Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt return to UEFA Europa League action with a historic target in sight — becoming the first Norwegian club to reach the semi-finals of a major UEFA competition. Their next challenge – Italian Serie A side Lazio in a thrilling quarterfinal clash. Kick Off Nigeria editor Nwosu Chigozie looks into the upcoming clash and provides his prediction.
Fresh from a 1-0 win over Atalanta in Serie A, Lazio now shift focus to Europe. The two sides will meet for the first time in a competitive fixture, with the first leg taking place in Norway, followed by the return leg in Rome two weeks later.
Match Preview: Bodø/Glimt vs Lazio
Bodø/Glimt enter this quarterfinal brimming with confidence, having won their last two matches in the Eliteserien. Known for their fearless and attacking football, the Norwegians will look to capitalize on home advantage and claim a crucial first-leg victory before heading to Italy.
Lazio, on the other hand, will aim to build on their momentum following the Atalanta victory. With experience and quality in their squad, the Italian giants will want to grab a favourable result in Norway before sealing the tie back home at the Stadio Olimpico.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first ever competitive meeting between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio.
Prediction
This match promises to be an end-to-end affair, with both teams adopting attacking approaches. Bodø/Glimt, one of the surprise packages of this season’s Europa League, will be highly motivated to pull off another upset. With home support behind them and a strong recent run, they could edge Lazio in this first leg.
Best Betting Odds on 1xBet:
- Bodø/Glimt Win – 3.32
- Over 2.5 Goals – 1.92
- Both Teams to Score (Yes) – 1.77
Players to Watch
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio):
Back from injury and already contributing with an assist in the weekend win over Atalanta, the Nigerian midfielder is a creative threat who can unlock defences and score from midfield. Expect him to play a pivotal role in Lazio’s European ambitions.
Kasper Høgh (Bodø/Glimt):
The 24-year-old Danish forward has been in red-hot form for the Norwegian champions. With two goals and one assist in his last two league matches, Høgh is likely to lead the line and will be key to Bodø/Glimt’s chances of getting a first-leg result.
