Ciro Immobile silenced his doubters by scoring a brace in Lazio’s win over Celtic, a result that takes the team to the Champions League knockout stages.
The Biancocelesti captain has been the target of much criticism in the Italian capital this term, failing to look his usual decisive self as the team’s results bounced from impressive to disastrous. He has netted just four goals across 12 league appearances this campaign.
Immobile played the leading role for Lazio in their decisive Champions League clash with Celtic, scoring two goals late in the second half to secure all three points for the home side, who have now guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16 of the competition.
La Gazzetta dello Sport had high praise for Immobile and suggested that he’s certainly reclaimed his starting role, writing: “Very great Ciro for a night. In the second half, in 20 minutes he scored two goals for his team which extended the future of the Biancocelesti. Two goals as a centre-forward, it’s true that he is finding himself. In Europe he has reached eight. Now a starter, right?”
Tuttosport echoed these sentiments, touching on his talismanic performance and influence on the result, commenting: “As captain he leads his Lazio, two shots and a brace. Decisive.”
Corriere dello Sport gushed over Immobile’s work and noted how he’s still capable of performing on the biggest stages, writing: “Opportunism, cunning, a hawk in the penalty area. Ciro entered, knocked out Celtic and all those who’d like him to retire, no one knows why. A stunning brace from a timeless centre forward, now there’s 203 goals with Lazio, 10 in the Champions League.”
Immobile’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 9
Tuttosport: 8
Corriere della Sera: 8