Galatasaray vs Juventus: Spalletti wary of 'complete' Osimhen as Juve turn to McKennie false nine

Juventus head to Istanbul for the first leg of the Champions League play-off with Galatasaray on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, kicking off at 12: 45 PM ET. The winner over two legs will progress to the Round of 16, with the return tie set for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Luciano Spalletti has framed the fixture as a test of character and pressing football as he searches for answers after a turbulent domestic weekend.

Spalletti's tactical gamble: McKennie as a false nine

Spalletti has opted for an unconventional attacking solution with Weston McKennie deployed as a false nine. The choice is partly forced by injuries — Jonathan David, Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik are all on the treatment table — but the coach insists the decision is tactical as much as pragmatic. Spalletti emphasised the centrality of Juventus' press and the need to exploit space when coming out of it. "The fundamental issue is how we press and how we emerge from their press, " he said, stressing that effective pressing compresses space for opponents and forces quick decisions.

Using McKennie in the centre allows Juventus to maintain midfield density while still threatening in transition. Spalletti believes that playing out from pressure can create openings for his technically gifted players; with McKennie dropping to link play and runners from deep encouraged to surge forward, Juve will look to unsettle Galatasaray's structure rather than sit back and absorb. Defensively, the plan will hinge on disciplined pressing triggers and swift transitions that punish any momentary defensive disorganisation in the hosts.

Osimhen threat and Istanbul atmosphere

Spalletti did not shy away from praising Galatasaray's leading striker, calling Victor Osimhen "a complete striker" who brings pace, physicality and relentless determination. Containing Osimhen will be Juventus' prime focus: the Nigerian's ability to stretch lines and punish defenders in space makes him a match-winner on any given night. Spalletti was confident in his centre-backs' ability to deal with that threat but acknowledged the challenge posed by Galatasaray's attacking depth, which also includes Noa Lang and the experienced option of Mauro Icardi on the bench.

Beyond personnel, Spalletti highlighted the stadium itself as an element that can influence the tie. "Everything seems incandescent, like it's ready to burn, " he observed of the Ali Sami Yen arena, calling on his players to match the intensity and have the courage to play their football in a hostile setting. The home crowd and the electric atmosphere are likely to lift Galatasaray, so Juventus must balance ambition with control to avoid being drawn into frantic exchanges where Osimhen thrives.

Injuries, discipline and the fast turnaround

Juventus arrive in Turkey still smarting from a controversial 3-2 defeat in the Derby d'Italia at the weekend, a game that saw a key red card before half-time and left the squad short on rest. Spalletti was keen to shut down that result as background noise, insisting the team must focus on what it is now rather than what it aspires to become. Khephren Thuram has recovered from a bruise to start, providing physical balance in midfield, but the spate of forward absences forces creative adjustments.

Galatasaray, by contrast, are relatively healthy and will be buoyed by a front line that mixes youth and experience. The Turkish side have reinforcements with strong links to Italian football, and the suspension of Mario Lemina removes a midfield option from their selection, but their forward pairing remains potent. This tie promises to be a chess match of pressing schemes, transitional speed and individual duels — especially those between Juve's central defenders and Osimhen.

With everything on the line across the next 180 minutes, Spalletti has framed the fixture as a battle of courage and identity. Whether Juventus' makeshift attack can hold up to a full-throated Istanbul challenge will shape their Champions League hopes for the rest of the season.