Callum McGregor wants more Lazio nights like 2019

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Celtic F.C.

·4 October 2023

Callum McGregor wants more Lazio nights like 2019

Callum McGregor has some pretty good memories of competing against Lazio.

Taking part in the UEFA Europa League group-stage matches back in 2019, McGregor enjoyed two iconic 2-1 victories over the Serie A side at Celtic Park and in Rome.

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As much as they remain strong memories for the Celtic captain, it’s only himself and James Forrest who are still in the current squad from those nights, but now he is hoping this team can create similar memories tonight as they lock horns again, this time in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking ahead of tonight's clash against the Italian side, McGregor said: “We’ve been progressing every week so it’s a great stage to show the growth in the last few weeks.

“At this level, it’s about concentration and you have to be switched on for 95-plus minutes if you want to get a positive result.

“If we can play with good energy and quality on the ball then hopefully we can have a good night.”

Lazio heads into the match tonight with just two victories from seven league games this season, but they did earn a point in their opening UEFA Champions League tie with a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.

Having finished second in the Italian table last season, the Celtic captain knows all about Lazio's threats and he is expecting a tough and exciting night at Paradise.

He added: “They’re clearly not at their free-flowing best, but we’ve looked at them on the video and they will still be a top team.

“They’ve earned the right to be in the competition and although they’ve stuttered a bit in the league I don’t think it will count for much.

'It’s more about us and how we approach the game and play and imposing our style on them.'

"We know they’re a top team and we have to respect that. We know they have a lot of quality, especially in the attacking line with Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto, who are two top players.

“They have good technique and are good finishers, and if you give Alberto time he can dictate the tempo of the game.

“They are two key men we need to look after if we want to have a positive result.”