Juventus face Bologna on Sunday evening at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Serie A, with Champions League qualification on the line — and manager Igor Tudor may be handed a late boost with the possible return of Dusan Vlahovic.
Just one point separates fourth-place Juventus and fifth-place Bologna, and with Italy set to receive only four Champions League spots next season, this clash could decide who finishes in the top four.
Will Dusan Vlahovic play against Bologna?
The key question on Juventus fans’ minds: Will Dusan Vlahovic be fit to face Bologna? According to Sky Sport Italia, the Serbian striker returned to partial training with the squad at Continassa on Friday. Vlahovic had missed the 2-0 win over Monza due to a hamstring problem sustained in the previous game against Parma.
While a starting role remains unlikely, Vlahovic could make the bench and be available as an impact substitute — a welcome boost for Juventus in a must-win match.
As speculation around his future continues to build — with interest from Turkey and the Premier League — you can read our recent report: Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce Plot €40m Swoop for Juventus Striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Teun Koopmeiners injury update
There is less positive news for Teun Koopmeiners, who has also been struggling with injury. The Dutch midfielder continues to train individually and is not expected to feature in the Bologna vs Juventus game.
Koopmeiners’ absence further limits Tudor’s midfield options in what promises to be a tightly contested battle in the middle of the park.
Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz latest
Winger Francisco Conceição was also absent from full team training, instead working on a personalised gym programme. While this suggests he is not entirely ruled out, the lack of pitch work casts doubt over his involvement in Sunday’s match.
Meanwhile, Kenan Yildiz is suspended after receiving a two-game ban for violent conduct following his red card against Monza. The young attacker will be unavailable for both this weekend and the following league fixture.
Juventus predicted lineup vs Bologna
With several players doubtful or sidelined, Tudor will likely opt for a familiar and stable setup. Their predicted XI could be:
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Veiga, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram-Ulien, Cambiaso; Gonzalez, Weah, Kolo Muani
Why Bologna vs Juventus is a must-win match
With just four games left in the Serie A season, the race for Champions League qualification is at its tightest. Juventus sit on 62 points, while Bologna are breathing down their necks with 61. The head-to-head clash this Sunday could be decisive in determining which side secures a top-four finish.
A defeat for Juventus would allow Bologna to leapfrog them into fourth, while a win for Tudor’s side could provide much-needed breathing room with only three matchdays remaining.
