Hoops Host Lazio in Paradise

Hoops Host Lazio in Paradise
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Luis Palma's first goal for Celtic sparked a chaotic end in the 2-1 win against Motherwell


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Wednesday, 4 October 2023
20.00 BST​

The Hoops return to Paradise on Wednesday evening, as they welcome the visit of Italian side Lazio, for this second match of the Champions League Group Stage.

Saturday's dramatic late 2-1 win over Motherwell was yet another example of the Celts playing to the very last and getting the rewards. In truth it was a largely forgettable performance until the contest was sparked to life with the arrival of Luis Palma from off the bench, who looked to inject some energy and provided a few moments of genuine quality after his introduction.

The winger curled a low effort from outside the corner of the 18-yard box, which evaded the best efforts of the home side's defenders and goalkeeper on it's way to finding the net in the 87th minute. This triggered a frenetic climax with the hosts hitting back to equalize in injury time, before an almost immediate reply, when Greg Taylor's lobbed ball to the back post found Matt O'Riley to seal victory with the proverbial last kick of the game.

And it is this sort of tenacity and never-say-die attitude that will give the Bhoys the belief that they can do the job on Wednesday, when Lazio come to town.

Indeed, the last time the Roman side came to Glasgow, it was a very similiar story, when Christophe Julien's 89th minute winner proved the difference and claim a memorable 2-1 victory.

And perhaps even more remarkable was the last time these sides met, when another dramatic late show saw Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham combine to * a stoppage time winner to once again seal a 2-1 win - a first for the Hoops on Italian soil and provide Celtic with an all too rare European away day triumph anywhere!

Will history once again repeat itself? Can Celtic secure another famous triumph over Lazio? There will a complete capacity crowd to roar the Bhoys on in Paradise, knowing the team are capable of the dramatic and the extraordinary - and indeed that anything is possible.


October 2019: Christophe Julien's 89th minute header secured a famous victory against Lazio

That said, there will be taking nothing as given, especially on nights like this, but there is some cause for optimism coming into this game, but will be wary as Lazio are capable of their own late show.

In fact, the visiting Italian side required an injury time equalizer at home to nick a point from their 1-1 draw with Athletico Madrid in their first Champions League fixture.

In truth though, it has been a very sluggish start to their season overall, after finishing Runner-Up in Serie A in 2022/23.

Indeed, Lazio's troubles were compounded further at the weekend, when AC Milan defeated them 2-0, which left the Roman club sitting in 15th in the league, with just 7 points to show - their lowest tally at this same stage of a season since 2007/08 - and even though it is still only early in the season no doubt will be beginning to feel the pressure of their current domestic standing.

A big part of that has been their defensive issues. Last season, Lazio recorded 21 clean sheets in the League, compared to just the one so far this term - which could provide some additional insight for Brendan Rodgers to find a way through and the Bhoys to hopefully exploit.

However, it will only matter if every one in green and white is switched on for the full 90 minutes plus, with lots of character, teamwork and effort across the board for the Celts to add to those impressive previous results against this potentially dangerous opponant.



Matt O'Riley scored the late, late winner - and sealed his long term future - on Saturday.​

By the Numbers​

• Brendan Rodgers will want to improve to his managerial record of two wins in 19 Champions League Group Stage outings.

• Celtic will be looking to record a first win in Europe since Dec 2021. (Europa League, 3-2 v Real Betis).

• Lazio have won just 1 of their last 5 competitive games and have kept just 1 clean sheet this season.

• Lazio have failed to score in the last 15 min of either half in Serie A action this season, while having conceded 5 goals during that time (2 in 30-45min & 3 in 75-90min).

Midfielder Luis Alberto has contributed 2 goals and 1 assist this season for Lazio

Team News

The Bhoys will be without suspended duo, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm, after both were issued with red cards against Feyenoord. Elsewhere, Brendan Rodgers side will continue to be without Liel Abada (thigh) as well as Maik Nawrocki (hamstring), Stephen Welsh (ankle) and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is training but not expected to make a return until after the International break.

However, Nat Phillips has been back with the squad since late last week and played a part in the 2-1 win over Motherwell, meaning he could be an important inclusion in the starting XI on Wednesday, as is Joe Hart, who is expected to return after being suspended for the match at the weekend.

As for Lazio, Maurizio Sarri is expected to have close to a full squad to choose from, including Alessio Romagnoli, who recently broke his nose but will likely still be available - albeit wearing a protective mask. Elsewhere, club captain Ciro Immobile has been gradually eased back into action, with the veteran striker having made a number of appearances from off the bench in recent weeks.



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 2 W: 2 D: 0 L: 0​

Celtic v all Italian Opposition
P: 28 W: 7 D: 9 L: 14

~~~~ 2023/24 Form ~~~~ ​

Overall
W W L W W ~ L W D D L​