Zambrotta reveals ‘key’ Juventus player for David, makes Deby d’Italia prediction | OneFootball

Former Italy international Gianluca Zambrotta feels that Kenan Yildiz will be a ‘key’ player to help Jonathan David settle in at Juventus and predicts ‘great’ battles in the upcoming Derby d’Italia between the Bianconeri and Inter.

Former Juventus and Milan defender Zambrotta released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport four days before a crucial Serie A match between the Bianconeri and Inter.

Questioned about the key battles in Turin this coming Saturday, Zambrotta said: “Lautaro and Marcus Thuram against Juventus’ defence. That’s going to be a great battle.

Zambrotta predicts ‘great battles’ in Juventus-Inter

Former Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta arriving for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 in Milan, Italy, 23 September 2019. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

“Then also in midfield with Barella and the others against Locatelli and Khephren Thuram. There will also be many duels. After all, it’s the Derby d’Italia, fantastic atmosphere, a game that is always intense even if it’s only Round 3. Inter will want to bounce back after losing against Udinese.”

Juventus coach Igor Tudor was a former Zambrotta teammate at Juventus, and the 2006 World Cup winner sees the Croat as an excellent fit for the Bianconeri.

“Yes, always. We had some good times together, and we also met outside the pitch,” siad the former fullback.

“He’s a wonderful person, and he’s always done well. Trusting him was an excellent choice.

TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“He’s a great person. Very transparent, direct and clear. He says things to your face. The locker room is with him. He has the right attitude, and you can also see it on the pitch. He’s present.”

Juventus signed Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda on deadline day. What does Zambrotta make of the new Juventus pair?

“They are excellent acquisitions, and for economic reasons, they preferred Openda to Kolo Munai,” the defender said.

“He’s younger and did well at Leipzig. He’s quick, fast and versatile because he can also play as a support striker. Zhegrova has quality, even if he’s been out for a while. He takes on his man, dribbles and creates numerical advantage, but he needs to regain full fitness.”

Zambrotta: how David can settle in even more quickly at Juventus

TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

How about David? The Canada international already scored on his debut against Parma in August, but how can he adapt even more quickly to Italian football?

“An important support comes from the attacking midfielders,” noted Zambrotta.

“Yildiz is key for assists and chance creation. David is new to a new league. He needs time to adapt and grow. Tudor is giving him playing time; meanwhile, there’s Vlahovic, who comes and scores, and Openda has also been brought in.”