Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has hinted that Dusan Vlahovic could reclaim a starting spot in Saturday's Serie A clash against Lecce, but his main message to the squad is clear: don't chalk up recent stumbles as mere misfortune.

Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, Spalletti addressed the Bianconeri's recent form—unbeaten in ten across all competitions but held to consecutive draws by AC Milan and Hellas Verona. Despite the Verona result, Juventus fans at the Allianz Stadium showed their appreciation for the team's effort.

"When a stadium accustomed to victories applauds after a draw against a team you're expected to beat, it means not everything was to be thrown away," Spalletti said. "We want to build on that performance—the good things we did, even if they didn't bring the result we wanted."

The veteran coach warned against a dangerous mindset. "The mistake would be to see the draw against Verona as bad luck. We must not make that mistake. I know Lecce well—their sporting director Corvino and coach Di Francesco bring experience, and the club invests in their squad."

On the Vlahovic front, the Serbian striker—who hasn't started a Juventus match since November 29, 2025, due to a muscle injury requiring surgery—scored a stunning free-kick equalizer last week. Spalletti acknowledged a return to the XI is possible. "There are still a few hours left, but it's a fair consideration. Let's not burden him with too much responsibility."

The timing adds pressure: back-to-back draws have allowed fifth-placed Roma to close within a point of Juventus with just three matches remaining. "Things are clearer now because there's only one path," Spalletti noted. "You don't risk getting there with doubt."

For a team chasing Champions League positioning, Saturday's trip to Lecce's Stadio Via Del Mare feels like a must-win—and Spalletti knows the margin for error has all but vanished.