Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti vows to 'keep Victor Osimhen quiet' in Istanbul match

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti vows to 'keep Victor Osimhen quiet' in Istanbul match

The meeting at RAMs Park in Istanbul pits two of Europe's most dangerous attacking lines against each other, but Spalletti made it clear that stopping Osimhen is at the top of his agenda.

The Nigeria international has scored six goals in six Champions League appearances this season, underlining his importance to Okan Buruk's side. Alongside him, Mauro Icardi is in sharp form after netting a hat-trick in Galatasaray's 4-0 league win over Eyuspor last weekend.

Spalletti acknowledged the threat both strikers pose.

"Osimhen and Icardi are very strong footballers, their characteristics are different," he told reporters. "When they play together, they can create problems for the opposition."

The experienced Italian coach broke down their partnership in simple terms. "As forwards, they both know very well how to behave. One creates chaos, the other knows how to benefit from that chaos.

"They both have extraordinary talent. The solution is to keep them as far away from the ball as possible."

Juventus are expected to rely on disciplined defending and compact spacing to limit service into the Galatasaray front two. Spalletti also warned that the Turkish champions offer more than just individual quality up front.

"Galatasaray's quality will pose a challenge for us," he added.

With Osimhen in prolific European form and Icardi fresh from a domestic treble, Juventus know that control and concentration will be crucial if they are to leave Istanbul with the upper hand ahead of the return leg in Turin on 25 February.

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