Dušan Vlahović picked up exactly where he left off last season, scoring twice as Juventus opened their 2026/27 Serie A campaign with a 3-1 victory over Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening. The Serbian striker — now 26 and in the absolute prime of his career — was a constant menace for the visiting defence, combining physical presence with technical quality that reminded the Italian football world why he remains one of the most feared centre-forwards in Europe.
Juventus are targeting a first Scudetto since 2020 this season, and if Vlahović continues in this vein, they are going to take some stopping.
Vlahovic Makes Immediate Impact
There was barely time to settle before Vlahović made his mark. Seven minutes in, he received a long ball with his back to goal, held off the Udinese centre-back with impressive strength, turned and drove low into the bottom corner. It was a goal that combined all the qualities that make Vlahović unique at his best — the control, the power, the clinical finish.
Udinese responded with a spirited period of possession midway through the first half, and were rewarded with a goal on the 33rd minute that made the home crowd briefly nervous. But Juventus reasserted control before the break, with Federico Chiesa — who has spent the summer being linked with a move away and seemingly responded by becoming even more determined — forcing a fine save from the Udinese goalkeeper.
Second Goal Seals the Points
Any lingering tension was removed in the 61st minute when Vlahović headed home a perfectly flighted free-kick from Manuel Locatelli. The Serbian met the cross on the penalty spot, the connection was clean and powerful, and the net rippled before the goalkeeper could move. The Allianz Stadium was on its feet.
Nico González completed the scoring in the final ten minutes with a low finish after being played through by Vlahović — a selfless contribution from a man who already had his brace, content to set up a colleague rather than chase a hat-trick.
New Manager, Same Ambition
Juventus come into 2026/27 under new head coach Thiago Motta, who arrived with a reputation for stylish, possession-based football built during his years at Bologna and later Inter Milan. His first competitive match in charge produced an encouraging result, though he was measured in his assessment afterward.
"It was a good performance, not perfect," Motta said post-match. "We created a lot of chances. Dušan was outstanding — not just the goals, but his pressing, his link play. He is going to be very important for what we want to do."
Serie A Title Race Begins
Inter Milan and Napoli also won on the opening weekend, meaning the top of the Serie A table is as tight as expected at this early stage. With Juventus, Inter, Napoli and AC Milan all expected to challenge for the title this season, the 2026/27 Scudetto race promises to be among the most competitive in years.
For now, though, Vlahović and Juventus are off to a flyer. And in Italian football, there is no better place to start.
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