Juventus are set for a crucial night in the Champions League playoffs as they face Galatasaray in Istanbul. The first leg represents a defining moment for Luciano Spalletti’s team, arriving after a tense and controversial clash against Inter at San Siro — a match that tested both the physical and mental resilience of the Bianconeri. Now, the challenge is to turn that frustration into energy for a fixture that could shape Juventus’ entire European campaign.
Spalletti has to navigate a few key absences and selection dilemmas. Jonathan David has been ruled out due to a groin problem, while Marcus Thuram’s availability from the start remains uncertain. The Italian coach could once again rely on the creativity of Kenan Yildiz and Fabio Miretti behind the striker, with Weston McKennie surprisingly considered to lead the line ahead of Loïs Openda. In midfield, if Thuram is not fit enough to start, Teun Koopmeiners is ready to reclaim his place after being benched against Inter.
On the opposite side, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk is counting on Victor Osimhen to spearhead the attack against his former coach. Mauro Icardi, though fit, could begin on the bench, with Baris Yilmaz slightly ahead in the race for a starting place. The Turkish side are expected to mirror Juventus tactically with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Buruk’s only remaining doubt is at right-back, where Roland Sallai seems to have the edge over Sacha Boey.
Probable Galatasaray lineup (4-2-3-1)
Cakir; Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Gabriel Sara; Yilmaz, Yunus Akgün, Sané; Osimhen.
Probable Juventus lineup (4-2-3-1):
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Miretti, Yildiz; McKennie.
