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By Goli Innocent
Former AC Milan manager Vincenzo Montella has warned that Juventus would gain a significant edge in their UEFA Champions League playoff if Victor Osimhen is not fully fit to lead the line for Galatasaray.
Osimhen has been the central talking point ahead of the decisive second leg in Turin after sitting out Galatasaray’s 2-0 Turkish Super Lig defeat to Konyaspor with knee discomfort. The Nigerian striker was omitted as a precaution, raising fears he could miss one of the club’s biggest European nights this season.
The 27-year-old has since returned to training and is expected to feature, fitness permitting. His influence was evident in the first leg, where he failed to score but still dismantled Juventus’ defence, winning 75 per cent of his aerial duels and supplying two assists in a commanding 5-2 victory.
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Montella, now in charge of the Turkish national team, stressed that Osimhen’s value extends beyond goals, describing him as the emotional heartbeat of the Istanbul giants.
“He is more of an emotional leader than a technical leader for Galatasaray,” Montella told TuttoSport. “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 head into the return leg with a three-goal cushion, leaving Juventus needing at least three unanswered goals to force extra time. With six goals in seven Champions League matches this term, Osimhen’s availability could ultimately determine whether the Turkish champions finish the job or hand the Italian side a lifeline.
