Simone Inzaghi has dismissed the idea that Europe isn’t one of Lazio’s priorities this year.
With Ciro Immobile set to start on the bench (Gazzetta dello Sport), question marks can be raised about how much Lazio value the Europa League.
There have been suggestions that the Serie A side are only interested in domestic form. This would be a similar attitude to that of the English Premier League teams, who care more about being as high in the league as possible than Europe’s secondary club competition.
But Inzaghi most certainly isn’t of that mindset. In comments picked up by Cittaceleste from his presser, the Lazio boss confirmed they’ll do everything they can to progress in Europe.
“I’m only looking at Celtic. We will have to try and make a great performance. The we have a few hours before Florence (trip to Fiorentina on Sunday).
“But we know this. We wanted Europe at all costs and we will do everything we can to honour it 100% without worrying about the next championship games.
“(This game) is very important for the fate of Group E and our progress in the Europa League. This double-match with Celtic could be decisive.”
Inzaghi not willing to come across as care-free
This is hardly surprising. It’s not as if Inzaghi was going to come out and state that his side didn’t care about the competition. That would hardly be the right course of action considering their supporters have forked out to come here.
But it has been a ropey start for the Serie A side. They surprisingly lost in Cluj before having to turn around a home deficit against Rennes. It’s clear that they haven’t been at their best in the Europa League so far.
But taking them as anything other than 100% serious would be a huge mistake from Celtic. Neil Lennon isn’t one to fall into traps like that so easily. He’s now an experienced tactician and will know to expect a tough challenge from Lazio.
Choosing to put Immobile on the bench doesn’t say much for how they value the game. It’s clear that Inzaghi, despite what he says, still has eyes on Fiorentina this Sunday.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Teams can have their own ambitions and prioritise certain games over others. But we just have to be wary that we don’t get sucked into the idea that we just have to turn up here tonight.
Lazio have international talent rippling throughout their squad. They’re currently seventh in Serie A, which still means they aren’t a bad side. And whilst we can all debate whether they truly value this game over others, it doesn’t mean they’re going to be weak and roll over easily tonight.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
