Juventus' Vlahovic returns as Spalletti faces crucial Genoa clash
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is set to return from injury for a critical Serie A match against Genoa on Monday, with manager Luciano Spalletti's side needing a victory to maintain their pursuit of a Champions League place. According to Italian media reports, Vlahovic has been cleared to play, either from the start or as a substitute, providing a major boost for a Juventus team that has stumbled in recent weeks.
The match represents a final push for Juventus, who sit three points behind fourth-placed Como with eight games remaining. A 1-1 draw with Sassuolo before the international break, in which midfielder Manuel Locatelli missed a late penalty, halted their momentum and increased the pressure. Failure to win against Genoa would severely damage their hopes of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition next season.
Vlahovic's return is timely. The Serbian international, who joined Juventus from Fiorentina in January 2022 for a fee reported to be around €70 million, has been a key scorer when fit. His physical presence and finishing ability offer a different dimension to an attack that has relied heavily on the creativity of young forward Kenan Yildiz in recent matches. His partnership with Arkadiusz Milik, who is also available, will be crucial in breaking down a resilient Genoa defence.
For Genoa, managed by former Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, the match is about securing their Serie A status. They currently hold a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, but an unexpected home loss to Udinese last time out served as a reminder of the league's competitiveness. De Rossi's team had shown improved form with three wins in their previous five games, including a victory over Roma, but consistency remains their challenge.
The tactical battle will likely see Juventus take the initiative from the outset. Spalletti is expected to field an attacking lineup, with Yildiz and either Vlahovic or Milik leading the line, in an attempt to secure an early advantage. A victory would not only close the gap on Como but also apply significant psychological pressure on their rivals for the final Champions League berth. For Genoa, a positive result at the Allianz Stadium would represent a major step toward safety.
