The Italian newspapers underlined how it was ‘a completely different life’ for Juventus with Dusan Vlahovic up front, praising the Serbian striker after the Coppa Italia win over Lazio.
The Bianconeri showed an important response at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night, picking up an important 2-0 win over Igor Tudor’s Lazio in the first leg of their cup semi-final clash. It was a much-needed reaction from the squad less than 72 hours after their 1-0 loss to the Biancocelesti.
Vlahovic was left on the bench for the league loss to Lazio but started in the Coppa Italia clash on Tuesday, playing a leading role in the victory, scoring their second goal in the 64th minute, picking up his 16th goal of the term.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were clear with Vlahovic’s impact on the match, praising his work and response, writing: “He returned from suspension and you can see that he had a mad desire. In the first half he played almost alone, and the goal was the icing on the cake, fight, goals and sacrifice.”
Corriere dello Sport analysed the Serbian striker’s performance and how he changes Juventus with his presence, saying: “It’s a completely different life with Dusan, his presence can definitely be felt. He fought, he huffed, he encouraged his teammates, he sorted balls one after another.
“All that’s missing is a good ball to make an impact, McKennie offers it to him, and the bomber doesn’t let them off the hook. Fundamental.”
Tuttosport echoed these sentiments, suggesting that he salvaged the Bianconeri’s moods after a poor run loss in the league, commenting: “Bomber and leader, as the evening required and as the silly disqualification that had ousted him from the previous match in Rome in the league screamed: forgiven, indeed.”
Vlahovic ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 7
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 8.5
Corriere della Sera: 7.5
La Repubblica: 7.5
Vlahovic was not left on the bench Apollo. he was suspended