The saga of Dusan Vlahovic's season at Juventus has been a rollercoaster of technical sidelining, painful injury setbacks, and a dramatic return to form. After a complex and difficult period recovering from an adductor injury, followed by a new calf problem, the Serbian striker's journey has been anything but straightforward. His recent goal from a free-kick against Verona served as a crucial 'trouble-chaser,' offering a glimpse of the decisive player Juventus desperately needs to secure a Champions League spot.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has been meticulously monitoring Vlahovic's condition, engaging in daily check-ins after each training session. The striker has been working with the group, and the coaching staff has implemented a personalized training program designed to protect his fitness while maximizing his effectiveness in front of goal. This regimen deliberately minimizes sharp accelerations and turns, instead focusing on strength, ball progression, and shooting technique.
The key constraint is Vlahovic's current match fitness, which is estimated at around 60 minutes. Spalletti's tactical plan for the upcoming match against Lecce is built around this limitation. Rather than asking the forward to expend energy dropping deep to create space, the instruction is clear: Vlahovic should conserve his stamina and position himself in the opposition's penalty area, waiting for service. This approach was hinted at during the second half of the Verona match, where Spalletti was heard loudly urging his striker to attack the depth with more persistence.
The final decision on whether Vlahovic will start against Lecce—potentially his first start in 162 days—hinges on the final training session. However, the verbal and technical responses from the player have given Spalletti reason for optimism. In the internal competition with Jonathan David, Vlahovic currently holds a slight advantage for the starting role.
Beyond the Vlahovic decision, the rest of the Juventus lineup for the trip to Lecce appears largely settled. Michele Di Gregorio is expected to retain his place in goal despite a recent lapse in judgment at the Allianz Stadium. The defensive trio is projected to be Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly, with Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie operating as wing-backs.
In midfield, the partnership of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram is anticipated to continue, with Thuram having overcome the knee discomfort that troubled him in recent weeks. However, the French midfielder's fitness is not without risk; should he suffer a recurrence, Emil Holm is on standby to step in. In that scenario, McKennie would likely be shifted into central midfield alongside Locatelli.
The attacking midfield slots behind the striker are set to be filled by Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceição, providing creativity and support. This configuration underscores Spalletti's intent to build a balanced side that can control possession while providing a focal point in Vlahovic, whose presence in the box could be decisive in tight matches.
For Juventus, the stakes in the remaining Serie A fixtures are monumental. Securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification is the paramount objective, and the team's performance in these closing games will define their season. Vlahovic's ability to contribute, even in a managed capacity, could be the difference-maker. His sense of indebtedness to the club, fans, and coach adds a layer of personal motivation to his on-field efforts.
The match against Lecce represents a critical juncture. A positive result would bolster Juventus's European ambitions, while any slip-up could prove costly in a tightly contested race. Spalletti's careful management of his star striker's fitness is a calculated gamble, aiming to extract maximum impact from limited minutes. The entire Juventus project for the season's finale, including the final derby against Torino, may well depend on the success of this delicate plan.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.
