Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri admits the Serie A giants struggled to cope with Celtic’s speed, intensity and ‘dynamism’ with their Champions League opponents far from the classic ‘Ango-Saxon team’.
British football might have undergone quite the transformation in recent years – particularly since Pep Guardiola brought his unique brand of possession-heavy football to UK shores – but reputations are difficult to shake off.
More performances like Celtic’s against Lazio on Wednesday night, however, will go some way to dispelling the tag that is often slapped upon Scottish teams. Less blood-and-thunder, more control and guile.
Less brawn. More brain.
“(It was a) high intensity match. They’re not a (typical) Anglo-Saxon team,” former Chelsea, Napoli and Juventus coach Sarri tells Sky Italia.
“They are quick. They have dynamism.”
Lazio stun Celtic in stoppage time
On a night of the tightest margins, Celtic saw another impressive Champions League performance go unrewarded.
Some ten minutes after Luis Palma was denied by VAR – the Honduran had strayed onside before firing in what looked to be the winner – veteran forward Pedro found himself on the right side of the lines during the dying seconds of stoppage time, guiding an inspired header past Joe Hart to ensure that Celtic do not even have a point to show for their efforts across the first two Champions League matchdays.
“Before the match I told the boys that we were close to being competitive (in the competition). And that’s the difference between winning and losing,” Sarri adds.
“I hope that tonight’s match gives us a boost of courage.”
Celtic hopes still alive
Celtic now face a daunting double header with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, with at least one win required if Brendan Rodgers’ side are to keep their hopes of knockout stage football alive. Then again, considering the strength of the group – not quite the ‘Group of Death’ but not far off – a third place finish and Europa League football after Christmas would not be the worst consolation prize.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
