UEFA Europa League 2019/20: Celtic vs Lazio – tactical analysis

The third matchday of the UEFA Europa League group stage brought together Celtic and Lazio for a high-profile clash. Celtic came into the group as leaders and looking to beat their biggest threats for the top spot. Lazio would be aiming to build on their win over Rennes and grab an away result before the return fixture.

This tactical analysis will detail Celtic’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Lazio. This analysis will focus on the tactics of both sides that contributed to the enthralling contest.

 Lineups

Neil Lennon sent Celtic out in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Fraser Forster was in goal for the hosts. Ahead of him was a four-man backline of Hatem Elhamed, Christopher Jullien, Kristoffer Ajer and Boli Bolingoli. Scott Brown and Callum McGregor were the double-pivot in midfield. Ryan Christie would operate ahead of those two with James Forrest and Mohamed Elyounoussi on the flanks. Spearheading the attack was lone striker Odsonne Édouard.

The visitors were lined up in a 3-5-2 formation by manager Simone Inzaghi. Lazio would have Thomas Strakosha in goal, with a back-three of Bastos, Denis Vavro and Francesco Acerbi. Marco Parolo, Lucas Leiva and Sergej Milinković-Savić were the three in midfield. Out wide would be the wing-backs Manuel Lazzari and Jony. The front-two were Joaquín Correa and Felipe Caicedo.