Jonathan David’s first two official games as a Juventus player have been a bit of a mixed bag.
He proved to be the goal-scoring hero in Juve’s season-opening win over Parma. His second official start atop Igor Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 formation was not as effective in Juve’s win over Genoa, with the man who ended up replacing him in the second half, Dusan Vlahovic, being the one to get the game-winning goal plaudits.
And as we come out of the first international break of the season, it looks as though it will
be David again leading the line in Juventus’ first big test of the 2025-26 campaign this weekend. Consider David’s national team coach, Canada manager Jesse Marsch as somebody who is backing the 25-year-old striker to do big things in Turin.
“I think they, by signing him, have secured an exceptional player. … He’s very intelligent, able to play in different positions in attack, alone or in a pair with another striker.”
(Quotes via Football Italia)
David is now a little over two months into his Juventus career after signing on a free transfer at the beginning of July and then reporting for preseason training the final week of the month. He’s started both games to begin the Serie A season, with Vlahovic coming off the bench — and scoring a goal — in both of those first two matchdays.
With the transfer window now closed in Italy and Vlahovic staying put, Tudor will now have two different types of No. 9s to choose from as the fixture list starts to get much busier as the Champions League league phase gets underway next week with Juve’s home date against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
“He’s truly fantastic player and a top-class goalscorer. I think Juventus got a great deal for him.”
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“I also really like Vlahovic — he’s a strong striker. We wanted him at Leipzig but Fiorentina managed to steal him from us. But one thing is for sure … let’s just say you won’t be disappointed with Jonathan David.”
Also, consider Juve will have Marsch backing them this weekend in the Derby d’Italia considering Inter Milan sold their Canadian during the summer transfer window last month.
“It will definitely be an interesting match. I’m also a Juventus fan now since the Bianconeri bought David and Inter sold Tajon Buchanan, so I’ll be rooting for my player.”
Juventus host Inter at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. local time on Saturday evening.
