Giorgio Chiellini has spoken to Sky Sport Italia following the Champions League play-off draw, which paired Juventus with Galatasaray. The first leg will be played in Istanbul, with the return fixture scheduled for the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The Bianconeri director reflected on the outcome of the draw, recalling past encounters with the Turkish side and addressing questions about the January transfer window.
Facing Galatasaray
Chiellini warned that Galatasaray cannot be reduced to the threat of Victor Osimhen alone.
“The memory of 2013 immediately came to mind, but I actually thought more of Osimhen,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to change that last memory in Istanbul. They’re a strong team full of quality and individual talent, but playing the second leg at home gives us an advantage. We’ll need to perform well in Istanbul, exploit their weaknesses, and limit their attacking power – not only Osimhen, but others across the pitch as well.”
Transfer Market
The former Juventus captain also provided an update on the club’s transfer situation.
“There’s nothing new at the moment,” he noted. “If anything happens, it will be within the next three days.”
Remembering 2013’s Snowy Night
Chiellini looked back on the infamous snowy match in Istanbul that saw Juventus eliminated from the Champions League over a decade ago.
“One half of the pitch was treated differently, but that’s not an excuse. We lost it on the field, and I made the decisive mistake. I still feel that responsibility,” he admitted. “However, this is a completely different situation now – different teams, a different football world. We must respect their quality, but we’re aware of our own strengths. It will come down to details, and we’ll need a mature performance in Istanbul and again in Turin.”
On Osimhen
Chiellini was full of praise for the Nigerian striker, though admitted he no longer has the legs to face him.
“Now, I probably wouldn’t last two minutes against him – but once upon a time, I’d have liked that duel,” he joked. “Even when my physical condition limited me, I had to face him with my head. He’s a powerful forward with incredible hunger. Galatasaray have many strong players, including some familiar to Italian football. Turkish clubs are investing heavily, and this will be a good test of our progress. We’ve been growing since the Bologna match, and with Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and now the Champions League ahead, important weeks await us.”
On Transfer Links to Osimhen
When asked about rumours linking Juventus to Osimhen, Chiellini dismissed them clearly.
“It’s normal that a player like Osimhen is admired — he’s liked by every club in Italy and Europe — but realistically, there’s never been anything concrete.”
