Football News

Why Dusan Vlahovic Missed Juventus's Win Over Genoa

July 11, 2026Carlos Mendoza1 мин

Juventus secured a 2-0 victory against Genoa on Easter Monday, narrowing the gap to fourth place in Serie A. However, Dusan Vlahovic's unexpected absence from the bench sparked inquiries among fans and observers.

Goals from Gleison Bremer and Weston McKennie propelled Juventus to within a single point of the Serie A top four, following Como's 0-0 draw with Udinese earlier that day. With seven matches remaining in the 2025-26 season, Juventus, along with Roma and Atalanta, are in a fierce competition for the coveted final Champions League qualification spot.

The Reason for Vlahovic's Absence

Vlahovic had recently made his return after a five-month absence due to a severe adductor injury, making an 11-minute cameo against Sassuolo before the international break. He was listed in the squad for the Genoa match, raising expectations for his involvement.

Despite being named in the squad, Vlahovic experienced discomfort in his calf during the warm-up. As a precaution, the coaching staff opted not to risk him, keeping him off the field to prevent further injury.

Interestingly, a calf issue also led to a change in goalkeepers at halftime, with Michele Di Gregorio replacing Mattia Perin. Di Gregorio, who had previously seen limited play, delivered a crucial performance, including a double-save from a penalty and several other vital stops in the second half, helping Juventus maintain their clean sheet.