Head coach Thiago Motta, who is pushing for a top four league finish to earn a berth in next season’s Champions League, is rethinking his attack after loanee Kolo Muani struggled again in European action.
Despite being outclassed midweek in the Netherlands, which meant Juve were unceremoniously dumped out of this term’s Champions League by PSV, Motta was upbeat in the pre-match press conference for the Cagliari contest.
Nicolo Savona and Renato Veiga have both joined the injury list following the PSV defeat, while Motta made a surprisingly positive statement about utilising Vlahovic as a starter.
The 25-year-old’s value will continue to plummet if he keeps being frozen out by Motta. The club board will no doubt have become concerned that they won’t be able to collect as much money if Vlahovic moves on in the summer.
His value has dropped by a staggering €20 million (US$20.9m) over the past six weeks, having been subjected to a bit role with the Turin titans. Either Motta has had a change of heart or he has been leaned on by the club board
Motta explained ahead of the Cagliari clash: “There’s a chance that [Dusan] Vlahovic will start. He could play with Kolo Muani.
“This option will be tried out when there is the opportunity, and when he is the best choice for the team. Whoever is in better condition will get more minutes.”
Empoli arrive midweek in Turin for a Coppa Italia quarter-final tussle with Juve, when Motta is expected to rotate players, with Vlahovic likely to spearhead the attack with Kenan Yildiz.
The clubs recently met at the Allianz Stadium, with Vlahovic bagging his 13th goal of the season in the flattering 4-1 victory.
Juventus will be chasing silverware as defending Coppa Italia champions. AC Milan and Bologna have reached the semi-finals, with Inter Milan to tackle Lazio and Juve set to face Empoli in midweek.
Motta is concentrating on Serie A before the distractions of the cup, and added: “It will be a complicated match in Cagliari, and we know the difficulties that we will have to deal with.
"We have to put in a great performance to maintain our momentum in the league. I have no doubt that the lads will put in the maximum effort.
"The important thing is to show that we want to get going again right away [after the Champions League exit], and put in a great performance.”
Juventus squad vs. Cagliari
1 Perin
2 Alberto
4 Gatti
5 Locatelli
6 Kelly
7 Conceicao
8 Koopmeiners
9 Vlahovic
10 Yildiz
11 Gonzalez
16 McKennie
19 Thuram
20 Muani
22 Weah
23 Pinsoglio
26 Douglas Luiz
27 Cambiaso
29 Di Gregorio
40 Rouhi
51 Mbangula