Zambrotta: Juventus miss Vlahovic but McKennie ‘fits everywhere’ | OneFootball

Former Italy international Gianluca Zambrotta insists Juventus lack a classic centre-forward, but Weston McKennie’s versatility has made him one of the best Bianconeri players as ‘he fits everywhere.’

Juventus visit rivals Inter at San Siro tomorrow night in one of the big matches of Serie A Round 25.

“Inter have collected many points against teams competing for different targets, while Juventus have dropped points against Cagliari, Lecce, Fiorentina and Verona,” Zambrotta, a former Juventus star, told Gazzetta.

Zambrotta: What Juventus need to beat Inter

Former Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta arriving for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 in Milan, Italy, 23 September 2019. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

“It means a lot for a team that must fight for the Champions League or win the title. Ultimately, these points have an impact.

“Juventus must limit Dimarco, who makes the difference at Inter right now. He’s the best assistman and is having a fantastic season. Kalulu and Conceiçao will have work to do on that flank. Then Lautaro and Thuram against Kelly and Bremer, it’s a great duel because Inter have a terrific attack: the best in the league with 57 goals. Juventus must be good at one-on-one, especially on the wings with Conceiçao and Yildiz and, if he’s introduced, Zhegrova.”

When asked to predict the result, Zambrotta replied: “No prediction, I just hope Juventus win.”

Jonathan David has had highs and lows, while Lois Openda has been rarely picked to replace the injured Vlahovic at the Allianz Stadium.

The Serbia international has been out of action since December and is expected to return next month.

Zambrotta: I hope Vlahovic stays at Juventus

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Vlahovic’s contract expires at the end of the season, and even if Juventus still hope to extend his stay, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have already contacted the striker’s agent ahead of a possible free transfer in the summer.

“I don’t think it’s about the strikers not getting the ball because McKennie and Yildiz are scoring the goals,” Zambrotta said.

“I think Juventus lack a classic centre-forward. Vlahovic was their No.9, like it or not, and now Juve don’t have a striker like him or Lautaro. A player of this calibre is crucial for a team like Juventus.

“It’s correct that David plays as a central striker with McKennie a bit behind, so he can make his runs,” the 2006 Italy World Cup winner continued.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“He’s very good in this role, and using him as a striker would mean losing him defensively. Spalletti has said it: he fits everywhere, he gives his contribution in defence and attack, and he’s proving that with all those goals.”

Perhaps even a striker like Marcus Thuram would help the Bianconeri.

“I don’t think Inter would sell him to a rival, and I hope Vlahovic stays at Juventus, returning to be the player he deserves in a strong team,” Zambrotta concluded.