Speaking to Sky Sport after the Champions League draw, Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini commented on the upcoming playoff showdown against Galatasaray, scheduled to take place between February 17 and 24.
“It’s a strong team with outstanding individuals — truly very good players,” Chiellini said. “We will play the second leg at home, so everything will not be decided in Istanbul.”
“However, we must go to that stadium and play our game, exploit the weaknesses they have, but at the same time limit their great potential and individual quality — not only in attack.”
Chiellini also highlighted Galatasaray’s attacking threat, mentioning Victor Osimhen in particular.
“We all know Victor Osimhen very well, but there are also many other important players,” he said.
Speaking specifically about the Nigerian striker, Chiellini added with a touch of humor that he would struggle to mark him today.
“At one point in my career, I would have liked to mark him, yes — but today I wouldn’t last even two minutes,” Chiellini joked. “I was lucky enough to play against him a few times, but it was already quite late in my career, so let’s say my physical parameters were limited compared to a player like Osimhen.”
“Still, Galatasaray are not just Osimhen. They have many important players. The Turkish league is investing heavily and attracting high-level profiles. It will be a very interesting two-legged tie,” the Italian concluded.
Chiellini closed his remarks by expressing respect for Galatasaray, while also showing confidence in Juventus’ growth and the club’s ambition to move beyond the playoff stage in this season’s Champions League.
