Spalletti confirms Vlahovic and Milik can play together for Juventus
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are fit and available, stating the pair have complementary skills that allow them to play together. The update came in Spalletti's pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus's Serie A fixture against Genoa, though he indicated both forwards are more likely to be used from the bench as they build match sharpness after recent injury issues.
Vlahovic and Milik have spent the past two weeks training at the club's Continassa base, working on their fitness and sharpness. Spalletti expressed satisfaction with their progress but emphasized a cautious approach. "Dusan is fine, he trained the right way," Spalletti said. "He is available but I see it as tough for him to start, it's more possible he gives us a hand during the match. A similar discussion for Milik; they have been missing for a long period and must still complete their journey."
The Italian coach explicitly addressed the tactical possibility of deploying the two centre-forwards simultaneously, a topic he plans to explore further before the season ends. "Milik and Dusan can play together because they have complementary characteristics," Spalletti explained. "One resembles more of a breakthrough striker, while the other has more technique and is useful in linking play between the departments." This suggests a potential shift in Juventus's attacking setup as they continue their pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot.
For the immediate match against Genoa, Spalletti is expected to maintain continuity with the attacking trio used in recent outings. Kenan Yildiz is set to start as the central false nine, with Jeremie Boga and Federico Chiesa operating from the wings. Spalletti noted that Boga, who also remained in Turin during the recent international break, is better suited starting from wide areas to avoid excessive physical battles.
In midfield, despite positive signs with the Netherlands national team, Teun Koopmeiners is likely to begin on the bench. The starting roles are set to go to Adrien Rabiot, who was not mentioned as unavailable, and Manuel Locatelli, with Weston McKennie acting in a number ten role behind Yildiz. The defence is expected to feature Bremer and Dan Kelly at centre-back, with Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu as full-backs. Mattia Perin will start in goal ahead of Michele Di Gregorio.
The context of a tight race for the top four in Serie A underpins Spalletti's reluctance to implement immediate major tactical changes. With key players returning, his comments signal a phased integration, using the final matches of the campaign to experiment with new partnerships like the Vlahovic-Milik duo while relying on established patterns to secure vital points. The long-term implication is a more versatile and potent attacking lineup for Juventus next season, built around the distinct profiles of their two senior strikers.
