As Lazio prepare for their Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland, now is the perfect time to remember their first time facing a Danish opponent, FC Copenhagen.
The Biancocelesti are looking to continue their impressive work in Europe following last week’s 4-2 win over Feyenoord and they’re ready to travel to Denmark to face a stumbling Midtjylland side, who lost their opener against Sturm Graz 1-0.
Lazio do not have a storied history against teams from the Danish Superliga, having only faced FC Copenhagen once before in a two-legged Champions League qualifying clash back in the 2001-02 season.
The Roman club actually lost the first leg at the Parken Stadium, when Hernan Crespo’s opener was cancelled out by late goals from Jacob Laursen and Heine Fernandez. It was a wake up call for Dino Zoff’s side, and they responded well in Rome a fortnight later.
On a warm evening at the Stadio Olimpico in late August 2001, Lazio flexed their muscles as they secured a 4-1 win. A brace from Crespo gave the team a comfortable advantage and Claudio Lopez made things 3-0 just after the hour mark. Sibusiso Zuma netted a consolation goal in the final 10 minutes of the clash, but Stefano Fiore guaranteed the win with his 90th minute strike.
The victory was enough to take Lazio to the Champions League group stages but things did not go to plan on the European stage – Zoff’s side finished bottom of Group D, ending up behind Nantes, Galatasaray and PSV.
Lazio will be hoping for a more convincing first leg in Denmark as they gear up for a tough clash against Midtjylland.
