The 25-year-old hot-shot striker, who has largely been overlooked since last month’s arrival of Kolo Muani, was unleashed on the lowly Sardina side for Serie A action on Sunday.
Vlahovic seized his chance to slot home on 12 minutes, sliding the ball into the bottom right corner from a tight angle past approaching ‘keeper Elia Caprile.
The Serbia striker took control with a brilliant solo build-up, powerfully outpacing defender Yerry Mina before slotting home and celebrating in style.
He bagged his 14th goal of the season with the winner over Cagliari, and perplexed the Unipol Domus Stadium with his unusual celebration.
Vlahovic elaborated about this in the post-match press conference: “The celebration? I’ve done it before. While basketball was a dedication to the physiotherapists, we have one thing in common, they asked me to cheer like that."
The forward was linked to a set of Premier League clubs during the winter transfer window, but his wage demands and the €80 million (US$84m) proved to be too much of an obstacle.
With his lack of involvement over the past six weeks, which included being subjected to a bit role as an unused substitute, Vlahovic’s market value dropped by an astonishing €20m.
Maybe Motta was leaned on to start Vlahovic for games where the Bianconeri are expected to win, in a bid to increase his value. His contract expires in summer 2026, so Juventus are aiming to cash in.
Vlahovic enthused: “The three points are important. I scored a goal, but it's important to have won.
“I'm living with great calmness, I'm a professional, I make myself available to the team. I know that so much is expected of me. I stay composed. I am very happy and I am thinking about the next match.”