Juve shooting themselves in the foot against relegated Verona

Juventus FC are a chaotic team—both in attack and in defense. But, as so many times this season before his injury, Dušan Vlahović was there to save the Bianconeri from embarrassment. Admittedly, Juventus still dropped points, drawing at home against Hellas Verona, a side heading for relegation to Serie B. But without Vlahović’s free kick, things could have been even worse—1–1. Coach Luciano Spalletti sent the Serbian striker on at halftime to rescue what could be rescued, as Juventus have had largely ineffective forwards—aside from Dušan—all season long. Vlahović delivered in the 62nd minute: he placed the ball for a free kick from over 20 meters and the goalkeeper expected a shot over the wall, but the Juventus striker caught him off guard—no chance to save it.

Vlahović came on with huge desire—eager to play, hungry for goals—after struggling to find rhythm due to recurring injuries. He fought hard in the box, showed frustration at every missed opportunity, but his teammates failed to create any clear chances for him. At one point, he even tried to dribble through five defenders inside Verona’s penalty area and came close to pulling it off. Juventus had a chance to win it late on, when Edon Zhegrova fired a shot, but Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo got just enough of a touch to deflect the ball onto the post and back into play.

The Bianconeri have struggled all season in attack. Players like Jonathan David and Loïs Openda have been largely ineffective, while Jeremie Boga has shown only occasional flashes—overall, far below the level expected of Juventus and not good enough for a UEFA Champions League spot, which they’ve now put at risk with this slip-up. In the opening half hour, Juventus had enough chances to take the lead, including a header off the crossbar by Gleison Bremer. But they were then caught off guard on the counterattack—Domagoj Bradarić and Cyril Ngonge combined to give Verona the lead and that result stood until once-Arsenal target hit the net and saved the hosts from embarrassing defeat.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 35

Friday

Pisa - Lecce 1-2 (0-0)

/Leris 56 - Banda 52, Cheddira 55/

Saturday

Udinese - Torino 2-0 (1-0)

/Ehizibue 45+1, Kristensen 51/

Como - Napoli 0-0

Atalanta - Genoa 0-0

Sunday

Bologna - Cagliari 0-0

Sassuolo - Milan 2-0 (1-0)

/Berardi 5, Lauriente 47/

Juventus - Verona 1-1 (0-1)

/Vlahovic 62 - Bowie 34/

Monday

19.30: (2.90) Cremonese (3.15) Lazio (2.55)

21.45: (1.70) Roma (4.00) Fiorentina (4.80)

***odds are subject to change***