Ex-Italy star predicts Vlahovic will score 20 goals under Spalletti

Ex-Italy star Antonio Di Natale predicts that Dusan Vlahovic will score 20 goals under Luciano Spalletti at Juventus.

Spalletti was unveiled as the new Juventus coach on Friday. Di Natale played under the Tuscan tactician at Empoli and Udinese and is excited to see his former coach return to action.

“Spalletti could not say no to Juventus and I’m convinced he’ll bring them back to the top,” the former Italy international told Gazzetta.

Spalletti said he would continue to rely on Vlahovic as long as he shows the right attitude, and Di Natale expects s big response from the Serbian.

“I expect around 20 goals from Vlahovic, and both David and Openda can get close to those numbers. Spalletti brings out the best in his forwards by working a lot on their movements, on the synchronisation between the lines and on analysing the skill sets of the defenders they’ll be facing.

“I’m convinced the fans will gradually fall in love with Luciano,” continued Di Natale.

“He’s a coach who combines attractive football with success. People who go to the stadium want to win, not to see a circus.”

Spalletti will make his debut as the Juventus coach today, but is expected to confirm a three-man defence against Cremonese.

“Quite rightly, Luciano has made it clear that he’ll give continuity to the work done by Tudor. In the future, I hope to see Juventus playing with a 4-3-3 formation and a front-three of Conceiçao, Vlahovic and Yildiz.”

Spalletti said Juventus can still aim for the title, and Di Natale agrees: “Yes, the season has just begun. It will take work and a bit of patience. When Luciano has the chance to work on the pitch every day, he makes things better and achieves his goals.”