Full Strength Squad Assembles in Podgorica

The Montenegro national football team is preparing for their upcoming international friendly against Bulgaria with a virtually complete roster. The match, scheduled for June 1, will see the Balkan side travel to face Aleksandar Dimitrov’s selection. The Montenegrin camp has already completed three training sessions since gathering, indicating a high level of readiness for the fixture.

Head coach Mirko Vučinić, one of the nation’s most decorated former players, has named a 28-man squad. The group is nearly at full capacity, with only the fourth-choice goalkeeper, Mišo Dubljević of Rudar Prijedor, absent due to club commitments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initial list of 29 players was reduced by one after striker Aleksa Lanković suffered a muscle injury during his last appearance for Varaždin in Croatia. Lanković’s absence means the attack will rely on other options, though the core strength remains intact.

Key Stars and Bulgarian Connections

The standout name in the squad is Nikola Krstović, the prolific striker for Atalanta in Italy. Krstović is expected to lead the line against Bulgaria, bringing his Serie A experience to the match. Another significant inclusion is veteran defender Stefan Savić, who currently plays for Trabzonspor in Turkey. His leadership and defensive solidity will be crucial for Vučinić’s tactical setup.

The match also features notable connections to Bulgarian football. Midfielder Ogne Gachevich of CSKA 1948 is included in the squad, bringing familiarity with the local league. Additionally, defender Slobodan Rubežić has recent experience playing in Bulgaria with Arda Kardzhali. He is currently teammates with Victor Popov and Vladimir Nikolov at Korona Kielce in Poland. These players’ knowledge of the Bulgarian football environment could provide an interesting dynamic for the coaches on both sides.

The squad blends experience from top European leagues with local talent. Goalkeepers Daniel Petković, Balša Popović, and Benjamín Kriestaraš back up the absent fourth choice. The defense features Adam Marušić of Lazio and Igor Vujadžić of Rubin Kazan. Midfielders include Sead Hakšabanović of Malmö FF and Andrija Bulatović of RC Lens. The attacking options, besides Krstović, include Milutin Osmajić of Preston North End and Viktor Jukanović of Dunajská Streda.

Montenegro’s preparation has been thorough, with the team training at the Football Association of Montenegro’s base. The absence of only one player due to injury suggests the coaching staff is confident in their tactical options. The friendly against Bulgaria offers a chance to test combinations ahead of future competitive fixtures.