Champions League 2025-2026: Galatasaray-Juventus, the likely lineups
After the great controversy of the derby d’Italia with Inter Milan, Juventus is ready to return to the Champions League field in the playoff first leg match against Galatasaray. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. at Rams Park in Istanbul. The Bianconeri, who finished the single round in 13th place in the standings, will have the advantage of playing the return match at home, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. at Allianz Stadium.
Buruk must forgo ex-Juve Lemina in midfield: there’s Gabriel Sara alongside ex-Sampdoria Torreira. In attack former Napoli player Osimhen, with former Inter Milan player Icardi from the bench: behind him another former Azzurri ’Lang -, with Sané and Yilmaz completing the three-quarter. In defense, Boey and Jakobs will act as full-backs.
Spalletti must do without David, who has not been summoned due to a groin problem: in his place McKennie is expected to advance in the role of first forward, with Conceiçao, Miretti and Yildiz in support in the three-quarter. In midfield, Thuram is recovered and will start from 1′ paired with Locatelli, defense headed by the Bremer-Kelly pair.
Probable lineups
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Gabriel Sara; Sané, Lang, Yilmaz; Osimhen. All. Okan Buruk.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceiçao, Miretti, Yildiz; McKennie. All. Spalletti.
