Juventus Impress In FIFA World Club Cup Opener

Juventus will look to keep their momentum going in FIFA’s World Club Cup after the 5-0 trashing of Al Ain on Wednesday.

Two goals a piece from Francisco Conceicao and Randal Kolo Muani and a long-range rocket from Kenan Yildiz secured three points as The Old Lady kicked off their tournament in style.

The win puts the Serie A side top of Group G on goal difference, and now a test against Moroccan side Wydad AC awaits on Sunday evening.

For Igor Tudor, who has been confirmed as the club’s new boss for the tournament, next season and beyond after signing a new extension until the summer of 2027, the win represented a good start to the tournament, but he isn’t getting overly excited.

“We’re heading in the right direction; there’s always room to improve, but we’re on the right path,” Tudor said.

“There’s a desire to grow, and over time, the pieces come together,” he added.

Tudor will have no doubt been pleased with the performances of Conceicao and Yildiz, both of whom have been repositioned behind Kolo Muani as No10s since the departure of Thiago Motta.

While Motta preferred to keep them on the left and right of a three-man attacking unit, Tudor has brought them closer to the centre of the pitch, feeding the French striker while also chipping in with goals of their own.

Conceicao, especially, has impressed Tudor, to the extent that Juve are now willing to keep the Portuguese talent on a permanent basis.

The 22-year-old could cost Juventus some $33m from Porto, but his grit, versatility and ability to beat opposing players could be a vital ingredient for Tudor next season.

On a season-long loan from Porto, Juve will negotiate with the club in order to keep the player.

Another standout player in the win over Al Ain was Alberto Costa at right-back.

Signed from Portuguese outfit Guimaraes in the January transfer window, Costa barely got a look in under former boss Thiago Motta, but is now getting some game time under Tudor.

And Tudor singled the player out for praise.

“Alberto finished the season strongly with two important matches,” Tudor remarked.

“I always like to reward those who perform well. Everyone is important, and they will be from now until the end of the tournament.”

Of course, it’s still very early days under Tudor, and despite a good end to the season in which he managed to get Juve over the line and secure Champions League football, the pressure will be on the former Bianconeri defender to improve.

Tudor has requested several signings to reinforce the squad, and a new striker is thought to be one of them.

Dusan Vlahovic is thought to be on his way out the door after another poor season.

However given his hefty salary, that might be easier said than done.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is believed to be a target, but much will depend on whether they can shift Vlahovic.

A central defender is also a priority as Bremer continues his rehabilitation back to full fitness.

Juve will also likely listen to offers in order to balance the books, with the likes of Vlahovic, Douglas Luiz, Lloyd Kelly and Nico Gonzalez all potentially surplus to requirements.