Lazio captain Ciro Immobile has continued the theme of knowledgable comments in the lead-up to his side’s clash against Celtic.
It’s going to be a huge night at Celtic Park as the Hoops aim to get their first points on the board in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.
Many see this game as a great opportunity for us to win at this level, given the Serie A side’s domestic struggles so far this campaign.
Immobile has faltered a little individually this campaign, netting just two goals for Lazio in nine matches. Yet, he will still pose a huge threat to the Celtic defence on Wednesday.
The Italian international came on as a sub in Lazio’s 2019 defeat to Celtic Park. He also scored in our famous win in Rome a few weeks later.
After his manager Maurizio Sarri spoke intelligently about our technical qualities and steered clear of any Scottish stereotypes, Immobile followed suit.
“The last time here I was on the bench so I could take it all in and appreciate the atmosphere,” he said at his Tuesday press conference. (Celtic YouTube)
“Both teams have changed a lot since then but I have told my teammates what to expect. I’ve got trust in my team-mates. Celtic are a good side, we have looked closely at them.
“They play very good football, different maybe to the traditional idea that Italian people might have about clubs from the UK.
“The team is in good shape with a good spirit. I’m training well and I feel in a good place. I’m sure the results will be good soon.
“It doesn’t matter whether we play Serie A or Champions League. The same things apply. Something has been missing this season in defence and attack and we want to put it right.”
Immobile came across very well in the media event. He was positive, engaged and receptive to some questions about Celtic. He clearly rates us and our playing style, which is nice to hear.
He is likely to be less friendly come kick-off on Wednesday evening, and is someone our defence will have to keep their eye on at all times. Switch off for a moment and we will be punished.
This is what the Champions League is all about — elite strikers coming to Celtic Park. Even better players than Immobile have left empty-handed in the past. Let’s hope it’s a similar story this time.
In other news, switched-on Hyunjun Yang already making great noises about move to Celtic
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