As the Italian Serie A season of 2025/2026 rolls into its third matchday, the footballing world holds its breath for one of the most storied rivalries: Juventus versus Inter Milan. Far from being just another fixture, this Derby d`Italia often sets the tone for a team`s ambitions. Yet, it was Juventus coach Igor Tudor who, with a seasoned poker face, offered a particularly insightful pre-match commentary, subtly shifting the narrative.
The Unconventional Compliment: Inter`s Unrivaled Depth
In a move that could be seen as either psychological warfare or genuine admiration, Tudor declared, without a hint of hesitation, that Inter possesses “the strongest squad in Italy.” This wasn`t a meek concession but a deliberate statement, perhaps designed to both flatter the opposition and temper expectations for his own youthful Bianconeri side. He quickly parried any notion of this early-season clash being a decisive moment, pragmatically stating, “No, it`s just a stage.” A shrewd observation, given the marathon that is a Serie A campaign with 37 other fixtures yet to be played.
“The match tomorrow needs no special motivation; it will be harder to find it in the other 37. I was happy with the squad before the transfer market, and I am happy now; the new players will give us a great hand.”
This statement alone highlights a manager comfortable in his convictions, perhaps attempting to alleviate pressure from his players while simultaneously acknowledging the caliber of the opposition.
The Bianconeri Blueprint: Courage, Caution, and Calculated Risks
Despite his praise for Inter, Tudor`s focus remains firmly on his own squad`s performance. He articulated a clear vision for how Juventus must approach this high-stakes encounter: “a Juve that stands firm in suffering, a team with the courage necessary to win the challenge, and maximum awareness of danger from set-pieces.” This isn`t merely footballing platitudes; it`s a technical blueprint for handling one of Europe`s most potent offenses. Tudor`s “very positive” feelings suggest a confidence that stems from meticulous preparation, rather than blind optimism.
The Croatian coach also provided a glimpse into his tactical thinking and player management:
- Conceicao`s Conundrum: The availability of Chico Conceicao remains a “50 and 50” question, forcing Tudor to consider multiple “more than one” solutions for his crucial role. Such uncertainty demands tactical flexibility and trust in squad depth.
- Koopmeiners in the Spotlight: The attacking midfield position (the “trequarti forte”) is likely to see Teun Koopmeiners feature prominently. Tudor`s repeated defense of the player from media “fixations” underlines the importance he places on protecting his assets from undue pressure.
- Openda`s Integration: Lois Openda, a striker who thrives on space, presents a fresh tactical challenge. Tudor acknowledged that with Openda, Juventus “will have to do something new,” hinting at evolving strategies to harness his unique attributes. This suggests a manager willing to adapt his system rather than rigidly adhere to one philosophy.
- Vlahovic`s Resurgence: Perhaps the most reassuring news for Juventus fans is Tudor`s assessment of Dušan Vlahović: “He has never been better in his career.” This robust endorsement, delivered with a smile, points to a striker in peak form, ready to spearhead the attack. The plan to start David, followed by a substitution, indicates careful management of his attacking options.
The Curious Case of Six Points
Interestingly, the original report concluded with an almost paradoxical statement: “A bit of study for Juve to reverse a course of six points in two games.” One might pause to consider what `reversing` a perfect start (two wins, zero goals conceded) actually entails. Perhaps this was a momentary slip of the pen, or perhaps Tudor, with his famously high standards, views even nascent success as merely a foundation for greater, more refined achievements. After all, in Italian football, perfection is a transient state, and complacency is the ultimate sin.
Squad Building: A Satisfied Manager
When asked about the summer transfer market, Tudor remained consistently optimistic. His satisfaction with the current squad, stating he was “content before and happy now,” suggests a belief in the collective talent and the value new additions bring. This reinforces the image of a coach who trusts his players and the club`s strategic vision.
The Road Ahead
While Tudor may consider this Derby d`Italia “just a stage,” it is a pivotal one nonetheless. It`s a barometer of early-season progress, a test of tactical mettle, and a psychological battle that extends beyond the ninety minutes. Juventus, under Tudor`s guidance, appears to be approaching this challenge with a blend of respect for the opponent, confidence in their own abilities, and an acute understanding of the long, arduous journey that is a Serie A title race. Whether Inter truly has the “strongest squad” remains to be proven on the pitch, but Tudor`s words have certainly added another layer of intrigue to this timeless rivalry.
Gilbert Pendleton