Revitalised Vlahovic poised to spearhead Juventus assault before Turin showdown

Dusan Vlahovic is set to front Juventus forward line in Saturdays city derby against Torino, with fresh manager Luciano Spalletti aiming for a push towards the Serie A crown.

The Serbian forward seemed on the brink of departure this summer when Juventus sought to recoup part of the huge outlay from his January 2022 transfer, which brought the then 22 year old from Fiorentina.

Juventus forked out 70 million euros, along with another 10 million euros in potential add ons, to secure Vlahovic, who also receives an annual net wage of 12 million euros.

After underwhelming performances across two and a half years, Vlahovic found himself available for transfer during the off season window, yet no substantial offers materialised.

This situation positioned him for a no cost exit at seasons end, given his deal runs out in June, however his six strikes this term combined with Spallettis recent appointment has prompted Juventus to indicate he might remain past next summer.

"From the beginning of the campaign Ive noted that Dusan remains fully focused on Juventus and proves it daily," commented Giorgio Chiellini, currently Juventus strategic director, prior to Tuesdays 1 1 stalemate versus Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

"We will review matters appropriately, keeping options viable for everyone involved."

Vlahovic shone brightest for Juventus versus Sporting, scoring the leveller and facilitating build up play, placing him ahead of new arrival Jonathan David in the hierarchy.

He is slated to feature once more at the Allianz Stadium, potentially allowing Spallettis squad to close within one point of table toppers Napoli, following recovery from a minor hamstring issue that saw him substituted during the late push for victory on Tuesday.

Title holders Napoli encounter a challenging trip to Bologna, who mirror Juventus position four points adrift of the top and show promise under Vincenzo Italiano.

One point back from Napoli sit Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma, as Inter welcome Lazio to the San Siro on Sunday evening, buoyed by their perfect Champions League record so far.

Player to monitor: Daniele De Rossi

Ex Italy midfielder De Rossi revisits the scene of his final game in management on Sunday, guiding Genoa in an early survival scrap against basement dwelling Fiorentina.

De Rossi parted ways with Roma in September last year following a stalemate at Genoa that left his lifelong team winless after four opening fixtures of the prior campaign.

He steps in for Patrick Vieira, having inked a deal through this seasons conclusion, aiming to lift struggling Genoa clear of the danger area.

Genoa claimed their initial victory of the term on Monday, edging Sassuolo 2 1, positioning them two points clear of Fiorentina, who still seek a long term successor to Stefano Pioli, dismissed on Tuesday.

Essential figures

3 - Napoli hold a slim one point edge over three rivals in the intense title contest.

6 - Vlahovic has netted six goals for Juventus across all tournaments this year

Schedule (times GMT)

Friday

Pisa v Cremonese (1945)

Saturday

Como v Cagliari, Lecce v Verona (1400), Juventus v Torino (1700), Parma v AC Milan (1945)

Sunday

Atalanta v Sassuolo (1130), Bologna v Napoli, Genoa v Fiorentina (1400), Roma v Udinese (1700), Inter Milan v Lazio (1945)