Juventus Director of Football Strategy and former defender Giorgio Chiellini has warned of the threat posed by Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray ahead of their Champions League playoff clash next month, SportPremi reports.
The Old Lady finished in 13th place on the 36-team league phase standings to set up a first knockout round against Galatasaray, who finished 20th when the draws was conducted on Friday in Switzerland.
Both sides will face-off in a two-legged affair in the playoffs to determine who advances to the Round of 16, where a clash against Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round.
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Osimhen has been in superb form for the Turkish champions this season, scoring six goals in the Champions League and an additional seven in the league.
He also scored four times as Nigeria won bronze medal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, finishing just a goal behind golden boot winner Brahim Diaz.
Chiellini warns Juventus of Osimhen threat
Former Juventus defender Chiellini faced Osimhen multiple times during the Nigerian striker’s spell at Napoli and has warned of the threat he carries on the pitch.
However, he was quick to dismiss the idea that they are a one-man team and warned of the threat posed by other members of the Galatasaray squad.
“It’s a strong team with great individuals, really good players. We’ll play the second leg at home, so it doesn’t end in Istanbul”, the former Italy defender revealed.
“But we have to go to that stadium and play our game, expose their weaknesses, which they do have, but also limit the big potential and individual quality they have not just upfront. We all know Victor Osimhen well, but there are other important players too.
“At one time, I would have liked to mark him, yes, but today I wouldn’t last two minutes. I’ve been lucky to play against him a couple of times in my career, but it was too late for me, so let’s say my physical stats were limited against someone like Osimhen.
But Galatasaray is not only him; there are many important players. The Turkish league is investing heavily, and they’re bringing in several high-level profiles. It will be a fascinating double challenge”, the 41-year-old continued.
The first leg of the playoff round will hold on the 17th of February, with return leg taking place one week later.
