Roma told to brace themselves for Celtic Park’s intense atmosphere | OneFootball

John Arne Riise has cautioned Roma that they should brace themselves for an intense atmosphere at Celtic Park tomorrow night…

Roma celebrations at Ibrox. theRangers v Roma. Europa League, 6 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

However, the ex-Liverpool defender believes his former side can return to Glasgow and make a major statement in Europe again this season, dealing a heavy setback to Celtic’s chances of advancing in the Europa League past January.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side travel to Scotland only a month after handing theRangers a costly 2-0 defeat at Ibrox.

The Italian giants currently sit two points ahead of Celtic in the Europa League group phase and can secure qualification with a victory at Celtic Park.

Celtic vs Sturm, 23 October 2025. UEFA Europa League, Celtic Glasgow vs SK Sturm Graz. Image shows team of Celtic a team of Sturm. Photo GEPA pictures Chris Bauer (IMAGO)

A daunting and unforgettable atmosphere for the visitors

Riise believes ‘i Giallorossi’ are capable of getting the job done, but insists that if the entire stadium rallies behind the home side and their new manager, Wilfried Nancy – as he chases his first win – it could create a daunting and unforgettable atmosphere for the visitors.

The former Norway international experienced the Celtic Park environment during his time at Liverpool and told footitalia.com: “Celtic is one of the best games I played in because of the atmosphere and the passion the fans are showing, helping the team.

“What I do love about Anfield and at Celtic is the European nights. I think that they are quite special in both places. Obviously my favourite place is Anfield. I’d been playing there for many years, but when I see Celtic, the games for European nights on TV, and I played there myself, it’s unbelievable,” Riise added.

Celtic Park under the lights before kick off Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, – 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere, and the noise level is ridiculous.”

“I won’t compare them, but I will say that Celtic on a European night is one of the best games in the world to play in. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere, and the noise level is ridiculous.”

However, Riise expects Roma to make it two wins from two in Glasgow this season, saying: “Oh, I do think so. I think Roma’s been on a good run so far, at home in the Italian League.”

“The one thing I would say could be tough is whether they can handle that style of play that Celtic have, as well as the passionate fans in the stadium.”

“Celtic players are going to go out from the first whistle to just run over you”

Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Daizen Maeda during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“All those kinds of the things, because it’s going to be passionate and I know from experience that Celtic players are going to go out from the first whistle to just run over you, and try to create chances, to get the fans behind them and that could be intimidating if you don’t know how to react to that.”

“But that’s the only thing that I would be concerned about. Apart from that, I’m confident that Roma can get the win.”

Roma fans at Ibrox. theRangers v Roma. Europa League, 6 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Having watched their game at Ibrox, Roma were competent enough and got the job done but with an eye to this game my thoughts at the time were that Celtic would give them a game and would stand a decent chance, especially as Celtic Park is just about sold out.

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy arrives prior to the Premier League match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on December 07, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Let’s make some noise for the Bhoys and for Wilfried Nancy to help get him his first win as Celtic manager.

Conor Spence

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