Massimo Donati has previewed this Celtic’s clash with Lazio and whilst he thinks the Italians may be stronger, he acknowledges it at Celtic Park, where anything can happen.
The 38-year-old also suggested that Celtic have ditched the ‘international style’ of Brendan Rodgers and replaced it with a more robust ‘Scottish’ approach, which could cause Lazio problems in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
As reported in the Daily Record, the former Celtic midfielder highlighted the differences between the Italian game and the Scottish game – which the Scottish Champions have moved back towards since Neil Lennon was appointed.
“Scottish football is very different from Italian football. The games here are played at 100 miles per hour and tactics are often overlooked.
“Celtic had a more international style under Brendan Rodgers, but Neil Lennon has them back playing in a more ‘Scottish’ way.”
Donati, who is currently the assistant manager at Kilmarnock, suggested that Celtic have the players to hurt the Italians, even if the Rome team are the better side on paper.
“They are a very strong and aggressive team.Edouard is a very good player, he’s talented and very physical.
“Lazio should also pay attention to James Forrest who is a fast, technical winger who could put them in danger. Ryan Christie is in great form. He is playing well and scoring with regularity.”
The ex-AC Milan man, who spent two years at Celtic, feels that the Celtic defence could be the underbelly that Lazio, with players like Immobile could expose even if the Celtic Park atmosphere intimidates the Italians.
“However, defensively they can give you chances and that is their weak point in my opinion.
“Lazio are stronger, but Celtic Park is a huge advantage for them. Lazio will need character, they will need to win their individual duels and they have to focus on being technically superior.
“For me, Lazio have been too inconsistent this season and they could do with a good run in the Europa League.”
Donati knows all about European nights at Celtic Park as he is fondly remembered for scoring the winner versus Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2007/08 Champions League group-stage match.
