UCL: Juventus boss Spalletti reveals plan to stop 'extraordinary' Osimhen

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has identified neutralising Victor Osimhen as the primary objective for his side as they travel to Istanbul for their UEFA Champions League playoff clash with Galatasaray.

Juventus face Galatasaray in the first leg at the daunting Rams Park on Tuesday night, looking to gain a crucial advantage, heading into the second leg in Turin next Wednesday.

The Italian giants will be wary of the threat posed by Victor Osimhen, who has been in blistering form, especially in the UCL.

The Nigerian international has netted six goals in six matches during this Champions League season, including a memorable hat-trick against Ajax.

Spalletti is familiar with Osimhen's lethal finishing, having masterminded Napoli’s historic 2023 Scudetto with the 27-year-old as his spearhead.

However, the task is doubled by the presence of Mauro Icardi, the former Inter Milan captain who recently bagged a hat-trick of his own in domestic action and has a long history of scoring against Juventus.

Spalletti ready for huge Osimhen test in UCL clash

“They (Osimhen and Icardi) both have extraordinary talent,” Spalletti declared during his pre-match press conference.

“The solution is to keep them as far away from the ball as possible. Galatasaray’s quality will pose a challenge for us.”

The Bianconeri are particularly bruised coming into this one, following a 3–2 defeat to Inter Milan in the Derby d’Italia last Saturday.

That loss, marred by a controversial red card for Pierre Kalulu, left Juventus frustrated and seeking an immediate response. However, Galatasaray are formidable, especially at home, where they have lost just once in their last 11 games.

Add that to the form of their attacking duo, and it becomes clear the magnitude of work Spalletti has on his hands.

Stopping Osimhen will be no easy task, but it will be key for Juventus if they hope to avoid defeat.