Italy legend insists Vlahovic must be Juventus’ starting striker ahead of David

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

“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

Vlahovic’s contract expires at the end of the season, but there’s practically no chance that he’ll agree to sign a new deal at the Allianz Stadium.

David, on the other hand, joined Juventus on a free transfer from Lille this summer, while Openda has joined the Bianconeri on loan with an option to buy from RB Leipzig.