Brendan Rodgers not falling into Lazio trap but a big Celtic opportunity exists

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Brendan Rodgers isn’t reading much into Lazio’s start to the season as their trip to Celtic Park looms.

The Serie A side face Celtic next Wednesday in matchday two of this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage. They opened their campaign with a respectable draw against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, but their league form has left a lot to be desired.

The Italians, now managed by Maurizio Sarri, have had a torrid start to the season. They sit 15th in Serie A having taken just four points from their opening five matches. On Saturday, they drew at home to AC Monza.

As we covered at the weekend, the Lazio support are far from happy right now with boos greeting the full-time whistle at the Stadio Olimpico after the 1-1 draw.

It certainly seems like we may be playing them at the right time. However, Rodgers isn’t falling into the trap of thinking that they’re going to be out of form at Celtic Park.

“Not really,” he said when asked if he reads anything into the run on Celtic TV.

“When I look at the squad and the manager, what I see is quality. Sometimes the results can be that way, especially at the beginning of the season.

“The manager might have been trying something new, something different. But what I do know is they have quality.

“For us, we will relish the game. It’s going to be at home — our first Champions League game at home. It’s a special place. Hopefully, when that time comes around we can get the performance and the result that we wish.”

Rodgers is right to play down the Italians’ recent form. It isn’t likely to be too relevant come kick off on Wednesday night. It is, however, looking increasingly like an opportunity we can’t afford to turn down.

We haven’t won a Champions League group-stage match at Celtic Park since October 2013. In truth, we have only rarely threatened a victory since that Ajax triumph.

Next Tuesday is shaping up to be a big one at Celtic Park. The fact that we have recent history of beating Lazio (twice) will further add to the expectancy. We just need to get through Motherwell this weekend and then we can look forward to it.

Lazio, meanwhile, have Torino at home on Wednesday evening and a trip to AC Milan on Saturday.

In other news, Brendan Rodgers is seeing positive signs every day at Celtic