Juventus vs. Lazio: Igor Tudor’s Bold Move to Start Alberto Costa
In a pivotal Serie A clash on May 10, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico, Juventus faces Lazio in a match that could define their Champions League aspirations. With both teams level on 63 points and only three games left, Juventus interim coach Igor Tudor has made a surprising tactical decision: starting 21-year-old Portuguese wingback Alberto Costa in place of the injured Andrea Cambiaso. This move, reported by outlets like Juventus News 24 and Il Corriere dello Sport, marks Costa’s first start for Juventus and a critical opportunity for the young player to prove his worth in a high-stakes “spareggio” for a top-four finish.
Why Alberto Costa?
The decision to start Costa stems from necessity and strategy. Cambiaso, sidelined by a thigh injury sustained during Juventus’ 1-1 draw against Bologna on May 4, will miss the Lazio match, leaving a gap on the right flank. Tudor, facing a depleted defense with injuries to players like Dusan Vlahovic (recovering but likely on the bench) and Federico Gatti, had two primary options: deploy the versatile Weston McKennie as a wingback or give Costa his first start.
Tudor opted for Costa, a January signing from Vitoria Guimaraes, for two key reasons:
- Preserving Midfield Balance: McKennie’s encouraging performance in midfield against Bologna, where he provided coverage and attacking insertions, convinced Tudor to keep him centrally. Shifting McKennie to the wing would force reliance on Douglas Luiz, who has limited minutes and is considered a riskier choice for such a crucial game.
- Costa’s Hunger for Redemption: Despite a high-profile error in the Bologna match—slipping and missing a potential game-winning goal—Costa showed resilience in training. Tudor, impressed by the youngster’s reaction, sees this as a chance for Costa to redeem himself. Tuttosport notes that Tudor values Costa’s potential to seize this “now or never” moment.
Who is Alberto Costa?
Costa, a relatively unknown talent when he joined Juventus, has struggled to break into the squad, making just seven substitute appearances (144 minutes) in Serie A and Coppa Italia. His cameo against Bologna, where he squandered a golden opportunity set up by McKennie, drew criticism, with OneFootball suggesting it could mark the end of his Juventus stint. Several Portuguese clubs are reportedly interested in a summer move, viewing Costa as a candidate for a “homecoming.”
However, Tudor’s faith in Costa reflects his willingness to take risks, a trait seen in his previous stints at Hellas Verona and Lazio, where he revitalized underperforming squads. The Croatian coach, known for his aggressive 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 formations, likely sees Costa’s pace and attacking instincts as suited to exploit Lazio’s left flank, where Mattia Zaccagni will pose a challenge.
Tactical Context
Juventus’ probable lineup against Lazio, as per JNetwork24, features a 3-4-2-1 setup: Di Gregorio in goal; a defensive trio of Kalulu, Veiga, and Savona; Costa and Timothy Weah as wingbacks; Locatelli and Thuram in midfield; McKennie and Nico Gonzalez supporting striker Randal Kolo Muani. Lazio, under Marco Baroni, will counter with a 4-2-3-1, relying on players like Zaccagni, Taty Castellanos, and Boulaye Dia to test Juventus’ makeshift defense.
Tudor emphasized attention to detail in his pre-match press conference, acknowledging Lazio’s experienced squad and strong identity under Baroni. “We must be focused on ourselves,” he said, downplaying the match’s decisiveness but stressing its importance as the first of three critical games. Despite Juventus’ winless away record under Tudor (two draws, one loss), the coach remains confident in securing Champions League qualification.
Lazio’s Extra Motivation
The match carries added intrigue due to Tudor’s history with Lazio. In March 2024, he briefly managed the Biancocelesti, replacing Maurizio Sarri, but resigned after three months due to disagreements over transfer strategy, reportedly wanting to offload eight players, including stars like Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto. Lazio’s current squad, which retained several players Tudor sought to sell, is motivated to prove him wrong, adding a personal edge to the encounter.
Challenges for Costa
Costa faces a daunting task. Lazio’s Zaccagni, a dynamic winger, will test his defensive positioning, while the high-pressure atmosphere of the Olimpico demands composure. His earlier struggles, including turnovers against Bologna, raise concerns about his readiness for a starting role. IlBianconero notes that this could be Costa’s final chance to alter perceptions at Juventus, especially with his future at the club uncertain.
Critical Perspective
Tudor’s decision to start Costa is a gamble. While it preserves midfield stability, it entrusts a high-stakes role to an unproven player who has yet to impress consistently. The alternative—using McKennie or Weah on the right—might have offered more experience, though at the cost of tactical cohesion. Costa’s selection aligns with Tudor’s reputation as a “problem resolver” who trusts young talent, as seen with his success at Verona, but it risks backfiring if Costa falters.
Moreover, the narrative around Costa’s potential departure may oversimplify his situation. His limited minutes reflect Juventus’ depth and injury crises rather than a definitive lack of ability. A strong performance could shift the conversation, but the pressure is immense for a player with only 144 minutes of senior action at the club.
Conclusion
Igor Tudor’s choice to start Alberto Costa against Lazio on May 10, 2025, is a bold move driven by necessity, tactical reasoning, and belief in the young Portuguese wingback’s potential. As Juventus battles for a Champions League spot, Costa’s performance could either cement his place in Turin or hasten his exit. With Lazio motivated to outshine their former coach, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown where Costa’s contribution—and Tudor’s gamble—will be under intense scrutiny.
By [Your Name], with contributions from Juventus News 24, Il Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport, OneFootball, Football Italia, and posts on X
Sources: