Tonight will be a special night at Celtic Park as a European giant visits Glasgow to face one of the most respected atmospheres in world football. Sometimes, as a fan, it is easy to get caught up in the fact Celtic are a top 5 club on the planet when it comes to stadium atmospheres.
But football is about results and results against Italian teams do not make for pretty reading. Although Lazio and Celtic have never met before, the Hoops have not managed a win against an Italian side in any competition in their last nine attempts. The Bhoys have lost six and drawn three. Their last win came against Milan in 2007/2008 Champions League.
When it comes to optimism in football, I prefer to keep it to myself, but I am optimistic Celtic can break this pattern against Italian teams tonight. Celtic will need a flawless performance that we have witnessed a few times already this season. If Celtic play like they did against Cluj and Lazio play as they did against the Romanians it could be a good game for the history books.
Celtic are coming into the game after a sparkling 6-0 performance against Ross County while Lazio visit to Glasgow after a 3-3 draw with Atlanta at the weekend.
If the Bhoys back four can perform tonight then this game is there to be won and top spot in the group will belong to Celtic before the reverse fixture in Rome next week.
