Toni: Kolo Muani making difference ‘no good sign’ for Juventus | OneFootball

Former Italy star Luca Toni believes that Randal Kolo Muani making the difference for Juventus ‘is not a good sign’ as the Frenchman is on loan in Turin and insists Dusan Vlahovic can still be a ‘valuable asset’ for the Bianconeri.

Kolo Muani has scored three goals in his opening two Juventus appearances after completing a January loan move from PSG.

He has become an immediate starter at the Allianz Stadium, pushing Vlahovic to the bench.

The France international is expected to start again on Friday when Juventus visit Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

“The impact of Kolo Muani on Juventus has impressed me. Arriving in January and making an immediate impact should not be taken for granted,” Toni told Gazzetta.

Toni: Kolo Muani making difference ‘no good sign’ for Juventus

Luca Toni celebrates after a goal with Italy national team in 2006.

“Kolo Muani is making a difference. But if the Bianconeri’s most important signing is a loan deal, it’s not a great sign. It would be better if it were one of the reinforcements Juventus purchased for millions in the summer. He is a forward with quite unique movements. He has something of Osimhen, but he’s not as ruthless as the former Napoli star in the penalty area.”

Juventus do not have an option to buy Kolo Muani at the end of the season, but could still try to reach an agreement with PSG to keep the Frenchman in Turin beyond the summer.

The 26-year-old scored a brace in the last Serie A game against Empoli, playing alongside Vlahovic in the second half.

“Kolo Muani has scored three goals in two matches with Juventus, but he has never been particularly prolific apart from his season at Eintracht Frankfurt,” said Toni.

“I think Kolo Muani and Vlahović can start together, especially at home and against certain teams, with the Frenchman playing wider, as he did at the end of the match against Empoli, or in an attacking 4-2-4 formation.”

Vlahovic remains Juventus’ best scorer this season, but he has slipped down Motta’s pecking order.

“If Dusan were to start on the bench again against Como, it would be his third consecutive time since the Frenchman arrived,” noted Toni.

“However, let’s not forget that Vlahovic has scored 13 goals and remains Juventus’ top scorer.

“Kolo Muani is more mobile and better at linking up. The Serbian is a true killer in the box. If Dusan comes off the bench with the desire and professionalism he showed against Empoli, he will still be a valuable asset.”

Vlahovic’s contract expires in 2026, and Juventus will listen to offers for him in the summer.

“At the end of the season, everyone will have to make assessments, starting with Juventus, who must decide what kind of striker they want to rely on,” Toni concluded.

“Osimhen offers more depth than Vlahović but perhaps links the play even less than Dusan. So, I’m unsure if it would make much difference for Thiago Motta.”

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 6, 2025, page 14