Wilfried Nancy prepares subtle Celtic adjustment as shapeshifter role remains unlikely for Roma test

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy will look to bounce back from an earlier disappointment when Roma arrives in Glasgow for their second European meeting this season. The French tactician experienced a setback in his debut domestic challenge, as Hearts claimed victory at Parkhead. Now he faces a significantly tougher examination against the Italian visitors in the Europa League.

Roma demonstrated their quality during their previous Scottish visit, securing a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Rangers at Ibrox. Under Gian Piero Gasperini’s management, the Roman side showed they can operate effectively even without requiring maximum effort. Their arrival in Glasgow represents another stern test for Nancy as he continues adjusting to his new role.

Celtic’s current standing places them within the top 24 positions in the competition table, which would secure their advancement to the round of 32. However, the margin remains narrow with teams close behind, making victory essential for improving their progression chances. Two remaining fixtures against Bologna and Utrecht follow this encounter.

Nancy’s initial tactical approach involved implementing a back-three formation with wingbacks, departing from the previous setup. This system struggled significantly against Hearts, as Derek McInnes’s preparation successfully exploited its vulnerabilities. Despite this setback, Nancy appears committed to persisting with his strategic framework rather than reverting entirely.

Personnel constraints due to injuries limit Nancy’s defensive options considerably. The wingback roles, particularly where Yang and Sebastian Tounekti operated, appeared problematic defensively. Additional training sessions should facilitate improved implementation of the system. While some positional adjustments may occur, fundamental tactical changes seem unlikely as Celtic prepare for this crucial European fixture.