Juventus face Galatasaray with forwards sidelined
David stays in Turin with a groin issue as a precaution and should return for Como, Roma and the second leg. With Vlahovic and Milik absent, Sky tip Openda to start, with McKennie, Yildiz or Boga as options.
Galatasaray’s Osimhen, on 6 UCL goals, chases Burak Yilmaz’s club record of 8 against Juventus. He has 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 games vs Juve, while Gala boast an eight-match home unbeaten run v Italians.
Spalletti targets a first-leg win in Istanbul, wary of Icardi and Osimhen. With David, Vlahovic and Milik out, Openda or McKennie could lead the line. He calls simulation an offence and urges maturity.
After Inter 3-2 Juventus, Spalletti rebukes Chivu’s remarks on Kalulu, condemns ‘simulation’, and urges Juve to show maturity. He defends Bastoni’s Italy call-up, saying Gattuso should be free to choose.
Juve visit RAMS Park for the playoff first leg, with Kalulu available and Thuram a possible return. Predicted XI lists David, but Spalletti’s side are tipped to draw 1-1 before hosting the second leg.
