Celtic are back in Europa League action this week but, if history is to play a factor in this, the odds are stacked against them.
Winning on Italian soil has proved tricky for the Hoops ever since their formation in 1888.
In fact, the only time they have ever won in the country was in 2019, when Olivier Ntcham’s last-minute winner against Lazio sent the away end at the Stadio Olimpico into pandemonium.
Bologna will be no slouches, having only lost one game in the tournament so far, but that shouldn’t put the Hoops off.
With that, here are three reasons why Celtic can beat Bologna on Thursday.
I think the score between Bologna and Celtic will be
Celtic have already broken one European curse
As fun as it is competing in Europe, games on the road have been tough pills to swallow for travelling supporters.
‘This is the day that we win away’ was a chant often heard across the continent. Sometimes out of hope, more often out of irony.
That all came to an end though when Celtic beat Feyenoord this season, ending their wait for a first European away win since 2021.
Celebrations in Rotterdam went on early into the night and getting that monkey off their back is a relief.
Martin O’Neill knows how to deal with pressure
He has proved it time and time again but when the going gets tough, Martin O’Neill stands up to it.
O’Neill has already guided Celtic to a number of results amid intense scrutiny as he was tasked with coming back to save the club’s season.
I want the next manager of Celtic to be…
Beating Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, as well as Feyenoord and in fact, only losing once on his return shows he is up for the fight.
Celtic are back amongst the goals
It may be difficult watching Celtic miss chance after chance, but they are now scoring goals.
Benjamin Nygren is the top scorer and has become more consistent in front of goal of late. You can never rule out Daizen Maeda too.
Others are capable of finding the net too, including Sebastian Tounekti and in an era where Celtic seem incapable of keeping teams out on the continent, scoring more has to be the aim.
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