Juventus director Pavel Nedved hails Dusan Vlahovic ahead of his return to face Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final. ‘He surprised me, there are comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo.’
It kicks off at 20.00 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“Nothing is easy in football. We always have objectives throughout the season. Seeing as we are in the semi-final, we are close to the Final and to the objective in this tournament,” Nedved told Mediaset.
The vice-president was asked if there were any tensions within the club after the decision to delay contract extension negotiations, for example with Paulo Dybala.
“I don’t think so. We spoke clearly with the players, they acknowledged our decision, are all still under contract and there is no problem for them or for us, as they behave professionally.”
This can never be a normal match, as the rivalry between Fiorentina and Juventus goes back decades, only intensified by the Vlahovic transfer in January.
“Everyone knows how difficult it is to play at the Stadio Franchi, as the fans here really feel the tension of the game.
“It’s a pity we are missing nine players, but we have faith in our squad and have a very, very young team this evening. It’s a real test, although a semi-final is not a test for Juventus, it is a Cup to be won.”
All eyes will be on the Serbian striker on his return to Florence, having managed a sensational start to life in the Juventus jersey.
“I’ll be honest, Vlahovic surprised me too. There are comparisons to some of the tops like Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Nedved.
“I knew he was a very good player, but he was born in 2000 and if he continues with this mentality, he can really do great things.
“I am convinced the future belongs to him. He is really intelligent, knows how to prepare for games, is very humble and that is so important for a player to become a champion. He really is on the right track.
“It is really nice when these young players who are hungry and humble come to ask you for advice. You feel useful.”
Max Allegri said Juventus are not in the Scudetto race, despite closing to within seven points of leaders Napoli and Milan. Does Nedved agree?
“I would’ve said after our Torino and Atalanta results that it was impossible. Now they have slowed down up there and we have got closer.
“I still say our objective is the top four, I don’t think we’re in the Scudetto race yet and it’s going to be very difficult, almost impossible, to recover from the start we had.”
Marley Ake gets a start this evening amid the injury crisis, as Juventus plunder their Under-23 side, which plays in Serie C.
“We believe in this Under-23 project and are frankly surprised the other clubs in Italy haven’t followed. It’s almost impossible to leap straight from the Primavera youth team to the senior squad, but this step of the Under-23 side is so important and ensures they are ready.”
Nedved esalta Vlahovic: “Ha sorpreso anche me. Lo paragono a CR7: il futuro sarà suo…” https://t.co/58cgbl8i6D
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