Dusan Vlahovic can take back Juventus with goals

In recent weeks, Igor Tudor seems to have wanted to bet on Jonathan David, trying to protect his investment and restore the continuity that at the beginning of the season, in August, had made him seem ready for the big leap. In reflection, Lois Openda and Dusan Vlahovic have seen their space shrink: the Belgian continues to chase the ideal position, while on the Serbian weighs not only some underwhelming performances, but also the contract that expires in 2026.

And yet, just as it happened at the end of the summer, Vlahovic has come back knocking firmly for a starting spot. On Tuesday night, in a Serbian shirt, he broke his fast by finding the goal. None of the three strikers had in fact scored since the number 9’s double in Juventus-Borussia Dortmund on Sept. 16. Almost a month without a celebration, an anomaly for a unit built to provide sparks.

The numbers, however, speak for themselves: six goals for Vlahovic, two for David, zero for Openda. The former Fiorentina player, while often starting from the bench, remains Juventus’ most incisive striker. And with a team coming off five consecutive draws, his flair for goal cannot be ignored.

Now Tudor has three days to design the anti-Como attack. If he sticks to the 3-4-2-1, Vlahovic will contend with David for the center forward’s jersey; if, on the other hand, the coach decides to experiment with an unprecedented offensive tandem, the two could act together in front of Kenan Yildiz. Either way, the Serbian’s newfound scoring streak is a strong signal.

Between Como, Real Madrid and Lazio, Juventus is called upon to regain momentum and goals. And up front, the rebus remains open: Vlahovic is knocking on the door, determined to (re)take the Signora, contract in the balance or not.