Dusan Vlahovic feels Juventus ‘have a point to prove’ this season, especially now he and Federico Chiesa have shaken off injury problems, as they pushed past Lazio 3-1.
The Serbia international bagged a brace in this afternoon’s victory at the Allianz Juventus Stadium, with Chiesa getting the other.
Luis Alberto got one back for Lazio and that means for Vlahovic it is not a perfect performance.
“It could’ve been better with a clean sheet, but the win boosts our morale, it is always unpredictable after the break for international duty. We were solid, compact and deserved to win, although Lazio deserve compliments too, as they are a really quality side,” Vlahovic told DAZN.
The Bianconeri were extremely aggressive with a high press, as seen in other matches so far this season, so how have Juve changed in their tactical approach?
“In my view, last season was very difficult in every area and despite all that, we didn’t do too badly. This season we feel more fired up and have a point to prove. Only with this aggression, unity and solidity can we achieve great things.
“Our objective is to finish in the top four and we will give everything to achieve that. All of last season, I suffered from the first day to the last, but if I step onto the pitch, then I am ready, so I am not looking for excuses. I live in the present and look to the future.”
Vlahovic is starting to form a strong attacking partnership with Chiesa, who had also struggled with injury and is in a new role as a striker rather than on the wing.
“We are great friends, we’ve known each other a long time and played together at Fiorentina. Now we can finally play together here too, we are really happy to have him fit and healthy, we hope to do well this season.”
Juve were rocked this week by news Paul Pogba failed a doping test for elevated levels of testosterone after the 3-0 win away to Udinese on August 20, so he could be banned for two years.
“He is a friend, a great player, unfortunately I cannot comment on what happened. I hope it can be resolved as quickly as possible. I don’t know what could happen, but it’s sad for him.”