Former AC Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella believes Juventus will have an edge in their UEFA Champions League playoff second-leg clash against Galatasaray if Victor Osimhen is not fully fit to feature, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen has dominated pre-match discussions ahead of Wednesday’s showdown at the Allianz Stadium, with the spotlight mainly on his fitness.
The 27-year-old missed Galatasaray’s 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday after experiencing knee discomfort, leading to initial fears he might miss the trip to Turin.
He was left out of the squad as a precaution to avoid aggravating the issue at such an important time of the season.
However, the Nigerian international returned to training on Monday looking sharp and is expected to play on Wednesday, barring any late setbacks.
Although he didn’t find the net in the first leg, Osimhen was a constant menace to the Juventus backline—winning 75% of his aerial duels and assisting two goals in the emphatic 5-2 victory.
Montella Calls Victor Osimhen A Leader At Galatasaray
Montella, currently the head coach of the Turkish national team, insists that The Cimbom must do everything within their power to ensure their talisman is on the pitch. But for them to survive the Alianz Area, they will Osimhen to show up and show out.
“He is more of an emotional leader than a technical leader for Galatasaray,” the former AC Milan boss told TuttoSport, per Futboo.
“He shifts the balance significantly; he is a player who changes the very face of the team. If Galatasaray cannot play him, it will undoubtedly be a massive advantage for Juve.”
Galatasaray enters the second leg with a commanding three-goal cushion, meaning Juventus must score at least three unanswered goals to stand a chance of advancing.
That mountain becomes significantly steeper if Osimhen is leading the line, given the constant threat he poses on the counter-attack.
With six goals in seven Champions League matches this season, the Super Eagles striker will be eager to add to his tally and ensure his side crosses the finish line into the Round of 16.
