Italy legend insists Vlahovic must be Juventus’ starting | OneFootball

Italy and Juventus legend Marco Tardelli insists Dusan Vlahovic should be the Bianconeri’s starting striker even if his contract expires in June.

Former Italy midfielder Tardelli, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, feels Vlahovic should be Juventus’ starting striker this season.

Vlahovic is the best Juventus goalscorer in 2025-26 with four goals, all scored as a substitute, in seven appearances.

Juventus coach Igor Tudor has often rotated the starting striker at the Allianz Stadium, as he can also rely on Jonathan David and Lois Openda.

David has netted once so far this season and is expected to start against Milan this evening, while Openda has yet to score his first goal in Turin.

Tardelli: Vlahovic must be Juventus’ starting striker

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 17: The Italian former player ‘Azzurri Legends’ Marco Tardelli attends an interview during ‘Casa Azzurri’ at pratibus district on June 17, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Tudor’s work is positive, but I have the feeling there is confusion in the management of Dusan Vlahovic and his contract expiring in June,” Tardelli told Gazzetta.

“Vlahovic must always be the starting striker at Juventus. The fact that he is not makes me think there are other reasons behind it, so there’s a bit of confusion. Nowadays, players expect to play even if their contract is expiring and the story that Vlahovic only scores as a substitute is a big nonsense. Vlahovic always scores goals.

“A striker needs to feel trusted even more than other players. The best one must play and Vlahovic has scored more goals than David and Openda so far.”

Vlahovic not expected to extend contract with Juventus

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is put under pressure by Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)