Italy failed to qualify for another World Cup after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties and their wait to reach a finals for the first time since 2014 continues. But what was happening at Celtic in that time?
12 years have passed since then and lots has changed in Celtic in terms of the highs and lows. From winning Trebles to playing on the big stage in the Champions League.
Players have come and gone since then, so 67 Hail Hail is looking at three things that were going on at Paradise in 2014.
Which Celtic player are you most excited to watch at the World Cup?
Tell us why…
Ronny Deila was appointed as Celtic manager
While the Azzurri were getting ready to play in Brazil, the Hoops were entering a new era after confirming the appointment of Ronny Deila as their new manager.
Neil Lennon had left at the end of the 2013/14 campaign and was replaced by the Norwegian following his impressive spell at Stromsgodset.
Although Deila won two league titles with the Bhoys, he came under fire for his playing style and stepped down in 2016.
Amido Balde was still a Celtic player
The man, the myth, the Amido Balde is a man that many have forgotten about, and probably for good reason.
Balde signed a four-year deal in 2013 but only managed two goals before being shipped out on loan twice before signing for Metz in 2015.
He only scored three goals for the Bhoys and his career was about as successful as Italy’s future hopes of qualifying for another World Cup.
Callum McGregor hadn’t made his Celtic debut
It’s been that long since Italy last qualified for the World Cup that Callum McGregor hadn’t even made his debut for Celtic, let alone become a first-team regular.
McGregor had been learning the trade during a loan spell at Football League outfit Notts County, where he played alongside Jack Grealish.
Finish the sentence: My dream Callum McGregor replacement is —-
Tell us below 🔽
The 32-year-old did make his debut months after the 2014 tournament, appearing in a Champions League qualifier against Icelandic opposition FK Reykjavik.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
