Juventus defeated Lecce 1-0 on Wednesday, a crucial victory in the race for Champions League qualification, with Dusan Vlahovic scoring after just 11 seconds. The Serbian forward, making his first start after a lengthy injury layoff, secured the win but also had two goals disallowed for offside, sparking post-match discussion.
Vlahovic returned to the starting lineup after a five-month absence due to injury, repaying coach Massimiliano Allegri’s faith with the fastest goal in Juventus history. Despite the early strike, the forward admitted to struggling with match fitness, stating he lacks the “routine” after such a long period out. He emphasized the importance of securing wins in the final two Serie A matches, acknowledging the pressure but asserting the team’s control over their destiny.
Speaking to Sky Sport after the game, Vlahovic reflected on a mixed performance, acknowledging both his goal and the missed opportunities. He expressed gratitude for Allegri’s trust, highlighting the coach’s support during his recovery. When questioned about his future at the club, Vlahovic offered a non-committal response, simply stating, “We’ll see.” This ambiguity has fueled speculation regarding a potential departure during the summer transfer window.
Defender Federico Gatti and Pierre Kalulu also spoke to the media following the match. Gatti stressed the team’s need to focus on themselves in the Champions League battle, while Kalulu joked about Vlahovic’s eagerness to score, referencing the disallowed goal. Kalulu also highlighted the positive impact of coach Allegri’s mental preparation, noting the team’s resilience after having two goals overturned. Juventus are currently battling Roma and potentially other teams for a Champions League spot, and these final two matches will be decisive. A strong finish could secure European football for next season, while a slip-up could see them miss out.
