Dusan Vlahovic, who was subjected to boos, chants and jeers from Fiorentina fans when Juve tackled the Florence club last December, will be aiming to have the last laugh inside the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday.
The 25-year-old, who left Fiorentina in January 2022 when he picked the Bianconeri over Premier League giants Arsenal, could be unleashed by under pressure Thiago Motta for the all-important clash.
Vlahovic is Juve’s top scorer this season, but has only started one Serie A match this year. His spectacular strike was enough to seal maximum points at Cagliari, but he has been overlooked for league action ever since.
Having enjoyed a spectacular stint at Fiorentina, he was an instant hit with the Turin titans. Yet under Motta has failed to impress this term, and he has been subjected to only playing a bit part since the turn of the year.
Motta signed French international Kolo Muani during the winter transfer window, who bagged five goals in his first three Serie A matches.
Vlahovic fell down the pecking order, although could get the nod to be involved against Fiorentina as Muani has not found the back of the net for over a month.
Dlahovic and Muani starting together didn’t work, so Motta abandoned that tactic and now has to choose between the Serbia striker or out-of-form Muani to face Fiorentina.
When the sides tackled each other inside the Allianz Stadium, the 2-2 stalemate was marred by disgruntled Fiorentina fans.
The toxic environment resulted in a break of play because of the verbal abuse from Fiorentina fans towards Vlahovic, with Motta and Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino spoken to by referee Maurizio Mariani about the unacceptable situation.
If Vlahovic is given minutes, in what appears to be a must-win match for Motta to continue with his three-year Project Motta, then he should have extra fire in his belly.
Not only do Juventus need a victory to maintain their push for a top four finish to secure Champions League soccer next season, but the club are aiming to cash in on Vlahovic as his contract ends at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Vlahovic’s value has tumbled as he has been used so infrequently this year, so the club board will no doubt lean on Motta to play their prized asset to try and increase his price tag.
Elite clubs are tracking Vlahovic
As Serie A’s highest earner, the cost of signing him deterred numerous Premier League clubs during the January transfer window. His dramatic drop in price has reignited interest with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Manchester United monitoring Vlahovic’s situation.
Vlahovic turned down the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Supa Lig in January, and will continue to fight for a starting berth with the Bianconeri.
Motta’s position at Juve remains under scrutiny following two cup exits within a week, despite only losing two Serie A games all season.
Should Motta be axed before the end of the season, Vlahovic will be given the opportunity to impress a new head coach. For the time being he has to seize any playing opportunities under Motta.
Facing his old club and their unforgiving fans could be the perfect way to put himself back into the limelight at Juventus, and also the shop window for a potential summer move.