Spalletti: No place to hide for Juventus ahead of Galatasaray test

Luciano Spalletti insisted that there would be no place to hide for his Juventus players at RAMS Park as they prepare for their Champions League play-off with Galatasaray.

Juventus make the trip to Turkiye on Tuesday fresh from their 3-2 defeat to Serie A leaders Inter, leaving them 15 points adrift of top spot in the Italian top flight.

However, their attention returns to UEFA's flagship competition, with a goalless draw in their final league phase clash with Monaco seeing them finish 13th in the 36-team table.

This will be the seventh Champions League meeting between Galatasaray and Juventus, though the first to come in the knockout rounds of the competition.

The Turkish giants have lost just one of the prior six games between the pair (W2 D3), winning the last meeting 1-0 in December 2013.

Indeed, the Bianconeri have failed to win any of their three away Champions League games against Galatasaray (D1 L2). They have only ever faced Deportivo de La Coruna (four – D2 L2) more times on the road in the competition without winning.

"We know the difficulties we're facing because we've watched their games. They're a strong team, and we've come here deserving to play this game," Spalletti told reporters.

"We're happy to play against opponents like this. We'll try to play the game in the correct way, and we will see what level of quality we're at.

"Because these stadiums show you what mental strength you need to have as well. We don't want to hide, we want to play the game and try to win.

"We have to be ready for Galatasaray's selections. We're anticipating decisions that will create confusion and chaos.

"We have to try and play our game, and we can't be intimidated by their ferocity."

After remaining unbeaten across their first five Champions League games against Turkish opposition between 1996 and September 2003 (W3 D2), Juventus are since winless across their last three (D1 L2), and Spalletti stressed the importance of taking a first-leg lead back to Turin.

"When it's a double-header, both matches are important. Any hesitation can cost dearly," Spalletti added.

"I'm proud of the reaction they showed in Milan and I wouldn't change my team for anyone in the world.

"We have to play as a team and not suffer from the opponent's pressure, play our football."

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