Dusan Vlahovic could be set to feature from the opening whistle for the first time this season when Juventus meet fierce rivals Inter in the Derby d’Italia on Saturday afternoon.
The clash between the two traditional giants will get underway at 17:00 BST.
The Serbian striker is entering the final 12 months of his current Juventus deal, and there had been a widespread expectation over the summer that the club would look to move him on rather than risk losing him without a transfer fee next year.
This potential selection marks a turning point, as Vlahovic had not yet been named in the starting XI in the 2025-26 campaign.
Summer departure expected but never happened
In recent months, speculation swirled around Vlahovic’s future, with multiple outlets suggesting that he was close to leaving.
A number of reports tied him with a switch to Milan, yet despite the strong rumours, no agreement ever materialised, and he stayed in Turin as the transfer window closed.
Remaining at the club means Vlahovic must now compete directly for the centre-forward spot, where he faces new challenges in the form of Canadian international Jonathan David and another summer arrival, Lois Openda.
So far, David has been favoured by the coaching staff, starting both of the team’s opening fixtures, while Vlahovic has been limited to appearances from the bench.
Nevertheless, he has made the most of his time on the pitch, scoring in each of his two substitute outings so far this season.
Reports split over who will start up front
Several major Italian sports outlets have reported differing expectations for Saturday’s Derby d’Italia line-up.
Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport both believe Vlahovic could be promoted to the starting eleven, potentially displacing David for the high-stakes encounter.
On the other hand, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport are reporting that Juventus are likely to stick with David from the start, meaning Vlahovic may once again be introduced as a substitute.
The club is set to release the official team sheets approximately one hour and fifteen minutes before kick-off, which is scheduled for 17:00 BST on Saturday afternoon.
Until then, the battle for the central attacking role remains one of the key talking points leading into the showdown with Inter.
