Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano spoke highly of Juventus megastar Dusan Vlahovic in the build-up to Saturday’s clash in Turin. Thiago Motta will face his former employers in a must-win Serie A game at the Allianz Stadium later this evening, seeking redemption for a 1-1 draw at Lecce last time out.
Vlahovic’s return from injury handed Juventus a significant fitness boost ahead of Bologna’s visit. During the 24-year-old’s relatively brief spell on the sidelines, Motta’s charges only scored once in three matches, highlighting his significance to Juve’s cutting edge in the front third.
Despite Vlahovic’s consistency issues, he remains the most prolific Juventus player. Italiano is familiar with the Serbia international’s qualities after they shared the dressing room at Fiorentina. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, he praised theBianconeritalisman.
“*I met a world-class player during those six months when I got to know him – a player whose hunger in Florence allowed him to score before my arrival and with me,” Italiano admitted, as reported by Calciomercato. “I will gladly embrace him.*“
Unbeaten in 22 league matches, including all 14 this season, Juventus come into proceedings eight points adrift of Serie A’s summit following Atalanta’s 2-1 home win against Milan last night. Therefore, anything other than a win could prove detrimental to their Scudetto hopes.
Vlahovic’s recovery could be a critical moment for the Turin giants’ season, especially ahead of a blockbuster UEFA Champions League encounter against Manchester City next Wednesday. Juventus will look to set themselves up nicely for that meeting with a much-needed triumph against Bologna.
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