Di Canio blames Vlahovic for goal celebration: ‘It’s what small players do’ | OneFootball

Former Juventus, Lazio and West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio is unimpressed by Dusan Vlahovic’s goal celebration in a 3-0 win over Genoa on Saturday: ‘It’s what small players do.’

Vlahovic inspired Juventus’ latest Serie A victory on Saturday by scoring a brace against Genoa at Marassi.

The Serbia international hadn’t scored a goal for over a month, attracting criticism from fans and pundits.

He hit back at critics while celebrating his second goal against Genoa, leaving ex-Juventus forward Di Canio unimpressed.

“It’s what small players do,” the former Italy international told Sky Sport Italia.

Di Canio blames Vlahovic for goal celebration: ‘It’s what small players do’

“He is an excellent footballer, but he proves he’s not a big player yet when he does this. I am just saying that this attitude is not one of a big player.

“He scored a penalty, and that’s okay; scoring goals is never easy, and then another one. But he did so against Genoa, the most troubled team in the league, and behind closed doors,” continued the ex-striker.

“He didn’t score a brace against a direct opponent. It would be wrong anyway, but it would have a different value.

“He wears a shirt that is beyond important. He doesn’t play for Pinnetto; it’s a casual name; otherwise, people get offended. He plays for Juventus, and he is called Vlahovic. Score two goals against direct opponents. Then you can be arrogant, but with two things [balls] like this, not against Genoa behind closed doors, a bit more than a friendly.”

Vlahovic is the current Serie A leading scorer alongside Atalanta‘s Mateo Retegui and Milan‘s Christian Pulisic, with four goals in six matches,

The 24-year-old joined Juventus in an €80m deal from Fiorentina in the 2022 January transfer window.

Vlahovic has scored 45 goals in 108 appearances with the Old Lady and explained his goal celebration after the final whistle on Saturday: “It’s no problem, people talk, I’ve learned that you are the best when you score and a flop when you don’t. I do my talking on the pitch,” he said.