Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has acknowledged the immense threat posed by Galatasaray’s attacking pair of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League showdown.
The Italian tactician, who previously worked with Osimhen during their time at Napoli, admitted both forwards bring different but equally dangerous qualities to the pitch.
Osimhen has been in scintillating form in Europe this season, scoring six goals in six Champions League appearances, while Icardi has dominated domestically with 13 goals in 21 Super Lig matches to keep the Yellow-Reds at the summit.
Speaking ahead of the game, Spalletti described the duo as an “encyclopedia of number 9s,” stressing that their contrasting styles make them particularly difficult to contain.
"Osimhen and Icardi are very strong footballers, their characteristics are different," he said as reported by Cumhuriyet.
"When they play together, they can create an encyclopedia of number 9s. As forwards, they both know very well how to behave."
He further explained that the two strikers offer contrasting qualities, noting that while one unsettles opponents with relentless pressure to create chaos and openings, the other remains composed and clinical enough to capitalize on the chances that follow.
"One creates chaos, the other knows how to benefit from that chaos. They both have extraordinary talent," the Italian manager added.
While admitting that his side faces a tough challenge against the Turkish outfit, the Juventus boss stressed the need to prevent the ball from reaching the two forwards in order to limit their impact on the game.
"The solution is to keep them as far away from the ball as possible. Galatasaray's quality will pose a challenge for us ."
Both strikers underlined their partnership over the weekend as Galatasaray cruised to a 5-1 victory over Eyüpspor at Rams Park.
Icardi netted a hat-trick, while Osimhen contributed two assists, including a pinpoint cross that set up the Argentine’s second goal.
Adeyemi Adewale
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