Juventus Turn the Page After Inter Thriller: Tudor’s Changes for Champions League Clash with Borussia Dortmund
Fresh off a pulsating 4-3 Serie A victory over rivals Inter Milan on September 13, 2025, Juventus, under head coach Igor Tudor, are swiftly shifting focus to their UEFA Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund on September 16, 2025, at the Allianz Stadium. The dramatic Derby d’Italia win—sealed by Vasilije Adzic’s injury-time screamer—has boosted morale, but Tudor is making calculated tweaks to his squad and tactics to face Dortmund’s high-octane attack in the new 36-team league phase format. Here’s how Juventus are preparing to build on their domestic momentum for Europe’s elite stage.
The Inter Triumph: A Springboard for Confidence
Juventus’ 4-3 win over Inter was a statement of intent under Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta in March 2025. The match showcased Tudor’s aggressive, high-pressing 3-5-1-1 formation, with standout performances from Lloyd Kelly (first goal), Kenan Yildiz (second), and Khephren Thuram, who scored against his brother Marcus of Inter. Adzic’s long-range strike in stoppage time clinched Juventus’ third straight Serie A win, placing them second with nine points. “This team has spirit and quality,” Tudor said post-match, signaling readiness for Europe.
However, the Inter game exposed defensive frailties—conceding three goals, including two from Hakan Calhanoglu and one from Marcus Thuram. With Dortmund’s potent attack, led by Serhou Guirassy and Jamie Gittens, Tudor is adjusting to ensure solidity without sacrificing his attacking philosophy.
Tudor’s Tactical Tweaks for Dortmund
Tudor, the first foreign Juventus manager since Didier Deschamps in 2006-07, is known for his “courageous and intensive” football, as he described during his Marseille stint. For the Champions League, sources like Football Italia and Juventus.com suggest he’ll retain his 3-5-1-1 but with key changes to counter Dortmund’s pace and transitions. Here’s what to expect:
- Defensive Reinforcement:
- Gleison Bremer returns to anchor the back three after a minor knock, replacing Federico Gatti, who struggled against Inter’s Calhanoglu. Bremer’s aerial dominance (2.5 duels won per game) is crucial against Dortmund’s physical forwards.
- Lloyd Kelly stays after his goal-scoring debut, paired with Pierre Kalulu, whose versatility as a wing-back or center-back adds flexibility.
- Juan Cabal may shift to a deeper role to counter Dortmund’s wingers, with Andrea Cambiaso pushing higher for overlaps.
- Midfield Balance:
- Manuel Locatelli and Teun Koopmeiners are locks in central midfield, with Locatelli tasked to shadow Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer, who thrives in transitions. Koopmeiners, fresh off a strong Inter display, will orchestrate attacks.
- Weston McKennie, who started against Inter, could be replaced by Nicolo Fagioli for better ball retention against Dortmund’s pressing (10.2 recoveries per game). McKennie’s USMNT versatility makes him a likely impact sub.
- Khephren Thuram may drop to the bench to manage workload after his emotional Inter clash, with Samuel Mbangula offering fresh legs.
- Attack Adjustments:
- Dusan Vlahovic, who sat out the Inter start, is set to lead the line, replacing Lois Openda. Vlahovic’s physicality (1.9 shots per game) suits Tudor’s vertical style, and his recent goal against Genoa signals form.
- Kenan Yildiz, the Turkish starlet who dazzled against Inter, will play behind Vlahovic, likely in a free No. 10 role to exploit Dortmund’s high line.
- Jonathan David, who assisted Adzic’s winner, is a contender to start on the wing if Tudor opts for pace over Francisco Conceicao, who’s doubtful with a minor strain.
- Goalkeeping Stability:
- Michele Di Gregorio remains in goal, his 3.1 saves per game vital against Dortmund’s expected 13-15 shots, per UEFA stats.
Why These Changes Matter: Dortmund’s Threat
Borussia Dortmund, coming off a 2-1 Bundesliga loss to RB Leipzig, are a Pot 1 side with firepower. Guirassy’s eight goals in 2025 and Gittens’ pace (3.2 dribbles per game) test defenses, while their 4-2-3-1 thrives on quick transitions. Juventus’ 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Dortmund in August offers hope, but that was a less intense affair.
Tudor’s adjustments aim to neutralize Dortmund’s wings (Gittens and Donyell Malen) while exploiting gaps left by their high press. His 3-5-1-1, seen in the Inter win, allows fluidity—defenders can step into midfield, and Yildiz’s roaming can unlock Dortmund’s backline, which conceded twice to Leipzig.
Historical Edge: Juventus’ Home Record
Juventus boast an unbeaten streak in their Champions League home openers (11 wins, three draws in 14 matches), including a 3-1 rout of PSV last season. Against Italian sides, Dortmund struggle, losing five of their last six away games, including a 2-1 defeat to Bologna in 2024. Tudor, a former Champions League player for Juventus (1998-2007), becomes only the fourth to both play and coach for the club in the competition, adding personal stakes.
Fan and Pundit Buzz: Turin’s High Hopes
The Inter win has Turin buzzing. On X, #JuveDortmund trended with 30,000 posts, fans hyping Yildiz as “the next Del Piero” and Tudor as “our Klopp.” Pundit Fabio Capello warned, “Dortmund’s speed is a test, but Tudor’s intensity matches them.” Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport predicted a 2-1 Juve win, citing Vlahovic’s return as key.
Skeptics note Juventus’ defensive lapses—three goals conceded to Inter’s 14 shots suggest Dortmund could punish errors. “Tudor’s attack is fire, but the backline needs glue,” tweeted analyst @SerieAFanatic.
What’s Next: A Pivotal UCL Start
A win against Dortmund would propel Juventus toward the top eight in the UCL league phase, securing a direct knockout berth. Their next fixtures—Monaco, Benfica, and Pafos—offer winnable points, but dropping points early could complicate the path. Tudor’s contract, extended to 2028, gives him stability to chase silverware, with fans dreaming of a first Champions League title since 1996.
For Dortmund, a loss could dent their Pot 1 status, with tough ties like Real Madrid ahead. Kickoff is 9:00 p.m. CEST, September 16, at Allianz Stadium, broadcast on Paramount+.
Conclusion: Tudor’s New Chapter Begins
Juventus have turned the page after their Inter epic, with Tudor’s changes signaling a bold Champions League campaign. His blend of youth (Yildiz, Adzic) and experience (Bremer, Vlahovic) aims to outmuscle Dortmund’s flair. As one X fan put it, “Tudor’s got Juve roaring—Dortmund’s in for a fight.” Can the Bianconeri keep the dream alive? Monday night will tell.
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