Former Fiorentina coach and Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli believes Dusan Vlahovic is more confident in his role at Juventus. The Serbian striker had struggled for form last season, but has turned a page in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring his 15th goal of the season in their 3-2 win over Frosinone. Speaking with Tuttosport, Prandelli explained why he believes Vlahovic is improving this season, more convinced of his role with the Bianconeri:
“I’ve always seen him in good shape, and I know well that he has always had the qualities. Now the team plays in a more offensive manner and helps him more, but Dusan is not up for debate,” were his words. He’s in confidence, it’s true: he’s more convinced of himself but especially of his role within Juventus.”
“Leadership role? Yes, I’m convinced. Against Frosinone, he literally dragged the team and can really become the leader of this Juventus, the reference player both in character and in technique and goals.”
“He’s a sensitive guy. He has fire inside and always wants to break everything for himself and the team. But he’s sensitive, very sensitive, and so he’s very affected by the consideration he perceives from his teammates and the environment in general. If he feels trust and esteem, he excels.”
“best formation for him? He knows how to vary or come forward, reads situations, and makes movements: he can play alone or with someone beside him. Rather, it’s a bit the others who have to understand better how to serve him: he needs the ball in space, on the run, he’s a striker.”
“The balance must be found in both phases, but you need players with the right characteristics to guarantee it. Giuntoli only arrived in the summer, and these months have surely helped him to make evaluations and understand which insertions to make. They will sit down with the coach and reason about what is needed to better ensure the two phases.”
“Juve’s season? The judgment can only be good, even very good: the foundations have been laid for future growth. What seems to be missing for the next level, however, is the best version of Chiesa. I don’t know him and I don’t know what he lacks, but he still seems to be searching for a consistency that would be decisive for Juventus.”
