Dusan Vlahovic wants Juventus to take their newly-discovered Coppa Italia semi-final confidence into Serie A after beating Lazio. ‘It was a really difficult period.’
The Bianconeri had won just one of their last nine Serie A games, losing 1-0 to Lazio on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico to a last-gasp Adam Marusic header.
There was tension in Turin too with jeers at half-time after Luis Alberto hit the crossbar and a Juve penalty was first awarded, then revoked for Andrea Cambiaso’s offside position.
However, they came out fighting for the second half and secured a 2-0 first leg win in this Coppa Italia semi-final thanks to Federico Chiesa and Vlahovic goals.
“We were in a really difficult period for us all, so we really needed to be at our best in this game. It was tough, another very difficult match awaits us in the second leg and this is only half-time,” Vlahovic told Mediaset.
“Serie A is also very important, so we have to take it one game at a time.”
Although there were no tactical or personnel tweaks at half-time, Juventus seemed very different when they came out for the restart.
“We played against a very strong team, with a strong coach and they changed a lot, so it was not easy for us. I think after we broke the deadlock, it all felt much easier, but now we must get back to winning in Serie A too.”
Vlahovic was suspended for the Serie A defeat to Lazio on Saturday, but he continues his remarkable form with 10 goals since the start of January in all competitions.
“I don’t really care too much how many goals I score, who gets the assist, the important thing is that we all win together and that means we can all celebrate.
“I want to congratulate my teammates and thank the fans who came here to cheer us on. I also compliment the coach for how he prepared the game.”
Dusan Vlahović made that look easy! 😤
Juventus are in control of this Coppa Italia Semi-Final right now ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/J2LZIzpuKG
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