Ex-Italy boss backs Juventus to stop Osimhen, complete miracle UCL comeback

Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Juventus still have a chance of producing a dramatic turnaround against Galatasaray despite trailing 5-2 ahead of their Champions League play-off second leg, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Italian giants face a huge task in Turin after suffering a heavy, Victor Osimhen-inspired defeat in Istanbul last week. Juventus must win by three goals to stay alive in the tie and by four goals to avoid a penalty shootout.

Prandelli, who previously coached Galatasaray during his managerial career, believes the key battle will be stopping Nigerian striker Osimhen, whose influence shaped the first leg.

Victor Osimhen didn’t stop pressing all game vs Juventus. Incredible work rate. 👏🇳🇬

Here me out @JoanLaportaFCB, please bring @victorosimhen9 to Barcelona.
pic.twitter.com/vzAbeEMO6L

— Ọládélé 🇳🇬👑 (@Theoladeledada) February 19, 2026

Osimhen did not score in Istanbul but was decisive, providing two assists and playing a direct role in three goals. With Juventus reduced to ten men and Galatasaray leading 3-2, it was the forward who urged his team-mates to keep attacking and increase their advantage.

The Super Eagles striker, Nigeria’s top scorer in Champions League history with 15 goals, has continued his strong European form this season, registering six goals and two assists in seven appearances.

Prandelli: Juventus must believe

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli insisted that home advantage and belief could still change the story of the tie.

“Galatasaray at the Ali Sami Yen are one team, away from home they’re another: there’s a huge gap,” Prandelli noted.

“It will be difficult for Juventus to overturn the 5-2 first-leg deficit , but not impossible. History is full of epic comebacks, the Bianconeri must believe and try.

“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 the Bianconeri?

“Spalletti’s team can do it, why not? If you take the lead in the first twenty minutes, then the psychological aspect changes.”

Juventus’ defensive struggles remain a concern after conceding 15 goals in their last five matches. Prandelli admits solving that issue will be crucial, especially with the threat of Osimhen.

“Luciano had everything sorted out, it’s hard to understand what happened in the last few games. I don’t think it’s easy, even for those at Continassa. Spalletti has experience: the impression is that the pitch is lacking two or three players with character, people who can take the team by the hand when it’s difficult.”

Osimhen missed Galatasaray’s weekend defeat to Konyaspor due to a knock but is expected to be fit for the return leg.

The striker also has a strong personal record against Juventus, contributing two goals and four assists in eight meetings, winning six of those matches.

If Juventus are to produce one of Europe’s famous comeback nights, keeping Osimhen quiet may prove the decisive challenge.