Football

Juventus continued their impressive start to the Serie A season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Verona on Monday, extending their winning streak to two matches. The victory propelled the Bianconeri to the top of the early standings, as they aim to reclaim the Scudetto they last won in 2019/20.Dusan Vlahovic emerged as the star of the show, scoring twice to lead Juventus to victory. The Serbian striker opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, giving the visitors a crucial advantage. Nicolo Savona, making his full debut for the club, doubled Juventus' lead with a well-taken header from Samuel Mbangula's cross.Mbangula, a Belgian youngster promoted from the youth ranks, has made an immediate impact for Juventus, contributing a goal and two assists in his first two games. Vlahovic sealed the victory with a penalty just eight minutes into the second half, putting the game beyond Verona's reach."He is certainly working hard on our aggression and our attitude," Vlahovic said of new boss Thiago Motta. "We all agree that our attitude is the key to everything, if we have the right mentality, it all works better. We play for each other, but also there are tactical changes that we know about."Juventus will face their biggest test of the early season when they host Roma on Sunday. Meanwhile, Como secured their first Serie A point since 2003 with a 1-1 draw at Cagliari, thanks to Patrick Cutrone's second-half equalizer.

Juventus emerged victorious in the Italian Cup final, defeating Atalanta 1-0 thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Dusan Vlahovic. The win marked Juventus' 15th Italian Cup triumph, ending a three-year trophy drought for the Turin giants.Vlahovic's early goal proved decisive as Juventus' resolute defense held firm against Atalanta's attacking prowess. The Serbian striker, who also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half, was a constant threat to Atalanta's backline.Atalanta, who were seeking their first major trophy since 1963, struggled to break down Juventus' organized defense. Despite fielding an attack-minded lineup, Gian Piero Gasperini's team failed to register a single shot on target.The closest Atalanta came to equalizing was when Ademola Lookman's shot cannoned off the base of the post with 10 minutes remaining. However, Juventus held on to secure the victory and lift the trophy.Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who was sent off late in the game, hinted that his second spell as Juve coach could be coming to an end. "If I'm gone next season, because I've already been sacked in the media, we're in the Champions League and have won a trophy," Allegri said.Atalanta now turn their attention to securing Champions League football through Serie A and next week's Europa League final. The Bergamo club, who are fifth in Italy's top flight, face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin in their first-ever European final.

Dusan Vlahovic's resurgence at Juventus has been a welcome sight for the Bianconeri faithful. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Serbian striker has rediscovered his scoring touch, becoming one of Europe's most prolific forwards in 2024.Vlahovic's struggles in Turin began after his €80 million move from Fiorentina in January 2022. The pressure of the price tag weighed heavily on him, and he failed to replicate the form that had made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.However, the 24-year-old has turned things around this season. With 15 Serie A goals in 2024, he is second only to Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. Vlahovic has also shown leadership qualities, dragging Juventus to victory against Frosinone with a brace.Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Vlahovic's desire to prove himself and the trust he has begun to feel in Turin have contributed to his turnaround. "He has more self-esteem and is convinced about his role inside Juventus," Prandelli said.Vlahovic's exceptional ball-striking ability makes him a threat from both free-kicks and distance. His left foot is a jackhammer, capable of producing powerful shots and dipping curves. He is also a competent finisher with his right foot.Despite his aerial presence, Vlahovic does not participate in the build-up as often as some other strikers. However, his skill and touch allow him to roll his defenders under contact, making him a good bouncing board for passes to release runners from deep.Vlahovic's future at Juventus remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in 2026, this summer could prove pivotal. A 25-goal season will attract interest from top clubs, and Juventus will need to decide whether to cash in or risk losing his potentially elite peak years.For now, though, the focus is on closing the gap to Inter and keeping the others behind. If Juventus and Vlahovic can manage that, it's unlikely anybody in Turin will ever question the €80 million price tag again.