Vlahovic's Big Comeback: Juventus Welcome Back Serbian Star for Crucial Sassuolo Scrap

Picture this: it's been nearly four months since Dusan Vlahovic last pulled on the black and white stripes for a competitive game. The towering Serbian striker, sidelined by a pesky left adductor tendon injury that needed surgery back in early December, is finally back in the Juventus squad for tonight's Serie A showdown with Sassuolo at the Allianz Stadium. As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni and Susy Campanale at Football Italia, this is the boost the Bianconeri have been craving as they chase that elusive top-four spot.

Vlahovic's last outing? A brief 29-minute cameo against Cagliari on November 29. Since then, he's been watching from the stands, itching to get back. Don't expect him to start – manager Luciano Spalletti will likely ease him in off the bench – but even a late run-out could fire up the Old Lady's attack. With two goals and two assists from 17 appearances this term, his return feels timely, especially with his contract ticking down to summer.

Spalletti's Tactical Tweaks and Squad Boosts

Juve are flying high after a gritty 3-3 thriller with Roma, followed by thumpings of Pisa (4-0) and Udinese (1-0). Spalletti's found a groove up top, ditching Jonathan David for Jeremie Boga as a false nine, flanked by zippy wingers Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz. Boga, facing his old mates at Sassuolo, starts again – expect him to weave some magic.

The bench is looking healthier too. Long-term absentee Arek Milik joins Vlahovic among the subs, leaving Emil Holm as the only notable omission. In goal, Mattia Perin holds firm, while Khephren Thuram edges out Teun Koopmeiners in midfield. Here's the predicted lineup:

Juventus XI: Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Boga, Yildiz.

It's a side built for pace and pressing – perfect for exploiting a rattled Sassuolo.

Sassuolo Stumbling In, Coughing Up Excuses?

Now, spare a thought for the Neroverdi. They're limping into Turin after back-to-back losses to Lazio and Bologna, and they've got a bizarre bug to contend with. Six players isolated due to whooping cough symptoms – that's pertussis, for the uninitiated, a nasty lung infection. Only one confirmed case, but it's thrown their prep into chaos.

Add in injuries to Fali Candé, Alieu Fadera, Daniel Boloca, and Edoardo Pieragnolo, plus absentees Nemanja Matic, Kristian Thorstvedt, Woyo Coulibaly, and Stefano Turati. Boss Fabio Grosso will field: Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia; Bakola, Vranckx, Koné; Berardi, Pinamonti, Volpato.

Juve hammered them 3-0 back in January, and with Sassuolo's form dipping (recent wins over Atalanta, Verona, and Udinese now feel distant), the hosts are favourites. Kick-off's at 19:45 GMT – tune in for what could be a procession, or a sneaky Sassuolo counter if Vlahovic's legs aren't quite match-sharp yet.

Juventus sit pretty in the table chase, while Sassuolo battle relegation whispers. A win here keeps the pressure on the top four – and gives Vlahovic the perfect stage for a goal celebration that'll have Turin buzzing. Cheers to that, lads – pass the popcorn.