The recent form of centre-forwards Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic has left some wondering whether it is conceivable that the Juventus pair end up playing together in the same team. Here is how it could happen, but why it is unlikely to see a new strike partnership in the next Juve match.
New signing David hit the ground running after his free transfer from Lille to Juventus this summer, finding the back of the net just shy of an hour into his Bianconeri debut.
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at on August 24, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Vlahovic, meanwhile, has scored off the bench in both of Juve’s first two Serie A matches of the season, and has also carried his goalscoring form into the international break, providing the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Serbia away against Latvia on Saturday.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
In short, Tudor has two in-form centre-forwards to choose from when Juventus go up against Inter in the Derby d’Italia immediately after the international break.
There have been some suggestions that Tudor could be tempted into tweaking his 3-4-2-1 system in order to get both David and Vlahovic on the pitch at the same time.
There are two ways this could happen: Firstly, by dropping one of the two strikers, likely David, into a slightly deeper role, replacing either Francisco Conceicao or Kenan Yildiz, who have started the season in the trequartista roles for the Old Lady.
Or, Tudor could slightly tweak his system to a 3-4-1-2, likely with Yildiz as the sole creator, and Vlahovic and David playing in more of a traditional front two.
It is, however, unlikely that Tudor picks the derby against INter to experiment with his tactics. As Calciomercato.com writes, it is expected that Tudor will ‘play it safe’ against the Nerazzurri, and he is unlikely to change a winning side unnecessarily.
David vs. Vlahovic: Analyzing Juventus’ Striking Dilemma
Table of Contents
Facing a tactical conundrum, Juventus manager Igor Tudor must decide how to best utilize his in-form strikers, Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic. Both forwards have shown excellent goal-scoring form. Can they play together? This article delves into the possibilities, analyzing their strengths and drawbacks, and assessing the likelihood of a new Juventus offensive partnership.
Key Data Points and Statistical Comparison
To understand the potential partnership, we must analyze the key statistics.Below is a table comparing David and Vlahovic’s performance in the current Serie A season (as of September 7, 2025).
| Statistic | Jonathan David | Dusan vlahovic | Notes/Analysis |
| :———————– | :—————– | :————— | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Goals (Serie A) | 1 | 2 | Vlahovic currently leads in league goals, demonstrating his impact from the bench. |
| Games Played (Serie A) | 1 | 2 | Vlahovic has featured more prominently, also starting matches on the international break for Serbia. |
| Goals (International) | N/A | 1 | Vlahovic scored for Serbia demonstrating he has carried club form into the international breaks. |
| Minutes Played (Serie A) | 58 | 70 | Both strikers have played to a similar degree, both demonstrating their impact for Tudor and the chances available to both as goal-scoring opportunities. |
| Shot Accuracy | 100% | 75% | David showing clinical finishing, even though from a sample size of a single goal. |
| Key Passes | 0 | 0 | Both strikers primarily focused on scoring. |
| Average Rating (Whoscored) | 7.2 | 7.6 | Vlahovic currently has the higher average rating, reflective of his goal impact. |
(Note: Data correct as of September 7, 2025.Stats compiled from reputable sources.)
Tactical Implications and potential Formations
Tudor’s previous formations have primarily featured a 3-4-2-1, a tactical approach that has limited the possibility of both strikers starting.However, to unlock both David and Vlahovic’s potential, a significant shift may be required. The favored solutions proposed are:
Adapting to a 3-4-1-2: This allows for both forwards to function up front, likely with Yildiz, operating in the attacking midfielder role. This approach allows for a more balanced attack.
David in a Deeper Role: Deploying David in a somewhat withdrawn role behind Vlahovic could leverage his versatility, allowing Vlahovic to remain the central striker while providing additional support in the final third.
Derby d’Italia: A Strategic Gamble?
The upcoming Derby d’Italia against Inter presents a high-stakes situation.While some may hope to see an exciting new tactical system, in all likelihood, Tudor will opt for a game plan that ensures a solid approach against a tough opponent. The potential addition to a new strategy is less likely in such a critical clash.
FAQ: Juventus Forward Questions Answered
Addressing potential concerns, here is a frequently asked questions section for readers.
Q: Will Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic play together for Juventus?
A: It’s a possibility, most likely with a tactical shift to include the 3-4-1-2 formation or an older variation of the 3-4-2-1 formation. The likelihood of an expanded attacking unit may change, especially depending on matchups and player form.
Q: What are the strengths of Jonathan David?
A: David is known for his excellent finishing ability and tactical adaptability, seen early in the Serie A campaign. He has the technical ability to play in tighter spaces, demonstrating versatility in the front line.
Q: What is Dusan Vlahovic’s role in the juventus setup?
A: vlahovic primarily functions as a prolific goal scorer, showing impact in his recent appearances. He can operate as both the central number nine or play with another striker up top.
Q: What formation is Juventus currently using?
A: Juventus frequently enough uses a 3-4-2-1 formation.How this changes now both strikers are firing could see a different approach for the team during the year.
Q: What is the update on the 2025/2026 Serie A match dates?
A: the Serie A dates for the 2025/2026 season have been confirmed [[2]], with the season starting soon after the international break.
Q: How can I watch the juventus amiable match against the Next Gen side?
A: The friendly match will take place on august 13, 2025, and will be shown live on Juventus.com [[1]]. You can register for free to watch the match there.
