Tudor won’t change Juventus’ system vs. Inter: ‘Special opponents’ | OneFootball

Igor Tudor says he won’t change the Juventus system for a big game against Inter, ‘a team that in recent years has been the best in Italy.’

Tudor previewed the upcoming Derby d’Italia at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Juventus have earned six points in the opening two Serie A games, while Inter have three after one win and one loss.

Tudor’s press conference ahead of Juventus vs Inter

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“After the international break, you have to think day by day,” Tudor said via Ilbianconero.com.

“Somebody needs to rest, somebody needs to work and so on. I’ve got good and positive feelings, we’ve had two training sessions together, and we have another one tomorrow morning. I feel good, positive, and I’ve missed football.

“There are special opponents, and the motivation increases. From a preparation standpoint, it’s easier for a coach to keep the tension high. Over the course of the season, keeping that motivation always makes the difference. Tomorrow is a beautiful match to play between two strong teams. I hope people come and enjoy it. Especially our fans.”

The Allianz Stadium will naturally be sold out as Inter are Juventus’ biggest rivals.

“It’s an important game because it’s against Inter and it’s nice, but there’s nothing special that changes things. It’s nice to face and measure yourself against a team that in recent years has been the best in Italy,” Tudor said.

“So far, we’ve played with one striker and two attacking midfielders. There’s work behind that, and now it’s definitely my job to make the most of the squad and the qualities I have, also to play in different ways. It takes time. For now, this system has worked well, and we’ll go forward like this. We’ll see with time. Openda needs space, and David can play behind a second striker, which is good because they have different characteristics. Dusan can do both.”

Tudor opens up about Vlahovic, Openda and Zhegrova

TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Bremer 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)

Openda and Zhegrova joined Juventus on deadline day, but only Openda will be available against Inter. Tudor has been using a 3-4-2-1 system since he was appointed as the new Bianconeri coach in March and is not planning to change the system.

Dusan Vlahovic is the best Juventus scorer so far this season, with two Serie A goals, both scored as a substitute.

“Vlahovic has never been in such good form; he’s doing well, the boys like him, and he likes them. It couldn’t be better,” Tudor said.

“I’ve always been happy. I was before and I am now. Two players have arrived to help us. Openda right away, Edon not immediately because he’s coming off a long period without playing. Now he needs to regain fitness, build strength, legs and lungs. He won’t be called up for the next two games; then, from Verona, we’ll gradually bring him into the squad.

“Openda needs space in front of him, and that’s his strength. He can play on the left or right wing.”

Teun Koopmeiners is likely to start as an attacking midfielder, given that Tudor will only play with one centre forward.

“I don’t understand the fixation on this guy. Let’s leave him in peace. He’s working well, he’s trying, he cares. He’s played two good matches. I can only repeat what I’ve always said about him. But then we always circle back to the same thing, he has quality and will do well.”

Lastly, Tudor commented on the possible replacements for the suspended Andrea Cambiaso and Gleison Bremer.

“Four players can play there: Joao Mario, Kostic, McKennie and Cabal, who is coming back,” he said.

“Bremer fine. He’s played two matches and recovered during the break. I believe his level will rise.”