World Cup winning football legend Dino Zoff has hailed the experience of playing at Celtic Park, speaking ahead of Lazio’s visit to Glasgow to play Neil Lennon’s side later this week.
The famous goalkeeper played at Paradise with Juventus in the 1981/82 European Cup, with the Hoops winning 1-0 on the night.
Although Celtic subsequently lost the tie, it appears we made quite the impression on one of the greatest players of all time in his position.
Also a notable former Lazio boss, Zoff has been asked for his comments on the upcoming UEFA Europa League tie, and couldn’t help but reminisce about a big night in his legendary career.
As quoted by The Sunday Post (20/10 print edition, Post Match supplement page 12), he said: “Many years have passed, but I remember the emotion I felt when I entered the field at Celtic Park. It was a really beautiful feeling.
“The atmosphere was just incredible, certainly one of the very best I experienced in my long career. If you consider I lifted the World Cup for Italy at the Bernabeu in Madrid, and played at all the world’s best stadiums, that is saying something.
“In my opinion playing at Celtic Park is a very special event for every footballer and that will very much be the case for the Lazio players when they go to Glasgow this week.”
Can the 12th man roar again?
The atmosphere generated by the crowd in the recent group stage win over Cluj demonstrated that Celtic fans no longer see the Europa League as a secondary competition, but one we can do well in.
That backing was no doubt a factor in helping pick up the three points. Lennon’s team responded well to the urgency and noise of a buoyant crowd under the lights at Paradise.
Gone are the days of reduced crowds in this competition too. The sell out against the Romanians has been repeated for the visit of the Italians.
Lazio haven’t travelled well so far this season, losing three of their five matches away from home in all competitions, including a game against Cluj.
The Hoops meanwhile remain a rampant force at Celtic Park and can be confident of maintaining position at the top of the group table come the close of play on Thursday night, with a hopefully raucous atmosphere booming around the East End of Glasgow.
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