Capello warns Juventus about Lazio and Tudor but defends Chiesa

Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello warns the Bianconeri about Lazio and their new boss Igor Tudor, but insists Federico Chiesa is ‘not doing so badly.’

Juventus and Lazio meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday in Tudor’s debut in the Biancocelesti dug-out.

The ex-Croatia international played for Juventus under Capello, and the ex-Bianconeri boss is an admirer of the former defender.

“I must be honest. Tudor didn’t play much when I was his coach, but I’ve appreciated his first words as Lazio boss. He seems to have clear ideas,” the 77-year-old told Gazzetta.

“I’ve heard he wants to switch to a three-man defence, but it takes time. However, he also admitted that the primary target is to get results, and then the rest will come.”

Juventus only collected seven points in the last eight games and were held to a home 0-0 draw by Genoa before the international break. It was a tense match for the Bianconeri who saw their star striker Vlahovic receive two yellow cards for dissent.

“It is a heavy absence, like Milik’s. Kean will be the only centre forward at the Olimpico, and he hasn’t played an entire match for months,” Capello argued.

“However, I am perplexed by the way Vlahovic was sent off against Genoa. Why so much irritability?

Chiesa will be available, but the Bianconeri star has been struggling since the start of 2024 and has been heavily criticised by Italian media. However, Capello defended the Italy international.

“Chiesa is not doing so badly,” Capello said.

“He is very active. Perhaps he is hasty in some decisions, but that’s because he wants to leave his mark. I know he is being criticised, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with it.

“It will be a tough and important game for both coaches,” the former Italian tactician continued.

“Tudor must have a strong start, but Massimiliano Allegri also needs points; otherwise, the Champions League qualification would be in danger because the clubs below are going fast.”

Juventus and Lazio will meet three times in less than a month given that after Sunday’s Serie A fixture, they’ll also face each other in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

“None of the two teams will think about the Coppa on Saturday unless Lazio believe the Champions League race is over,” said Capello.

“I won a La Liga title by recovering a nine-point deficit to Barcelona, so I wouldn’t agree. Reaching a Final would be a great start for Tudor, while the Coppa Italia is the only chance Max has to avoid finishing the third consecutive season with no trophies and he’s accustomed to winning.”