Lennon relishing Juventus challenge

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is savouring the prospect of another two classic encounters against Juventus after being paired with the Italian champions and Serie A leaders in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Lennon was a Celtic player when the teams last met, in the 2001-02 group stages, in dramatic circumstances. Celtic came from two goals down in Turin, thanks to strikes from Stiliyan Petrov and Henrik Larsson, only to lose 3-2 after Nicola Amoruso dived to win a dubious late penalty, which saw manager Martin O’Neill sent to the stand for his protests.

Celtic, inspired by Slovakian playmaker Lubo Moravcik, gained revenge with a 4-3 victory at Parkhead in the final group game with Chris Sutton hitting a double, but it was not enough to see them into the last 16.

Lennon would settle for similar controversy and action when the teams lock horns next year — if there is a different outcome.

“I hope we get two more exactly the same — goals, controversy, action,” said Lennon. “And I hope it goes our way.”

Juve went through last season unbeaten in Serie A and currently sit seven points clear.

“They have been very consistent in Serie A,” said Lennon. “They are easily the best team in Italy at the moment and they are formidable opponents. But over two games, who knows?”

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown admits he will face the ultimate midfielder when he lines up against Andrea Pirlo.

“He’s their main player week in week out. He’s the one that makes them tick and the one that we are going to really have to watch out for.”