Spalletti makes Vlahovic admission, warns Juventus about ‘mistake’ to avoid | OneFootball

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti admits Dusan Vlahovic could return to the starting XI for a Serie A match against Lecce and warns his players should not see their latest draw against Hellas Verona as ‘bad luck.’

Juventus visit Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday, and Spalletti previewed the match at a pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

Lecce vs. Juventus – Spalletti’s pre-match press conference

The Bianconeri are unbeaten in the last ten games across all competitions, but collected back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona prior to this match.

Despite a disappointing draw in the latest round, Juventus players were still applauded by the home crowd.

“We want to build on the previous match. If a Stadium like the Allianz, used to seeing victories, applauds after a result against a team you’re expected to beat, it means not everything was to be thrown away,” Spalletti said via Sky Sport.

“We want to produce that kind of performance, the good things we did, even if they didn’t bring the result we wanted.

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“The mistake would be to see it [the draw against Verona] as bad luck. We must not make that mistake. I know Lecce, Corvino and Di Francesco’s experience. They have a club that invests.”

Vlahovic scored the equaliser from a free kick last week and might start against Lecce tomorrow.

“It’s possible,” Spalletti confirmed.

“There are still a few hours left, but it’s a fair consideration, and we’ll see how it goes until tomorrow evening. Let’s not burden him with too much responsibility.”

Vlahovic has not started a Juventus game for over five months, last featuring in the starting XI on November 29, 2025, when he suffered a muscle injury that required surgery.

Juventus’ latest draws have allowed fifth-placed Roma to move just one point behind the Bianconeri with three games remaining.

“We had a wider range of alternatives, but in some ways, things are clearer now because there’s only one path and you don’t risk getting there with doubts about your behaviour,” Spalletti said.

“We have to be decisive in our choices and intentions, understand the moment we’re in and give everything in these 90 minutes. There’s this door, then two more, and we have to open them.

“We need responsibility in moments like these. This week, we suffered. The certainty I have comes from the players’ commitment, which I’ve seen since I arrived,” continued the Old Lady’s boss.

“When this dressing room doesn’t win, it hurts. The team feels pain, and that teaches you things. I looked at the players in their eyes. I’m convinced they’ll react. Character comes out when something isn’t going well, and you have to turn it around.

“Everything is in our hands. We must not let ourselves be influenced by opinions or overthinking,” he concluded.

“I’m very satisfied with the team. Some moments make the difference, and we missed them. Maybe a late header, an interception, a lack of instinct. Those things hurt us, but the team has always been serious and responsible. That’s the behaviour worthy of Juventus.”