It’s been a nightmarish start to the season for Juventus ace Dusan Vlahovic, who delivered another disappointing performance against Napoli. The 24-year-old’s near-anonymous first-half showing saw Thiago Motta sub him off in favor of Timothy Weah at halftime.
Despite Motta’s faint attempt to defend his center-forward in his post-match interview, it’s impossible to deny the Serbia international is having a crisis. Except for a brace in a 3-0 win against Hellas Verona on matchday two, the highest-paid Juventus player has failed to score in his five remaining appearances this season.
Vlahovic hasn’t got on the scoresheet since August 26, drawing a blank in three consecutive Serie A outings. That’s his longest scoring drought in Italy since the 2021/22 season. However, it was before he joined Juventus from Fiorentina in an eye-watering €70 million deal in January 2022.
Many attributed his paltry scoring return last season to Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive-minded football. But the Juventus striker has no one but himself to blame this term. He has been wasteful in the opposition’s box.
Juventus swept PSV Eindhoven aside with a 3-1 win in their opening Champions League fixture last week. Vlahovic wasted two clear-cut chances in the second half. He didn’t even have an opportunity to beat Alex Meret at the weekend, testifying to his lackluster form in front of goal this season.
With Juventus playing out three successive 0-0 draws in Serie A, Vlahovic has emerged as the main culprit. Though it’s unfair to put all the blame on one man, Vlahovic’s inability to find the back of the net has become a focal point for criticism.
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