Having banged in 10 Serie A goals this term, the 25-year-old’s exploits have caught the attention of Italian top-flight clubs that includes Juventus.
The Bianconeri head coach Igor Tudor, who is concerned about the lack of scoring opportunities, was among those eager to see what the Montenegro international could do inside the Allianz Stadium last Sunday.
Juve soared into the lead before reaching the 100-second mark. Dusan Vlahovic set up Teun Koopmeiners, which jolted the visitors into action as they desperately chased an equaliser.
Krstovic double chance
Lecce’s star striker Krstovic almost levelled matters on five minutes. His effort, from outside the box, thumped the upright. He was first to the rebound, picked his spot only for quick-thinking shotstopper Michele Di Gregorio to prevent the ball from nestling into the right corner of the net.
Krstovic took a knock on 18 minutes, and quarter-of-an-hour later Juventus doubled their lead through Kenan Yildiz in what became a one-sided opening half.
On the stroke of the half-time whistle, an ambitious long-range shot from Krstovic was struck wide of the gaping goalmouth that would have given Lecce a fighting chance.
Krstovic was surprisingly replaced during the interval, and despite Lecce pulling back a goal they extended their winless run to a dismal nine games.
Under-pressure Lecce head coach Marco Giampaolo explained after the loss: “I took Krstovic off because he looked very irritable at the referee giving a clear Renato Veiga foul against him. I was worried he could get himself sent off, so I preferred to substitute him.”
Krstovic, who has hit the back of the net six times in 24 internationals, plays a pivotal role for his country where he operates either as a right winger or as striker.
Adzic and Krstovic
Montenegro manager Robert Prosinecki recently explained that Krstovic and Juventus fringe player Vasilije Adzic are viewed as future international stars. The pair could soon be playing alongside each other for club and country.
Adzic, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, could be elevated to a starting berth during Tudor’s last Serie A games this term. He has been a little-used substitute and played in Serie C this season.
Krstovic, who bagged seven Serie A goals last term, is on the radar of AS Roma, Genoa, Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli. Lecce value their prized asset at €25 million (US28.4m), yet if the club drop down to Serie B for next season then his price tag will dramatically drop.
Juve are actively monitoring Krstovic’s situation, especially as Tudor has quickly brought out the best in Turkish teenager Yildiz. Should Tudor be at the helm next term, he is expected to be able to fine-tune players, including the Montenegro hot-shot Krstovic if he joins Juve.
Attacking duo Samuel Mbangula and Yildiz are both off limits for a summer sale, because Juventus have the pair lined up to be their future forward partnership.
Vlahovic stance
Vlahovic, Tudor’s favorite Serie A striker, has plenty of interest from Premier League clubs although there was no offer tabled during the winter transfer window.
His contract ends in June 2026, with no sign of talks about extending his deal. Vlahovic refuses to take a pay cut from his annual salary of €12 million (US$13m), so the club hierarchy wish to cash in. Although Tudor views him as playing an important role alongside Yildiz, because the pair gel.
Should Vlahovic be sold, with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Newcastle United recently renewing their interest in the 25-year-old, then Krstovic could prove to be an excellent long-term investment as Plan B.
Juventus are still considering a move for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Manchester United’s exiled Antony. The name of United’s former Atalanta ace Rasmus Hojlund is also kicking around, although Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen won’t be rushing to sign for the Bianconeri.