Lazio fear that they will be outnumbered by Celtic fans at Thursday’s Europa League tie in the Stadio Olympico.
The hoops have been given an official allocation of 9,000 tickets but thousands more are expected to travel with supporters from Germany, Croatia and across Italy travelling independently to European fixtures.
Italian fans are loathe to attend matches away from their traditional Sunday slots with the Europa League a distant priority behind playing in the Champions League.
Marco Canigiani, Lazio’s marketing manager, has the job of trying to generate interest among home fans who seem most likely to watch the action on telly.
Canigiani told Solo La Lazio:
For the race on Thursday we have sold more than 14,000 coupons, but most of these will go to Celtic, we expect growth for the sale reserved for biancocelesti fans.
Last night Lazio won 2-1 away to AC Milan but it remains to be seen if that result creates a rush of interest in Thursday’s match with Celtic.
After losing in Glasgow a fortnight ago Lazio trail Celtic by four points in Group E with Neil Lennon’s side knowing that a win will guarantee their place in the knock out phase of the competition.
Boli Bolingoli is Celtic’s main injury for the match with Jonny Hayes and Greg Taylor capable of stepping in for the Belgian defender.
