Since joining from Chelsea, Renato Veiga has reinforced Juventus’ defense, bringing solidity to the team’s backline. Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie once again showcased their incredible adaptability, regardless of how unfamiliar their roles might be, while Francisco Conceição delivered the final blow to Inter. However, following Juve’s triumph in the Derby d’Italia, all of footballing Italy—just as in the past two weeks—is showering praise on one man: Randal Kolo Muani. This comes as no surprise and is entirely justified, as the PSG loanee has shaken up Serie A with his arrival. Kolo Muani has become the first player in Serie A history—since the format changed in 1994/95—to score five goals in his first three matches. Although he didn’t continue his scoring streak in the Derby d’Italia, he was still hailed as if he had.Randal Goalo MuaniFive goals and an assist in five games—his most recent one for Conceição, which local newspaper Tuttosport described as “more than half a goal.” With that pirouette before his pass—one that mesmerized all of footballing Europe—the Frenchman showed he can be influential even when he isn’t scoring, something that, as Italian media point out, Dušan Vlahović has struggled to do. During the first half of the season, when Juventus was struggling with finishing, many blamed the Serbian striker for the team’s inefficiency, while others defended him, claiming he lacked proper support from teammates. Last night, Kolo Muani didn’t have much support either—Inter’s defenders did their best to limit his influence, allowing him just 24 touches in 90 minutes. Yet, the man forever remembered for his miss in the last minute of the 2022 World Cup final still managed to make a difference. It wasn’t the first time, as he has repeatedly shown an ability to create chances for himself and others since arriving in Italy—something the media see as the key difference between him and Vlahović.Should Arteta be on alert? Vlahović is availableThiago Motta’s arrival and his tactical shift in Turin have often left Vlahović looking isolated and powerless in the current campaign. One thing everyone agrees on is that Kolo Muani has completely transformed Juventus’ attack. That’s why the Turin club is already thinking about how to keep him beyond this season. They seemingly didn’t anticipate his explosive impact, as they didn’t secure a buyout clause in his loan deal. Now, they’ll have to return to negotiations with PSG in June to try and make his move permanent. What this means for Vlahović remains unclear, though it’s becoming increasingly likely that the 25-year-old will leave Juventus after three and a half years. According to Italian media, the Serbian striker is refusing to extend his contract under reduced financial terms. Whether that’s the reason or simply Kolo Muani’s form, Motta has significantly reduced Vlahović’s playing time in 2024. He remained on the bench for Juve’s last two league games, and in his last eight appearances across all competitions, he has played just 157 minutes. If Kolo Muani keeps up this form, Vlahović’s status is unlikely to change.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSReturn legTuesday 20.45: (1.45) Milan (4.50) Feyenoord (7.00)23.00: (1.55) Atalanta (4.10) Club Brugge (6.00)23.00: (1.20) Bayern (7.25) Celtic (12.0)23.00: (1.95) Benfica (3.50) Monaco (3.90)Wednesday 20.45: (1.95) Dortmund (3.50) Sporting (3.90)23.00: (1.18) PSG (7.25) Brest (15.0)23.00: (2.30) PSV (3.45) Juventus (3.05)23.00: (1.85) Real Madrid (3.80) Man.City (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
