After Bodø/Glimt’s advancement to the quarter-finals of the Europa League with Lazio as an opponent, we wrote enthusiastically that “We look forward to Lazio stars coming to Aspmyra with small shoes and pomade in their hair”. The match will be played on April 10, everything that happens up to this match day will affect the two clubs’ will to win, or fear of losing. The Glimt supporters got a good message ticking in from Italy on Sunday.
On Sunday, Lazio’s advancement was to be followed up with success in the league match against Bologna: 7 shots on goal, 5 goals. These were Lazio’s statistics on Sunday – against their own goal.
Lazio are fighting for a Champions League ticket in Serie A with Bologna, so there should be nothing to say about motivation or focus. Away from home, Lazio conceded a 1-0 score after the quarter of an hour, but went to half-time with every opportunity to turn the game around in the second half.
We don’t know what Lazio coach Marco Baroni said to his players, but the effect was total collapse. Bologna scored twice before five minutes of the second half had passed and punctuated the game completely.
The home team did not give up until it was 5-0 on the scoreboard. For Europa League quarter-finalist Lazio the total collapse.
Bodø/Glimt and Kjetil Knutsen probably followed the total meltdown for the Lazio players. On April 10, sour spring weather, a yellow horde of supporters and a Bodø/Glimt brim of confidence await the Lazio gang at Aspmyra. You just have to dread.
