According to Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti, they have to shut out Victor Osimhen tonight as they hope to beat hosts Galatasaray in a first leg UEFA Champions League Playoff.
Spalletti was Napoli coach three years ago when Osimhen’s goals led them to a third Scudetto and therefore knows the Super Eagles striker very well.
He spoke at length on Osimhen and his fellow Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi ahead of this intriguing Champions League showdown.
“We’re going to play against two important attacking players. Both of them are of very high quality. There’s practically an ‘encyclopedia of number 9s’ on the pitch,” Spalletti commented.
“Okan Buruk (Galatasaray coach) is the one who will decide whether Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi play together.
“Both are extremely strong players. Their characteristics are different. As strikers, they know how to behave in the penalty area. One creates chaos, and the other knows how to take advantage of that chaos.”
“We will try to keep them completely out of the game,” he added.
“We cannot go onto the field against Galatasaray with fear. We will aim to keep the match going in Galatasaray’s half. Maybe we won’t be able to do it, but that’s our intention.”
