ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Playoffs first leg match between Galatasaray AS and Juventus on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo courtesy of Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Juventus have what it takes to overturn a 5-2 deficit against Galatasaray in Wednesday night’s second leg of the Champions League play-off round, and believes Luciano Spalletti can become the Cristiano Ronaldo of the current Bianconeri team.
The Old Lady prepare to face Galatasaray in the second leg of the Champions League play-off round on Wednesday night and will need a small miracle to make up for last week’s disappointing 5-2 defeat in Istanbul. Juventus need to win by three goals to maintain the tie, and need to win by four goals to avoid a penalty shootout.
This is an important week for Juventus, given that they have to face Roma on Sunday in the race for Serie A Champions League qualification, with a six-point lead. The Bianconeri currently sit fifth in the Serie A standings, just four points from qualifying for the Champions League.
Prandelli previews Juventus vs Galatasaray, Roma
said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello SportPrandelli explained that he is secretly confident that Juventus can turn things around against Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
“It will be difficult to score three or four goals without conceding against Osimhen and his teammates, but who would have thought that after the first leg in Istanbul, Galatasaray would score three goals in 45 minutes against the Bianconeri? Spalletti’s team should be able to do it. Why not?” Prandelli said.
“When you take the lead in the first 20 minutes, the psychological aspect changes.”
The last time the Bianconeri returned to the Champions League on a similar scale was in the Round of 16 in 2018-19, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help Juve win 3-2 on aggregate against Atletico Madrid.
Asked on this occasion who could be Juventus’ Ronaldo, Prandelli said: “Sparetti. He won’t be on the pitch, but he’s the player with the most experience and charisma. I don’t expect him to come up with new ideas. I think he’ll focus on the players he has the most confidence in.”
“Galatasaray and Roma are two important games for Juventus during the season and, for many players, for the future.”
Prandelli was asked if he might consider resting some of his key players for the game against Galatasaray in order to focus on the next Serie A game against Roma.
“No,” said Mr. Prandelli. “The game against Galatasaray should be seen as the most important. There can be no doubt about that. If we can get back to the Champions League, we will have momentum heading into the Stadio Olimpico.”
There is also a financial factor to consider, given that qualification to the round of 16 of the Champions League is worth around 15 million euros for Juventus, while finishing fourth in Serie A is worth around 60 million euros.
“Coaches do technical evaluations, not economic evaluations,” Prandelli said. And if managers were to put more pressure on their teams, they would be managers, not football officials. You should avoid talking about money. ”