Spalletti: ‘Osimhen an entire striker, Juventus all in regards to the press’
Luciano Spalletti admires the ‘incandescent’ Galatasaray ambiance and ‘full striker’ Victor Osimhen, however explains how Weston McKennie might be an efficient Juventus centre-forward.
It kicks off on the Ali Semi Yen in Istanbul at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
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That is the primary leg of the play-off for a spot within the Champions League Spherical of 16, and the second is on Wednesday February 25.
Spalletti makes Juventus modifications in Istanbul
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates his crew’s third aim, scored by Jonathan David in the course of the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)
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“The whole lot appears incandescent, prefer it’s able to burn,” mentioned Spalletti on Sky Sport Italia wanting across the legendary stadium.
“What issues now just isn’t what we need to grow to be, however what we are actually, as a result of we’d like the appropriate braveness.”
The Bianconeri are nonetheless smarting from the controversial 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter, which noticed Pierre Kalulu despatched off earlier than half-time.
“My gamers have proven they’re actual males, who grow to be an actual crew, so that’s the smartest thing a coach can ask for.
“We have now already left what occurred prior to now, as a result of we’re difficult for our future with tonight’s sport, not what occurred the opposite day.”
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Luciano Spalletti supervisor of Juventus FC seems on in the course of the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Area Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
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Jonathan David and Emil Holm joined Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik on the remedy desk, however Khephren Thuram has shaken off a bruise for his return to the beginning XI with McKennie unexpectedly as a False 9.
“The basic situation is how we press and the way we emerge from their press, that’s the key. Urgent limits the areas on the pitch for the opponents and forces them to make choices shortly,” defined the coach.
“Taking part in out from the press means that you can create areas and use your high quality. That is when all of it turns into essential for the consequence.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts in the course of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Section MD4 match between Galatasaray AS and Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on November 07, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Picture by Ahmad Mora/Getty Pictures)
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There are many acquainted faces within the Galatasaray squad, even when Mario Lemina is suspended, as ex-Napoli gamers Victor Osimhen and Noa Lang each begin, with former Inter centre-forward Mauro Icardi on the bench.
Lucas Torreira, Wilfried Singo, Roland Sallai and Kaan Ayhan even have historical past in Italian soccer.
“Osimhen has these nice prospers of tempo, dedication and physicality, he’s an entire striker, however we now have center-backs who can counter him,” Spalletti concluded.
No Italian crew has crushed Galatasaray in Istanbul in the course of the Champions League, because the final to win right here was Milan when it was nonetheless the European Cup in 1963.
