Luciano Spalletti admires the ‘incandescent’ Galatasaray ambiance and ‘full striker’ Victor Osimhen, however explains how Weston McKennie could 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 staff’s third aim, scored by Jonathan David throughout the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)
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“All the pieces appears incandescent, prefer it’s able to burn,” trying across the legendary stadium.
“What issues now is just not what we wish to turn into, however what we at the moment are, as a result of we’d like the best 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 turn into an actual staff, so that’s the smartest thing a coach can ask for.
“We now have already left what occurred up to now, as a result of we’re difficult for our future with tonight’s recreation, not what occurred the opposite day.”
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Luciano Spalletti supervisor of Juventus FC seems on throughout the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Enviornment Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Photos)
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Jonathan David and Emil Holm joined Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik on the therapy 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 difficulty 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 selections shortly,” defined the coach.
“Enjoying out from the press permits you to create areas and use your high quality. That’s when all of it turns into essential for the end result.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts throughout the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Part MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on November 07, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photograph by Ahmad Mora/Getty Photos)
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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 now we have centre-backs who can counter him,” concluded Spalletti.
No Italian staff has crushed Galatasaray in Istanbul throughout the Champions League, because the final to win right here was Milan when it was nonetheless the European Cup in 1963.