Prediction: Juventus vs Genoa

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Struggling giants Juventus begin life after Thiago Motta on Saturday evening as they host Genoa in Turin.

Following back-to-back Serie A setbacks, the Bianconeri’s board made the decision to part ways with their coach, placing their trust in Igor Tudor to reinvigorate a faltering push for a top-four finish.

Juventus

Following a historic 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta, Juventus plunged deeper into crisis just before the international break, suffering a 3-0 loss to Fiorentina at Stadio Franchi.

Either result alone would be unacceptable for any Bianconeri coach, but these setbacks followed embarrassing Champions League and Coppa Italia exits to PSV Eindhoven and Empoli.

With their top-four hopes fading, Juve’s board opted to dismiss Thiago Motta amid reports of dressing-room unrest.

Despite losing only three of 29 Serie A matches – just one before this month – Motta’s fate was sealed by 13 league draws, which ultimately derailed their title challenge.

Igor Tudor, a two-time Scudetto winner as a Juventus player, has been appointed interim head coach. Having previously led Hellas Verona and Lazio, as well as serving as an assistant under Andrea Pirlo, he now takes charge until season’s end, with an option to extend his contract for another year.

Tudor inherits a squad with the club’s lowest win tally at this stage since 2011, leaving them fifth in the table.

Another slip-up would be unthinkable, as Juventus have not lost a Serie A home game to Genoa in 34 years, recording 15 wins and five draws in that span.

Team News

Tudor has confirmed Manuel Locatelli as Juventus’ new captain and has spoken positively about Dusan Vlahovic, who had fallen out of favour toward the end of Thiago Motta’s tenure.

If Tudor opts for a 3-5-2 formation, Vlahovic would likely be partnered with Randal Kolo Muani, though a 3-4-2-1 setup appears more probable. Kolo Muani, who scored five goals in his first three appearances for the club, has endured an eight-game goal drought spanning 622 minutes, making him a potential candidate to drop out.

Juventus remain without long-term absentees Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Arkadiusz Milik, while Andrea Cambiaso and Douglas Luiz are doubtful, burdened by ongoing fitness struggles.

Genoa

Genoa have suffered more top-flight defeats against Juventus than any other club, with their 68 losses against the Bianconeri standing eight higher than versus any other opponent.

Beaten 3-0 in September’s reverse fixture at Stadio Ferraris amid a difficult start to the season, the Grifone have since steadied under ex-Juve midfielder Patrick Vieira, who has guided them to mid-table safety.

They entered the international break on a high, as Juventus loanee Fabio Miretti netted twice in a 2-1 win over Lecce. That result lifted Genoa to 12th in the Serie A standings, free from relegation concerns but with little prospect of a European push.

While Vieira’s steady progress has seen Genoa lose just once in their last six matches, their away form remains a major obstacle to a top-10 finish. The Rossoblu are winless on the road in 2025, with their last away victory dating back to December 28 at Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Team News

Miretti returns to familiar surroundings, having thrived at Genoa since his loan move from Juventus. The midfielder has registered three goals and three assists in 23 Serie A appearances, already surpassing his tallies from 58 games with the Bianconeri.

Patrick Vieira will have to navigate a growing injury list, with Mattia Bani, Junior Messias, Honest Ahanor, Mario Balotelli, and Maxwel Cornet all sidelined. Additionally, left-back Aaron Martin is suspended, forcing a defensive reshuffle.

In Martin’s absence, Johan Vasquez or Alan Matturro – both natural centre-backs who have previously deputized on the left – could slot into the full-back role.

Conclusion

A managerial change – and a potential shift in formation – could provide Juventus with a much-needed boost as they fight to secure Champions League qualification.

While Genoa have proven resilient at home, their struggles on the road may leave them vulnerable, making a Juventus victory the likelier outcome.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet