It seemed that Lazio were going to be plunged into a state of crisis ahead of their visit to Celtic Park on Thursday. They were, after all, three-nil down at home to Atalanta at half-time.
However, a remarkable second-half comeback was completed in injury-time, as Ciro Immobile’s penalty earned Lazio a 3-3 draw.
That must give the Italian side some confidence ahead of their Europa League clash with the Hoops. Celtic will have to be wary about Lazio’s ability to score goals.
Upcoming opponents were dominated in first-half
However, the Hoops should take a boost from Lazio’s poor first-half performance, where Atalanta were by far the dominant team.
Celtic’s last league match before the Lazio game was far more comfortable. The Hoops hammered Ross County 6-0 in what was one of their best performances of the season so far.
Will the league games have any effect on either side ahead of the game at Celtic Park? It is perhaps too early to say.
Striker is in great form
However, the game did show that Immobile will be a player that Celtic will need to keep a very close eye on at Celtic Park.
His two goals – both penalties – against Atalanta took his goal tally for the season to 11, for club and country.
However, there may be something in Lazio’s approach to the game that Celtic can take advantage of. The three goals they conceded came in a period of 10 minutes.
That could show that they are susceptible to conceded goals in bursts. Ironically enough, Celtic scored four goals in 1o minutes in the 6-0 win over Ross County.
Would Celtic’s game against Lazio be any easier if Lazio had suffered a heavy defeat? Probably not. However, the comeback by Lazio could go one way or the other.
They could either take huge confidence from the comeback, or they will be exhausted after playing in such an emotional game. Only time will tell.
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