Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has strongly reaffirmed striker Dusan Vlahovic's desire to remain at the club, dismissing speculation over the Serbian's future ahead of a crucial run-in. Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday's Serie A match against already-relegated Hellas Verona, Spalletti delivered a clear message regarding his star forward's commitment. "If I were to reiterate today that Vlahovic would be extremely happy to stay at Juve and can give us a great hand? Yes," Spalletti stated definitively, according to reports from the session. "Because he is training with great enthusiasm, because he is a professional with great character, and because he has the qualities the team lacks."
The manager's comments come with Juventus locked in a tight battle for Serie A's fourth and final Champions League qualification place alongside Como and Roma. Securing Vlahovic's services for the future is seen as pivotal to the club's ambitions. The 26-year-old has scored 18 goals across all competitions this season, re-establishing himself as the team's primary attacking threat after a period of adaptation following his high-profile move from Fiorentina in January 2022.
Spalletti also provided a positive update on the fitness of young talent Kenan Yildiz, confirming the Turkish international has overcome a minor knee inflammation and is available to start against Verona. The manager expressed his deep admiration for Yildiz's character, highlighting the 21-year-old's positive influence both on and off the pitch. His return, coupled with Vlahovic's increasing match sharpness, offers a significant boost to Juventus's attacking options for the final four games of the campaign.
The immediate focus, however, is navigating what Spalletti described as a potential "trap" fixture against a Verona side with nothing left to play for following their confirmed relegation. He warned his team against complacency, referencing a recent 1-1 draw against a depleted Sassuolo as a lesson in the dangers of underestimation. Spalletti admitted to a feeling of emptiness after Juventus's cautious 0-0 draw with AC Milan last weekend, a result he felt saw his team shrink from the proactive identity he is trying to instill.
Looking beyond the summer, Spalletti's unequivocal backing of Vlahovic suggests the club's hierarchy views the striker as a cornerstone of their project, potentially ending rumors of a major sale to balance the books. His integration into Spalletti's system, alongside the burgeoning Yildiz, provides a clear attacking foundation. The manager's task is to ensure his squad maintains the required performance level to secure a return to Europe's premier club competition, a status he believes is Juventus's rightful dimension.
