Francisco Conceicao returns from international duty with injury; former Leipzig player Lois Openda is poised for a starting role. Koopmeiners, McKennie, and Vlahovic are also being considered as alternatives.
Lois Openda is set to train with Juventus for the first time today at Continassa. The Belgian international, among the initial group of players returning from national duties, understands the significance of the next four days leading up to the crucial match against Inter. This period will determine if he earns a starting position. While starting from the bench wouldn`t be a failure, it highlights Igor Tudor`s ongoing decision-making regarding Francisco Conceicao`s replacement. Conceicao, the winger from Porto, returned to Turin prematurely yesterday after withdrawing from the Portugal camp due to muscle discomfort. Instrumental tests conducted last night suggest his participation in the Derby d`Italia is highly unlikely.
The Tactical Dilemma
Openda, who arrived in Turin last night, will join fellow non-internationals Teun Koopmeiners, Kenan Yildiz, Andrea Cambiaso, Federico Gatti, and Manuel Locatelli for training today. While Tudor has consistently favored a 3-4-2-1 formation this season, he is considering other tactical approaches. With Yildiz and Conceicao sidelined, Nico Gonzalez (now at Atlético Madrid) and Weston McKennie have filled their roles. McKennie is a strong contender for the left wing, replacing the suspended Cambiaso. Koopmeiners, though preferring midfield, could also be an option on the wing if needed. Edon Zhegrova is pushing for fitness but hasn`t played competitive football since December 2024, making a second-half appearance his most likely contribution. Tudor might also opt for an additional forward in the starting XI, especially if the flanks are covered by tactically disciplined players like Pierre Kalulu and McKennie (who are competing with Filip Kostic and Joao Mario). The Derby d`Italia promises an intense encounter, set for Saturday at 6 PM at the Allianz Stadium.
Openda`s Confidence
Considering Kenan Yildiz`s vibrant start to the season and his integral role in Juventus`s tactical setup, Tudor might deploy a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 formation to best leverage the Turkish talent. In a 3-5-2, Yildiz would operate as a mezzala with freedom to push forward, while in a 3-4-1-2, he would be the lone attacking midfielder, positioned centrally to exploit spaces between Inter`s lines and link up with two strikers. Speaking of strikers, Dusan Vlahovic has already scored twice as a substitute and found the net for Serbia against Latvia. However, Vlahovic will return later than Openda, allowing Tudor more time to prepare Openda for his potential debut. Lois Openda, like Jonathan David for Canada, has experience playing in a two-striker system. Having joined on a €3 million loan with a conditional €40 million obligation to buy, both the club and fans are eager to see the former Leipzig player in action. The final decision will likely come from the training sessions at Continassa, but Openda is already envisioning a memorable debut against Inter – a true test of what it means to be a Juventus forward.
