Locatelli’s gesture speaks volumes about Juventus’ belief in Vlahovic | OneFootball

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli directed the fans’ attention to Dusan Vlahovic after the Serbia international scored a brace and provided an assist in a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund last night, highlighting the team’s trust in the striker.

Locatelli’s gesture towards the end of Juventus-Borussia Dortmund last night didn’t go unnoticed as the Italian midfielder grabbed his teammate Vlahovic by the arm and pointed him out to the whole stadium.

Decisive Vlahovic in Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Vlahovic had just set up Lloyd Kelly for a late equaliser, after scoring a brace to keep Juventus alive in their 4-4 home draw against the Bundesliga side.

Vlahovic had been introduced from the bench at minute 60 and obviously had a significant role in the Bianconeri’s dramatic draw.

What Locatelli did after Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

As highlighted by Corriere dello Sport, Locatelli’s gesture at the end of the game signalled the belief of Juventus players in their teammate.

Vlahovic has already netted four goals in four games across all competitions this term, but besides his performances, CorSport reports that the Juventus players are particularly pleased with their teammate’s attitude on and off the pitch.

It is no secret that Vlahovic is expected to leave Juventus at the end of the season, as he hasn’t reached an agreement to extend his contract beyond 2026.

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic jubilates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Venezia FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 14 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Vlahovic has had a tough relationship with part of the Juventus fanbase in recent months and even argued with some of them at the Allianz Stadium during a Serie A game against Venezia last season.

“It has not been an easy time for me, there was talk every day, many things that I can say now 99 per cent of which was nowhere close to reality,” Vlahovic said last night.

“That can disturb a person, but I found strength in this, and every day you must prove yourself, to always be hungry. I am never satisfied, so today I scored two goals and provided an assist, but I wanted a third.”