Vladimir Jugovic, famously known as “Mister Olimpico” for his decisive moments at Rome’s iconic stadium, knows what it means to play for both Juventus and Lazio. The Serbian midfielder, who scored the winning penalty for Juventus in the 1996 Champions League final at the Olimpico and later lifted the Coppa Italia with Lazio, reflected on his memories and gives his thoughts ahead of the crucial Lazio-Juventus clash in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Olimpico, Juventus, and Lazio: A Career’s Peak
“The Olimpico is a stadium I will always hold in my heart, just like Juventus and Lazio. In those three years-two with Juventus and one with Lazio-I reached the peak of my career.”
Memories of Lazio and the “Half a Team” Nickname
When asked about his time with Lazio, Jugovic recalls, “I remember the four derby wins and the nickname they gave me in Rome: ‘Half a Team,’ meaning I was worth half the team.”
Does he see anyone in the current Lazio squad with that kind of impact? “My favorite is Zaccagni: technique and dribbling, the essence of football. He would have fit well in my Lazio. Eriksson was incredible at getting all the quality players to coexist. Now I see a bit of Sven in Simone Inzaghi, who, not by chance, was coached by the Swede. Eriksson, when he was really angry, never shouted-at most, he’d blush. In that, Inzaghi is different.”
On the Champions League: “I Hope an Italian Team Wins”
Asked about the Champions League final, Jugovic says, “I hope an Italian team wins.”
Lazio vs. Juventus: “For Juventus, This Match Means Everything”
Tonight, Lazio and Juventus, level on points with Roma, are fighting for fourth place and Champions League qualification. Jugovic’s perspective is clear: “Juventus have more at stake than Lazio: if they don’t make the Champions League, the season will be a failure. At the start of the season, there were different expectations for Lazio. But I would also keep an eye on Roma and Ranieri, who’s proving to be an experienced coach. A draw isn’t enough for either Lazio or Juve.”
Who Will Decide the Showdown?
“I’m betting on Zaccagni’s quality and Thuram’s turbo-he’s a really great midfielder. Whoever of the two imposes himself more will drag his teammates to victory.”
If You Had to Bet a Pizza on the Champions League Race?
“I’d bet on Juventus because when the pressure rises, the club’s mentality and DNA make the difference. If Juventus don’t finish fourth, I hope Lazio does.”
Pedro’s Longevity and the New Generation
Pedro, with 25 trophies and still making a difference for Lazio at 37, impresses Jugovic, but he adds, “I lifted the Champions League with Red Star and Juventus, not with Messi’s Barcelona… Jokes aside, it’s impressive to see him play and score. But I prefer… Pedri from Barcelona, a real phenomenon. He and Lamine Yamal are two authentic monsters. UEFA and FIFA should thank Barcelona. Lamine Yamal is kissed by talent, and with his mix of technique and one-on-one skills, he brings football closer to the people. The 17-year-old from Barcelona is football’s salvation: with his talent, he can attract many kids, even those lost in video games.”
On Vlahovic: “He Was Bought to Make the Difference”
Juventus will be without their number ten, Yildiz, but Vlahovic returns, possibly for his final games in black and white. Jugovic comments, “Dusan was bought by Juventus to make the difference, but he’s often found it difficult. Given these stats, if I were Lazio, I wouldn’t be too relaxed. As for his future, he has plenty of advisors-he doesn’t need my opinion.”
Osimhen as Vlahovic’s Successor?
“Osimhen is the striker with whom Giuntoli celebrated the Scudetto at Napoli: you have to trust him.”
On Conte and the Future of Juventus
With Antonio Conte close to another league title at Napoli, Jugovic isn’t surprised: “That’s Antonio’s story: wherever he goes, he wins. He’s a different coach from Guardiola, who is the best, but unlike Pep, Conte hasn’t managed the world’s richest clubs.”
Would Jugovic keep Tudor at Juventus or bring back Conte? “Tudor has given the team a jolt, and let’s hope he achieves the Champions League goal. But Antonio is world-class and knows Juventus and how to win like no one else.”
