Victor Osimhen: How Juventus boss Spalletti plans to stop Super Eagles star in UCL tie

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has made it clear that stopping Victor Osimhen will be central to his team’s plans when they face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Italian giants travel to Istanbul for the first leg at Rams Park, knowing they will be up against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacks.

Osimhen has been in outstanding form in the competition this season, scoring six goals in six matches and leading Galatasaray’s charge into the knockout rounds.

Victor Osimhen tops the list of most Player of the Match in the group stage of the Champions League. ✋️ pic.twitter.com/khTbNtx1cz

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 16, 2026

Spalletti knows the Nigerian striker well from their successful time together at Napoli, where Osimhen developed into one of the continent’s most feared forwards. Now, the Juventus coach is preparing to face the same player who once powered his own team to glory in Italy.

But Osimhen is not the only threat worrying Juventus.

Victor Osimhen – Mauro Icardi: Spalletti wary of deadly Galatasaray duo

Spalletti has also highlighted the danger posed by Osimhen’s strike partner, Mauro Icardi, who has been in ruthless form in Turkey.

And the veteran Italian gaffer has highlighted how his Juventus plan to stop the dangerous partnership.

“Okan Buruk will be the one to decide whether Osimhen and Icardi play together,” Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti said ahead of the Galatasaray match.

“Both are extremely strong players. Their characteristics are quite different. They know exactly how to behave in the penalty area as strikers. One creates chaos, and the other knows how to capitalize on that chaos well.

“We will try to keep them away from the ball as much as possible. We must be prepared for all of Galatasaray’s choices. We have to play our own game. We can’t step onto the field with fear. Okan Buruk has a very strong personality. His and his players’ quality is extremely important, but we came here to play this match. We’re happy to face an opponent of this level.”

Osimhen’s six Champions League goals have shown his importance in Europe, while Icardi has dominated domestically with 13 goals in 21 league games to keep Galatasaray top of the Super Lig table.

The pair showed their chemistry again at the weekend as Galatasaray swept aside Eyüpspor 5-1. Icardi scored three times, while Osimhen provided two assists, including a perfectly weighted cross for one of the Argentine’s goals.

History also slightly favours the Turkish side. In six previous meetings with Juventus, Galatasaray have won twice, with Juventus managing just one victory and three draws.

The second leg of the tie will be played in Turin next Wednesday, where everything could still be on the line. But for now, Spalletti knows that keeping Osimhen quiet in Istanbul may be the key to Juventus’ Champions League hopes.