Yildiz breaks Juventus goal drought, sparking new energy under Tudor | OneFootball

Igor Tudor’s appointment as new Juventus head coach had an immediate effect on Kenan Yildiz, who scored the winner to give his side all three points against Genoa in the Croatian manager’s first game in charge.

The Turkish star found the net in the first half by showcasing his impressive skills, bursting into the opponent’s box with pace before beating his direct marker and unleashing a fierce right-footed attempt past goalkeeper Nicola Leali.

epa11997435 Juventus’s Kenan Yldiz scoring the 1-0 opening goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus FC and CFC Genoa, in Juventus, Italy, 29 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco

Yildiz’s goal against Patrick Vieira’s side was his first since early January, when he scored in the Derby della Mole against Torino. However, beyond a lengthy goal drought, the 19-year-old’s performance demonstrated how he has immediately benefited from Tudor’s tactical shift.

Yildiz enjoys fresh Juventus start under Tudor

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the coach’s decision to deploy the attacking midfielder in a more central role appeared to elevate his game, providing him with greater freedom compared to the wide position he previously played under Thiago Motta.

As a trequartista, Yildiz was free to roam behind sole striker Dusan Vlahovic and receive the ball in more dangerous areas.

epa11997437 Juventus’s Kenan Yldiz celebrates scoring the 1-0 opening goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus FC and CFC Genoa, in Juventus, Italy, 29 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco

The Türkiye international admitted that Tudor’s arrival has brought “a lot of energy” in a post-match interview, suggesting that the recent tensions with his former manager are already behind him.

Yildiz remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Motta’s final game in charge, as Juventus were outplayed by Fiorentina in a 3-0 defeat. Reports that emerged after the coach’s dismissal suggested that the Italo-Brazilian boss had provoked the Bianconeri talent multiple times during training sessions, telling him, “You’re not Messi.“