Galatasaray head coach unveils how Osimhen-Icardi partnership can edge Juventus

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has hinted that the strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi could be pivotal in their UEFA Champions League play-off clash against Juventus next week, Afrik Foot reports.

The Record Turkish champions warmed up for the European showdown in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 win over Eyüpspor yesterday evening.

Buruk opted for a bold tactical tweak, deploying Osimhen and Icardi together in a front two for the first time in 2026, and the decision yielded fruit.

Icardi netted a clinical hat-trick, while Osimhen turned provider with two assists in a dominant attacking display that saw them go six points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

Well tailored assist from Victor Osimhen vs Eyüpspor 👌pic.twitter.com/O8JnthCsNA

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) February 13, 2026

Galatasaray: Osimhen-Icardi can be an edge against Juventus

Speaking after the match, Buruk expressed satisfaction with both the result and the chemistry between his two strikers.

“We started the game with an early goal, and that was important to us,” the 52-year-old said in quotes revealed by Galatasaray’s official website.

“There were places where we couldn’t dominate the game; we could play it better. After 2-0, the opponents were down to ten. We were willing in general, but we changed a lot of players.

Highlighting the attacking duo’s impact, the former Turkey midfielder added:

“Icardi’s three goals, Osimhen’s two assists. There were a lot of positive things. We played with two strikers. We used it in the Kocaelispor match, and Osimhen and Icardi couldn’t play together. We tried it, and we got positive results.

The former Istanbul Basaksehir midfielder turned his attention to Tuesday’s heavyweight Champions League play-off against Juventus.

“We’ll prepare for Juventus. A very different match and a very strong opponent is waiting for us. We’ll pack and prepare mentally immediately.

“Juventus has very different formats. Their game setup can change from time to time.

“They have players who can’t be calculated too easily. There are very good wing players in the front. They don’t give you an easy position.

Buruk also pointed to Juventus’ recent performances against top Serie A sides as evidence of their resilience.

“They scored goals in the last matches. They’re physically strong. It’s a two-legged game, and that’s what we’ll think.

“We’re in a much better place as physical, mental and staff. Our goal will be to defeat Juventus,” Okan Buruk concluded.

The first game of the two-legged tie will be played next Tuesday at RAMS Park, while the return leg will be played on February 25 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.