30.01.2026 15:11
Juventus manager Giorgio Chiellini's face soured during their Champions League draw against Galatasaray. Chiellini later stated, "When we were drawn against Galatasaray, the first thing that came to my mind was Osimhen and the match in Istanbul in 2013. It's a good opportunity for us to erase that memory from Istanbul."
In the UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-off, the first statement after the draw came from Juventus manager Giorgio Chiellini, who was one of the names conducting the draw. Following the match-up, Chiellini made a striking reminder of the past.
"BOTH OSIMHEN AND THE 2013 ISTANBUL MATCH COME TO MIND"
Juventus manager Chiellini stated that the match-up with Galatasaray evokes special associations for him, using the following expressions:
"When I think of the match against Galatasaray, the first thing that comes to my mind is Osimhen and the match in Istanbul in 2013. This is a good opportunity for us to erase that memory from Istanbul."
Chiellini's words were interpreted as a reference to the memorable elimination Juventus faced in Galatasaray's away match in 2013. The emphasis on Osimhen by the Italian football figure was seen as a sign of respect for Galatasaray's attacking power.
THE FIRST MATCH IN ISTANBUL
The first match in the play-off between Galatasaray and Juventus will be held in Istanbul, while the return match will take place in Turin. The matches will be played on February 17-18 and 24-25, and the winning side will advance to the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.