Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic admits Dusan Vlahovic is ‘not the same’ at Juventus and is not concerned about the future of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Vlahovic has had a decent start to the season at Juventus, with six goals in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
He is the Old Lady’s best scorer, but his attitude in games suggests that he isn’t always happy with the service he receives from his teammates. The 22-year-old often looks irritable during games with his club and last week’s loss to Milan made no exception.
Serbia boss Stojkovic was asked by Gazzetta Dello Sport whether he is concerned with Vlahovic’s form with barely a month left before the start of the World Cup.
“No, I just need him to be fit. He has always scored goals and will continue to do so,” the CT said.
“Everyone sees that Serbia’s Vlahovic is not the same as Juventus, but it’s not my problem. Everyone expects a lot from Dusan, especially at a top club like Juventus. Pressure is high for strikers.
“Vlahovic can’t be questioned, he is a top player. We spoke while on international duty, but you should ask him what we talked about.”
Serbia’s best players all play in Serie A. Filip Kostic joined the Old Lady from Eintracht last summer, while Milinkovic-Savic has been the best midfielder in the league over the last two seasons.
The Lazio star has already contributed to nine goals across all competitions this term.
“Filip needs time to settle in a difficult league like Serie A,” said Stojkovic.
“If Juventus’ results improve, people will perceive him differently. Allegri is smart and I am sure he will find a solution to turn things around.
“Sergej is the midfielder Juventus lack. He’d be a great coup for the Bianconeri, but I am a coach, not a director. Milinkovic-Savic is a top player and will always play for Serbia regardless of his club.”
Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to Juventus in January, but transfer rumours that emerged on Italian media earlier this week left Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri furious.
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