Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Juventus still have a chance to stage a dramatic comeback against Galatasaray, despite trailing 5–2 ahead of their Champions League second leg.
The Bianconeri face a formidable challenge in Turin following last week’s heavy defeat in Istanbul, a match heavily influenced by Victor Osimhen. Juventus must win by three clear goals to force extra time and by four to qualify outright.
Stopping Osimhen key
Although Osimhen did not score in the first leg, he registered two assists and was directly involved in three goals. With Juventus reduced to ten men and trailing 3–2, the Nigerian striker rallied his teammates to push forward, as Galatasaray went on to extend their lead.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in Champions League history with 15 goals, has six goals and two assists in seven European appearances this season. He also boasts an impressive record against Juventus, contributing two goals and four assists in eight meetings.
Prandelli, who previously managed Galatasaray, stressed that neutralising Osimhen will be crucial if Juventus are to turn the tie around.
“Galatasaray at the Ali Sami Yen are one team; away from home, they’re another — there’s a huge difference,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It will be difficult for Juventus to overturn the 5–2 deficit, but not impossible. Football history is full of epic comebacks. The Bianconeri must believe and give it everything.”
He added: “Scoring three or four goals against Osimhen and his teammates without conceding will be difficult. But after the first half in Istanbul, who would have imagined Galatasaray scoring three goals in 45 minutes against Juventus?
“Spalletti’s team can do it — why not? If you score within the first 20 minutes, the psychological dynamic changes completely.”
Defensive worries
Juventus’ recent defensive struggles highlight the magnitude of the task ahead. The Italian giants have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches.
“Luciano had everything under control before; it’s hard to understand what has happened in recent games,” Prandelli said. “It feels like the team is missing two or three players with real character.”
Osimhen, who missed Galatasaray’s league defeat over the weekend due to injury, is expected to return for the decisive second leg — adding another layer of intensity to what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
