New Tactics, Old Doubts: Will Juventus’ Two-Strike Plan Fall to Todor’s Wake-up Call?
13 October 2025
Juventus eye a new formation
Juventus head coach Igor Todor is weighing several changes to the team’s playing style as Serie A resumes after the international break, with the white-and-black set to face Como in round seven.
Reports suggest Todor is considering a shift to a two-attacker approach within a 3-4-2-1 setup, featuring Kinan Yildiz and another attacking midfielder, typically Francisco Conceicao, behind the central striker, as Todor is convinced by their abilities and form.
Even though Juventus remain unbeaten this season across all competitions, the attack has struggled, with the forwards failing to meet expectations and looking off the pace in several matches.
Juventus’ latest match against Milan saw the only tactical tweak so far, changing from the usual formation to a 3-5-2 late in the game.
Jonathan David started alongside Obinda against Dortmund last September, but the Canadian forward operated as an attacking midfielder in that game, so the lineup didn’t change much.
Attackers’ numbers
Looking at the forwards’ numbers this season reveals the challenge: Serbian Dusan Vlahovic, though marginalized at times, has been Juve’s standout attacker this campaign.
Dusan was close to leaving in the last transfer window, with Juventus pushing for a sale to avoid losing him on a free in 2026, but he stayed and has continued to lead the line.
Vlahovic has four goals so far, all coming as a substitute, including a brace in the 4-4 draw with Dortmund in the Champions League and goals against Parma (2-0) and Genoa (1-0).
Across eight matches, the Serbian has four goals and one assist in 255 minutes.
The Canadian Jonathan David joined Juve on a free from Lille in the summer but has yet to prove himself fully.
David has been the primary attacker this season, starting five times and coming on as a substitute in two, with a single goal and one assist in seven appearances.
The other new forward, Louis Obinda from Leipzig, has appeared in five matches (two starts, three as a sub) but hasn’t yet left a noticeable mark on the attack.
Negative consequences
As Todor leans toward a two-pronged attack, David alongside Vlahovic is likely to lead from Como onward, but the move could impact other attackers’ minutes and roles.
Expect Todor to give Yildiz a behind-the-two-forwards role to strengthen the final third with two strikers and an inventive attacking midfielder behind them.
However, players like Conceicao and the new signing Idon Zigrova may see reduced playing time under the new system.
Juventus scoreboard
Juventus started the season strong with a 2-0 win over Parma, followed by a narrow 1-0 win at Genoa, and a dramatic 4-3 Derby d’Italia win over Inter Milan. They then dipped, conceding four to Dortmund in a dramatic 4-4 draw in Europe.
Back in Serie A, they drew 1-1 with Verona and 1-1 with Atalanta, leaving them on 12 points and trailing Milan, Napoli, and Roma who sit on 15. In the Champions League, Juve have begun poorly, with a 4-4 home draw against Dortmund and a 2-2 away draw at Villarreal, collecting just two points from six and sitting in 23rd place.
Two punchlines to keep in mind as the saga unfolds: if Todor’s plan clicks, Juve might finally turn “defenders-who-need-a-haircut” into a competitive frontline; if not, at least the press conferences will provide material for a few more emails-to-editors and a good laugh in the locker room.
