Lazio skipper: We were better than Celtic
Lazio captain Marco Parolo says Celtic can give anyone a run for their money in the Europa League knock- out stages – provided Fraser Forster can maintain his current form.
The Italian internationalist was left stunned after the Hoops’ win in the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.
The midfielder said: “Celtic proved they have good qualities because they have beaten us twice.
“I say that as someone who is convinced that – in both the first match at Celtic Park and the return at the Olimpico – we were better than them.
“So we learned from those results that Celtic are a well- organised team, one with its own style of play which they are able to express on the pitch.
“In my opinion, great credit has to go to their goalkeeper.
“Lazio created many chances over the two matches, yet were only able to score twice, thanks to the saves made by Forster.
“It was a very impressive performance, especially in the final minutes in Rome where he denied us again and again.
“While Celtic created fewer opportunities, they scored four goals. That shows their mentality and their determination to make the most of what comes their way.
“In those individual moments, the ties were won and lost.”
While Thursday’s result leaves Lazio as good as out of Europe ( they trail Cluj by six points with just two rounds of fixtures remaining), Neil Lennon’s side can look forward to the excitement of a last-32 knock-out tie.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Se v i l l a are am o n g the potential opponents, and Parolo predicts a bold showing from the Scottish champions, whoever they get.
“Celtic are a team who have proved with their results against us they know what they are doing,” said the 34-year-old.
“They won their way through to the later stages of the competition on merit through their performances in the group games.
“And while it is true they may face some very tough opposition in the knock- out ties, no one is going to find them an easy side to deal with.”