Igor Tudor has passed the first two tests, defeating mid-table Genoa in Turin and sharing the spoils at AS Roma, with relegation-threatened Lecce next.
The Allianz Stadium is anticipated to be jam-packed, with home supporters expecting a goal feast after Tudor worked on trying to convert from set pieces and by utilising the two flanks.
Dusan Vlahovic, Tudor’s favourite Serie A striker, has failed to score in his first two outings under the new chief. The Serbia forward is expected to find the back of the net this weekend, despite Lecce not exactly leaking goals.
Tudor has been toying with the idea of resting Weston McKennie for the visit of Lecce, with a potential three-pronged attack of Kenan Yildiz and Kolo Muani on each wing behind Vlahovic. The trio are talented individuals, but whether they can gel against the side from Salento remains to be seen.
Tudor does not see Lecce as a pushover, and explained in his pre-match press conference: “Tomorrow night is a very difficult game. Lecce are an aggressive team, dangerous on the counter and coached by a very good coach [Marco Giampaolo].”
Defensive-minded Lecce
Former AC Milan manager Giampaolo was appointed in November, after Lecce sacked head coach Luca Gotti. He experienced a few nightmare results by conceding four goals to AS Roma, Cagliari and Inter Milan, but has since steadied the ship with aplomb.
Since winning 3-1 at Parma in January, Lecce have drawn three games and lost five matches by just a single goal. For Giampaolo’s team to cave in under Juve attacks does not seem very likely.
Tudor added: “I found the lads with a desire to work and improve, this has been my good fortune. Their response surprised me positively, they are the ones who make the difference.
Past and future
“Past and future always count for little. Every match should be approached like a final, I reiterated this to the whole team.
“We have to focus on our game, there are no calculations to make or think about, there is no other way to do it. The focus is and must be on [winning] the match.
The importance of securing a Serie A top four finish is Tudor’s ultimate goal. It would secure the financial riches of Champions League soccer next term. It would also trigger talks with the club hierarchy over a one-year deal as permanent manager.
Tudor is keen to stay. The former Juventus defender really only has two tough games to tackle in his nine matches at the helm, playing Bologna and Lazio, with Lecce the third on his list.