MARCO TARDELLI BACKS VLAHOVIć, TELLS TUDOR TO SHOW BELIEF
Juventus faces a striker crisis as Igor Tudor struggles to find a reliable scorer. Marco Tardelli advises the coach to stick with Dusan Vlahovic, despite his expected exit, as alternatives, Jonathan David and Lois Openda struggle.
The team's performances are starting to suffer as a result of the uncertainty surrounding Igor Tudor's decision to make a firm choice regarding his first-choice striker at Juventus. Although the Bianconeri have several gifted forwards at their disposal, the manager is having a lot of trouble identifying a reliable goal scorer.
Juventus' Perplexing Predicament
Dusan Vlahovic is the team's most productive striker right now, but Tudor faces difficulties because of his imminent departure. The team cannot afford to depend too much on a player who is predicted to go, yet there are no compelling alternatives. Signed to eventually take Vlahovic's spot, Jonathan David has been having trouble scoring. His performances have fallen short of expectations thus far, and the team is feeling more pressure as a result.
Another forward who was brought in as part of the team's long-term plans, Lois Openda, has similarly struggled to score. Even while he has displayed moments of potential, he has not yet demonstrated the consistency needed at a team like Juventus. As a result, even though his future is elsewhere, Vlahovic still plays an important part and frequently comes off the bench to have an impact.
Tudor's Advice from Tardelli
Tudor's tenure as manager of the Bianconeri this season may ultimately be shaped by this circumstance. The manager should keep using Vlahovic as the primary striker, at least for the time being, according to Italian football icon Marco Tardelli, who has closely watched the team's difficulties. Through Tuttojuve, Tardelli stated:
Tudor needs to concentrate on Vlahovic since he is his greatest scorer. He requires self-assurance and constancy. In midfield, we are lacking a real champion, but Yildiz has everything it takes to become one.
Tardelli's comments highlight the value of consistency and having faith in shown skill. Vlahovic may be nearing the end of his time with the team, but his presence is still essential to Juventus' immediate success. Letting him take the lead could give the team the impetus it needs to stay competitive while players like David and Openda keep evolving and adapting. Tudor and Juventus may suffer if they do not make the most of Vlahovic's services prior to his departure.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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