Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri defends Dusan Vlahovic recalling that Cristiano Ronaldo was also criticised for not scoring in his first five appearances with the Old Lady.
The Serbia international is in the spotlight having netted only 11 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.
He had also suffered a minor ankle injury during Saturday’s 2-1 loss against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, but trained with the rest of the team on Wednesday morning and could start against Sporting CP on Thursday.
When asked about Vlahovic’s poor run of form during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Juventus boss Allegri replied: “I remember there was criticism for Cristiano because he didn’t score in his first five games here.
“That’s where a striker is judged on. Vlahovic is young, he is only 22, and has improved technically. Difficult moments happen in a season, also to the greatest. Dusan must remain calm.
“Don’t forget that somebody didn’t want to see Rabiot on the pitch again,” he continued.
“Am I wrong? I have a good memory, here opinions change like the wind in Livorno. Dusan has clear characteristics, he is young and strong, I am happy with what he does even if he is not scoring much.”
Vlahovic joined Juventus from Fiorentina in an €80m deal, including add-ons in January 2022 and has gone on to score 20 goals in 52 appearances with the Old Lady.
His contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in June 2026.