Juventus’ future plans are pushing on as though they have already secured Champions League soccer next term, with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli still adding to his transfer wishlist with Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku the latest target.
Although Juve are edging ever closer to securing a coveted top four berth, which would earn the riches of Europe’s leading club competition, the club do not seem to be taking into account Tudor’s historical results last term.
The Bianconeri only need victories over mid-table Udinese and relegation-threatened Venezia in their final Serie A matches this term to finish fourth behind Atalanta, Inter Milan and Napoli.
Tudor, who has helped grind out results since returning to Juventus in late March as interim head coach, has picked up precious points to leave the club in a strong position.
Failed Lazio mission
However, he was in a similar scenario last season at Lazio where he was unable to earn European soccer from the final nine games of the season.
Tudor’s mission saw the team fall at the final hurdle, pipped to the post by Rome rivals AS Roma, and this is a warning sign for Juventus.
The Serie A finale in May 2024 had four matches remaining with AS Roma, Atalanta, Thiago Motta’s Bologna, Fiorentina and Lazio chasing the fourth, fifth and sixth place for a European soccer berth.
Runaway leaders Inter Milan had the Scudetto sewn up by May 2024, while AC Milan and Juventus were battling it out to finish runner-up.
Disaster last May
Tudor kicked off the last month of the 2023/24 campaign at Lazio with a 2-2 draw against mid-table Monza, followed by a comfortable 2-0 triumph over relegation-threatened Empoli.
Lazio held hosts Inter Milan to a 1-1 stalemate, which meant that everything hinged on the final day of the season. Lazio were in the mix for sixth spot, but needed to defeat already relegated Sassuolo and rely on AS Roma losing to Empoli.
Empoli avoided the drop to Serie B thanks to a stoppage time winner from M’Baye Niang for a shock 2-1 win over AS Roma.
Lazio fluffed their glorious opportunity, held 1-1 inside the Stadio Olimpico by Sassuolo.
Too many draws
Tudor’s team appeared to run out of ideas when push came to shove, producing three stalemates from their last four 2023/24 Serie A matches.
This could be a warning sign of what Juventus can expect as the Bianconeri have collected back-to-back draws against Bologna and Lazio, but next tackle Udinese and Venezia in make-or-break games.
Tudor will be in charge for the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup finals in June and July, although his future with the Turin titans will still be in the balance.
There can only be negotiations about a one season permanent role if the Croatian coach can deliver Champions League soccer next season, with two more matches set to shape his future and Juve's 2025/26 campaign.