 games since his appointment. The visitors enter Saturday’s match with renewed confidence, a contrast to Juventus’ recent struggles.

Juventus’ matchup against Genoa marks the potential for what is widely regarded as the “New Manager Bounce,” a phenomenon observed when a change in management results in improved performance. Tudor’s previous coaching experience at Lazio aligns him with high expectations as he seeks to elevate Juventus at a crucial juncture in the season.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET) at the Allianz Stadium. The match will be broadcasted in the United States on CBS and streamed via fuboTV.

Given the stakes, players like Dusan Vlahovic are essential in Tudor’s plans. After seeing diminished playing time under Motta, Vlahovic, currently one of the squad’s highest minute leaders, is likely to be a focal point for the team moving forward. His early return to training suggests a readiness to embrace changes under Tudor’s leadership.

The atmosphere is set to be tense as both teams aim for three critical points in a season defined by unpredictability. For Juventus, nothing less than a victory will suffice as they navigate the final stretch towards a possible Champions League berth.