Igor Tudor Expresses Frustration Over Juventus' Late Draw With Lazio In Serie A

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Igor Tudor expressed his frustration following Juventus' 1-1 draw with Lazio, attributing the result to a lapse in concentration. Randal Kolo Muani scored first for Juventus in the 51st minute, but Pierre Kalulu's red card nine minutes later left them with ten men. Matias Vecino's late header in stoppage time secured a draw for Lazio.

Despite being down to ten players, Juventus managed to hold on for over 30 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico. Vecino's goal, timed at 95:42, marked one of the latest goals Juventus have conceded in two decades of Serie A play. This result brought their total draws this season to 16. However, Juventus remain unbeaten in their last six league matches where they received a red card, with two wins and four draws.

Tudor praised his team's resilience despite the setback. "We have to congratulate the lads," he said. "There is regret because we were one minute away from taking home the three points." He emphasised that it was a solid performance and that they would focus on upcoming challenges after recent difficulties.

The draw leaves Juventus in fourth place, tied on points with Lazio and just ahead of Roma. Opta's supercomputer gives them a 53.5% chance of securing a Champions League spot. Tudor discussed Kalulu's dismissal, noting it was his first red card in 113 Serie A appearances. He attributed it to the squad's youth and pressure.

"Definitely, age and pressure go hand in hand," Tudor stated. "Without experience, it can happen." He acknowledged that mistakes are part of learning and emphasised looking forward. Tudor also explained his decision to substitute Vasilije Adzic and Francisco Conceicao for Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti.

Injury Concerns Ahead of Udinese Clash

Tudor apologised for the substitutions but insisted they were necessary for the team's benefit. He praised Gatti for stepping up without prior training sessions and showing leadership qualities. With injuries affecting their defence ahead of next week's match against Udinese, Tudor remained composed.

"We'll prepare as best we can with what we have," he remarked about their upcoming game against Udinese. "Let's see who recovers - we are missing three defenders." He mentioned Yildiz's return as a positive note while assessing other players' conditions.

Tudor concluded by highlighting the team's strong mentality shown during the match against Lazio, which will be crucial in their upcoming fixtures over the next two weeks.