Victor Osimhen: Montella fears Juventus comeback if Galatasaray miss Nigeria star

Vincenzo Montella believes Galatasaray must do everything possible to have Victor Osimhen available for their decisive UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Juventus, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Turkish champions travel to Turin on Wednesday for the second leg at the Allianz Stadium holding a strong advantage after their impressive 5-2 victory in Istanbul last week.

Although Osimhen did not score in the first meeting, the Nigerian striker played a major role in the win. He provided two assists and contributed to three goals as Juventus conceded five times in a Champions League game for the first time.

Victor Osimhen: Juventus maçında 3. gol sonrası topu aldım evet 2-3 yeterli değil bu takımlara karşı. Sürpriz yapabilecek kapasitelerini biliyoruz.

Şu mentaldaki topçu bir takımın en büyük dayanağı, umudu, her şeyidir. pic.twitter.com/ZLBqIAhs2x

— Riberio (@riberiioo) February 24, 2026

However, Galatasaray face a worrying situation. Osimhen picked up a knock during training and missed their surprise 2-0 league defeat away to Konyaspor at the weekend. He has travelled with the squad to Italy, but it remains unclear whether he will start.

Juventus must win by three clear goals to force penalties, while a four-goal victory would send them through automatically, a scenario Montella believes becomes more realistic if Osimhen is absent.

“Osimhen is an emotional driver, even before being a technical leader for Galatasaray,” Montella told TuttoSport.

“He changes the balance of power enormously; he’s a player who changes the face of the team. If Galatasaray don’t get him back, it will undoubtedly be a huge advantage for Juve.”

Montella warns Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray

Despite Galatasaray’s commanding first-leg win, Montella insists qualification for the Round of 16 is not guaranteed.

“Football always leaves everything open: Galatasaray has a considerable advantage, but they have to stay in the game at all times,” Montella added.

“In the league they paid the price for their feat in the Champions League. Juve will face a team with a strong mentality, but comebacks happen: history tells us so.”

Montella’s opinion is shared by another former Italy national team head coach.

Meanwhile, history between Juventus and Galatasaray suggests a closely fought rivalry. Across seven meetings, Galatasaray hold the overall edge with three wins compared to one for Juventus, while three matches have ended in draws.

In Turin, however, Juventus have traditionally been harder to beat. Galatasaray have never won on Juventus’ home ground, recording two draws in three visits.