Bologna v Celtic – “European nights are brilliant,” Kieran Tierney

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The Celtic Star

·22. Januar 2026

Bologna v Celtic – “European nights are brilliant,” Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney reflected on Celtic’s European campaign so far and is also looking ahead to going up against his Scotland international teammate Lewis Ferguson this evening in Bologna…

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Denmark battles for possession with Lewis Ferguson and Kieran Tierney of Scotland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park on November 18, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The left-back has embraced each opportunity to test himself on the European stage and is keen to deliver another standout display when Celtic face the Serie A side tonight.

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While domestic demands continue to pile pressure on the squad, progress in continental competition remains a key objective following last month’s morale-boosting victory away to Feyenoord. That result has left the Hoops firmly in contention to advance to the knockout playoffs in February.

One win in the remaining fixtures – against Bologna on the road or Utrecht at Celtic Park – would be enough to qualify.

Djeidi Gassama of theRangers shot is blocked by Kieran Tierney and Celtic captain Callum McGregor during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Celtic v Rangers – Photo O’Rourke Shutterstock

Speaking via The Herald, Tierney said: “European nights are brilliant, home and away. You always know the atmosphere is going to be good with both. You also know the standard is going to be high. The challenges are always different.

“I’m sure Bologna will be different to Feyenoord, just as Utrecht at home will be different again. There are so many different styles so it’s about how you adapt and how you analyse your opponent and bring your own style of play into the game.”

Kieran Tierney of Celtic. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Tierney added: “As a defender, the attackers you’re up against can vary in style too. You can be facing a tall winger who likes going inside or a tricky winger who likes going down the line.”

“It’s always different but I’ll get the clips of the two or three options of who I’m playing against. I then try and analyse it and be ready for whatever is coming my way.”

The Celtic defender has been analysing Bologna ahead of the trip, although he conceded his regular viewing of Italian football has been limited in recent years, even with a growing Scottish presence across Serie A.

Attention will quickly turn to familiar opposition on Thursday, with Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson expected to feature for the hosts.

21.12.2025 Celtic v Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership. Kieran Tierney celebrates his goal. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Elsewhere in Italy, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have enjoyed title success in Naples, while Che Adams has been making an impact in Turin with Torino.

KT said: “No, I don’t watch too much. I watched a bit of the Napoli game last week when Scott scored twice [in the 2-2 draw with Inter in the San Siro]. He’s flying out there.”

“Lewis is obviously at Bologna but I haven’t spoken with him since we were with Scotland in the last camp. Was there interest in Italy? Nothing concrete. When I went to Spain I loved it out there.

Kieran Tierney of Real Sociedad is challenged by Nico Williams of Athletic Club during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad at Estadio de San Mames on January 13, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“The club (Real Sociedad) is amazing and I love the people there – it’s a brilliant city (San Sebastián in the Basque Country) and a beautiful place. I cherished that year. It was brilliant for me just to go and learn something different and be a part of a foreign league at a different team.”

“It was amazing. I went back to the city last summer for a few weeks’ holiday and met up with the people from the club. I still keep in touch with them.”

Conor Spence

Wee video of @DoolinShea singing Bella Ciao at wreath laying at the Fallen Partisans monument yesterday
– Donnerstag, 22. Januar 2026

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