Juventus coach Tudor confirms Conceiçao ‘small issues’, feels Juric ‘underrated’ | OneFootball

Juventus coach Igor Tudor confirms Francisco Conceiçao is not fully fit ahead of tomorrow’s game with Atalanta and feels his compatriot Ivan Juric is ‘underrated.’

Juventus host Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, in Serie A Week 5.

“We had two days of rest to recharge. Now we have three matches in a row before the international break and we’ve worked well,” Tudor said at a pre-match press conference via Ilbianconero.com.

Tudor ‘confident’ ahead of Juventus vs. Atalanta

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I’m not worried, I’m confident, and I believe the team is in good shape. Playing one match per week or three is a different kind of football; it needs to be repeated, and so a coach must be even better at making choices.

“It’s difficult because sometimes you don’t want to give up on certain players. But we paid for this, and we must make as few mistakes as possible. Certain players can play 50 games without problems; it depends on their characteristics.”

Conceiçao returned to action in a 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona last weekend, but has been dealing with minor fitness issues, so his availability for tomorrow is uncertain.

“He had a few small issues; he played those 70 minutes with little training and picked up some knocks. We’ll see how he feels,” Tudor said.

Dusan Vlahovic has scored four goals as a substitute, but none in the only two games he’s started this season. How is Tudor managing the Serbia international, who is also expected to leave in January or next summer?

“I don’t know the answer to stats. I think about it, I try, we talk, and we decide,” Tudor said.

“We do everything a coach can do. I have three strong forwards, and we choose based on the matches. We need to get to know the new ones. There will be space for everyone, the season is long. I’m happy to have three strong players.”

Tudor will reunite with his compatriot Juric, the Atalanta coach, tomorrow.

Tudor praises Atalanta coach Juric

iTURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Ivan Juric, Manager of Atalanta BC issues instructions during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on September 21, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

“He’s not my best friend; he’s a friend of mine. He has values and a particular way of coaching,” said the Juventus boss.

“He’s fantastic and a bit underrated throughout his career. He’s always done extraordinary things that have been underrated. In the last year, he had two unusual situations. Now he’s coaching a team in the Champions League, and so he’s been recognised. Tomorrow, two strong teams with strengths and weaknesses meet.”

There are reports that Vasilije Adžić could be used as a central midfielder rather than an attacking midfielder tomorrow.

“He can play in both roles,” Tudor confirmed.

“I like what I see. He has a clear mind and qualities.”

Lastly, Tudor didn’t reply to referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, who had said the Juventus coach’s protests after the 1-1 draw against Verona were “excessive.”

“I won’t say anything; we move on,” Tudor concluded.