Luciano Spalletti could be preparing another tactical surprise as Juventus face the possibility of playing without Dusan Vlahovic in Saturday’s Serie A clash away to Fiorentina. The Serbian striker picked up a muscle strain while on international duty and remains doubtful for the weekend fixture, scheduled for a 6 p.m. kick-off.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero) report that over the next two to three days, Juventus’ medical staff will assess whether a last-minute recovery is realistic or if caution should prevail ahead of the upcoming Champions League trip to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt — a destination that brings unwelcome memories for Spalletti from previous campaigns.
Yildiz Ready for a Central Role
One player who looks certain to feature is Kenan Yildiz. The young Turkish forward was rested by his national coach Vincenzo Montella for the friendly against Spain in Seville, ensuring he returns to Turin fully fit. Montella’s decision, driven by Yildiz’s suspension risk ahead of the March World Cup play-offs, inadvertently benefits Juventus, giving Spalletti another attacking option.
According to reports, the Juventus boss is exploring another of his trademark tactical innovations — a “Spallettata.” After previously experimenting with Teun Koopmeiners in a deeper defensive role, Spalletti could now reposition Yildiz as a false nine, similar to the role Francesco Totti played under him at Roma during his later years. The idea would allow Juventus to maintain fluidity up front while compensating for the possible absence of a natural centre-forward.
Fiorentina’s Approach
Opponents Fiorentina, under new manager Paolo Vanoli, are expected to stick with a 3-5-1-1 formation. Albert Gudmundsson is tipped to start behind the main striker, preferred over Tommaso Fazzini. Former Juventus forward Moise Kean is pushing to recover in time and could alternate with either Roberto Piccoli or Edin Dzeko in attack.
In midfield, Nicolussi Caviglia is favoured over Nicolo Fagioli to line up alongside fellow ex-Juventus man Rolando Mandragora and the energetic Adrian Sohm.
