Spalletti urges Juventus to overturn 5-2 deficit as McKennie fills left flank
Luciano Spalletti told juventus the team must deliver a collective performance to erase a 5-2 deficit from Istanbul as they prepare to face Galatasaray at the Allianz Stadium. The coach confirmed tactical shifts and squad decisions designed to meet the immediate need to reach the Champions League last 16.
Juventus needs to overturn 5-2 from Istanbul
Spalletti opened his pre-match remarks framing the night as special: "Sensazioni delle grandi serate, delle partite non comuni, non normali. " He reminded players that the comeback is a team task after Galatasaray took a 5-2 advantage in the first leg in Istanbul, a scoreline the squad must reverse to advance to the ottavi di finale of the Champions League.
McKennie shifted to left after two suspensions
With Cambiaso and Cabal suspended and unavailable on the left flank, Spalletti said the staff will deploy McKennie on that side. "Dispiace farlo giocare in quel ruolo, " the coach admitted, adding he believes McKennie excels behind the striker but the team has specific needs. That concrete roster move—McKennie at left—changes how juventus will defend Galatasaray's one-on-one wingers and alters the side's usual attacking shape.
Bench choices, Bremer’s fitness and the call to the Stadium
Spalletti suggested Di Gregorio could start on the bench as part of a careful process to help the player regain form: "Si fanno delle valutazioni, anche approfondite... si fa partecipare anche il ragazzo, si guarda come reagisce e si decide così. " He also noted Bremer completed part of a session with the group and that the staff will decide if the defender starts. The coach appealed directly to supporters at the Allianz Stadium, saying he wants the "occhi e cuore dei tifosi" to help the team; he stressed the match requires the entire environment to participate.
Spalletti highlighted Yildiz as a dependable presence in difficult moments, noting the midfielder's willingness to be available for the team after a partial training session: "Mister io ci sono, sono a posto, " the player reportedly told the coach as he left training. That endorsement gives juventus a concrete option in midfield as they chase three goals to force extra time.
On the psychological side, Spalletti framed selection choices as tools to rebuild confidence. He defended Di Gregorio publicly and emphasized that short-term benching can give a player the chance to "ritrovare le sue capacità" and respond to pressure—an explanation tied directly to the decision about who will start in goal and across the back line for the match against Galatasaray.
The immediate consequence is clear: juventus must score at least three more goals than Galatasaray in the home leg to extend the tie. The match at the Allianz Stadium is the next confirmed event and will determine whether Spalletti's tactical adjustments—McKennie on the left, a monitored return for Bremer, and the choice over Di Gregorio—are enough to force extra time and a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
