Juventus manager Igor Tudor applauded Dusan Vlahovic for his commitment after the forward came off the bench to score their second goal in a nervy 2-0 win over Udinese on Sunday which could prove crucial in the race for a Champions League spot.
Nico Gonzalez put the hosts ahead just after the hour-mark but the game was still in the balance when Vlahovic was introduced in the 73rd minute.
The 25-year-old, who is coming into the final year of his contract and has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, lifted Juve immediately and made the game safe with their second goal two minutes from time.
Juventus are fourth in Serie A on 67 points, one point ahead of Roma and two ahead of Lazio, with one game remaining in the season.
“Vlahovic had a great impact, played with heart, and proved his value,” said Croatian Tudor, whose contract runs until the end of the season.
“He sacrificed for the team and played a good game.”
Tudor, who took over from Thiago Motta in March and has lost just one of his eight games in charge, said his side had delivered a team performance against strong opposition.
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“It was not about motivation but about the playing style, set pieces, preventive markings, and trying to release the pressure that the team felt,” he told reporters.
“It was a serious performance, there wasn’t a player I didn’t like. It was truly a great game. Udinese are a serious and well-trained team.”
Juve visit relegation battlers Venezia on Sunday, while Roma travel to face mid-table Torino.
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