Besiktas open the Vincenzo Italiano era on Thursday, hosting Midtjylland in the first leg of a Europa League second qualifying round tie. The Turkish side finished a distant fourth in the Super Lig last season and have not reached a UEFA group stage in three years. Italiano, who led Fiorentina and Bologna deep into European competition, arrives with expectations raised.
Recruitment has been ambitious. Alexander Nubel and former Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard have both joined, though the Belgian remains on post-World Cup leave. Their pre-season offered little encouragement, with two wins from five friendlies coming against Gyirmot and SV Mattersburg, and defeats to Spartak Trnava and Widzew Lodz.
Midtjylland arrive in considerably better shape. Mike Tullberg's side won four of five warm-up matches, thrashing Cardiff City 6-0 and beating Odense 4-1. Last season they finished third in the Europa League phase, beating Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Dinamo Zagreb before losing to Forest on penalties in the last 16, then lifted the Danish Cup.
Besiktas vs Midtjylland: Key Stats
Besiktas have not reached a UEFA group stage in three seasons
Besiktas won just 2 of 5 pre-season friendlies
Midtjylland won 4 of their 5 pre-season matches
Midtjylland finished third in last season's Europa League phase
Franculino has 55 goals in 107 appearances for Midtjylland
Photo Credit (Besiktas)
What to Expect
Italiano's teams typically press aggressively and play with width, but this is a first competitive outing with a squad still being assembled. Nubel, Kassoum Outtara, Salih Ozcan and Ilhan Fakili are all registered, while Felix Uduokhai serves a suspension. Orkun Kokcu and Wilfred Ndidi should anchor midfield, with Semih Kilicsoy and Oh Hyeon-gyu competing to lead the line.
Midtjylland have continuity on their side and know exactly what this competition demands. Franculino returns to full fitness after a knee problem and has scored in each of the last two friendlies. Dario Osorio, subject of interest from Arsenal, adds pace and unpredictability alongside him.
The Danish side's squad has been disrupted by Paulinho's departure to Botafogo, and captain Mads Bech Sorensen is a doubt. New arrivals Rasmus Kristensen and Friday Etim may start. Even so, their European experience and sharper preparation give them a clear edge over a Besiktas side still finding its shape.
Predicted Lineups
Besiktas (4-2-3-1)
Nubel; Bulut, Djalo, Agbadou, Yilmaz; Ndidi, Ozcan; Cerny, Kokcu, Fakili; Kilicsoy
Midtjylland (3-4-2-1)
Olafsson; Lee, Diao, Kristensen; Osorio, Billing, Bravo, Byskov; Castillo, Franculino; Etim
Players to Watch
Orkun Kokcu - Besiktas captain and their creative reference point, responsible for setting the tempo. With Trossard unavailable, the burden of unlocking a well-drilled Midtjylland defence falls largely on him.
Franculino - Has been Midtjylland's most consistent goal threat for several seasons and returns fit and scoring. His movement and finishing make him the most likely source of an away goal in Istanbul.
Dario Osorio - Brings directness and pace on the flank and has attracted serious interest from Premier League clubs. Against a Besiktas defence missing Uduokhai, he could find joy in wide areas.
Wilfred Ndidi - Provides the defensive screen Besiktas will need against Midtjylland's transitions. His ability to break up play is central to keeping the tie alive ahead of the second leg.
Prediction
Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.75
Midtjylland's form and cohesion make them the better-prepared side, and Franculino's return to fitness gives them a genuine cutting edge. Besiktas have looked disjointed in pre-season and are missing key personnel through suspension and post-tournament absence.
Home advantage and the quality of Kokcu should ensure Besiktas find the net, but their defensive uncertainty against a side that scored ten goals across two recent friendlies is a real concern. An open first leg with goals at both ends looks the most likely outcome, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of Denmark.
