Italian clubs face a monumental challenge in the Champions League playoff second legs. Juventus must overcome a three-goal deficit after a crushing 2:5 defeat in Istanbul against Galatasaray, while Atalanta hosts Borussia Dortmund, trying to overturn a two-goal deficit. The situation for Italian football is concerning, as all three of Italy's representatives risk elimination before the knockout stage, which could negatively impact the country's UEFA ranking.

Juventus's Difficult Mission

The Turin club must overcome a three-goal deficit after the 2:5 defeat in Istanbul, counting on the return of Yildiz and Bremer.

Borussia Fans' Boycott

Dortmund fans will not appear in Bergamo in protest against actions by Italian police.

BVB Squad Reinforcements

Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck have returned to training and are ready to play against Atalanta.

Threat to Italian League

Potential elimination of all Italian teams could worsen Serie A's position in UEFA rankings.

The atmosphere ahead of Juventus's rematch with Galatasaray in Turin is tense, with experts describing the mission of Luciano Spalletti's squad as "almost impossible." After the 2:5 defeat in the first leg, the Turin side must win by at least three goals to even force extra time. Spalletti, seeking inspiration for his team, has resorted to unconventional methods, showing players special motivational videos before training. Good news comes from the medical staff: Kenan Yildiz and Bremer have returned to group training, offering hope for strengthening both the defensive and offensive lines. However, statistics are merciless for the hosts – Galatasaray has advanced eleven times in its history when winning the first leg by at least three goals. In Champions League history, only a handful of teams have managed to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg of a knockout tie. The most famous examples remain Barcelona's "Remontada" against PSG in 2017 and Liverpool's success against the same opponent two years later.An equally difficult task awaits Atalanta Bergamo, which lost 0:2 to Borussia Dortmund. Coach Raffaele Palladino is calling on fans to create "hell" at Gewiss Stadium, emphasizing that the team must play without any inferiority complex. However, Borussia Dortmund arrives strengthened by the return of key defenders – Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, which will significantly ease coach Niko Kovac's work. A shadow over the spectacle is cast by a boycott from organized Dortmund fan groups. "Südtribüne Dortmund" announced it will not appear in Bergamo in protest against restrictions imposed by local police, seen as an unprecedented limitation of fan rights after 16 years of continuous presence in European cups. 11 — times Galatasaray has advanced with a 3-goal leadItalian media emphasize that the failure of both clubs, combined with Inter's difficult situation, could mean a historic embarrassment for Serie A. The lack of advancement by Italian teams to the round of 16 would be a massive blow to prestige and finances, threatening the loss of an additional spot in next year's tournament edition. The referee for the match in Bergamo will be Spaniard José María Sánchez, while the match in Turin will be officiated by Portuguese referee João Pinheiro.

Mentioned People

  • Luciano Spalletti — Juventus coach, trying to motivate his team for a historic comeback.
  • Raffaele Palladino — Atalanta coach, counting on fan support in the rematch against Borussia.
  • Niko Kovac — Borussia Dortmund coach, warning his players about the atmosphere in Bergamo.