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Bayern to face Lazio in Champions League last 16

FC Bayern have been drawn against Lazio in the last 16 of the Champions League, following Monday’s draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. It will be the first competitive encounter between the European champions and the Italians, with the two legs taking place on 23 February and 17 March of next year. fcbayern.com takes a look at the club from Rome.

Lazio qualified as runners-up of Group F to set up this maiden clash with the men from Munich. “They’re an awkward opponent, as we saw in the group against Dortmund,” said Bayern board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić in reaction to the draw.

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Featuring top scorer Ciro Immobile (back row, 2nd l.) and former FCB goalkeeper Pepe Reina (back row, l.), Lazio managed a 2-2 draw in their final group game against Club Brugge to book their place in the last 16.

The current Coppa Italia holders amassed 10 points from their six group games. The Biancocelesti claimed two wins and a draw from their three matches at home in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, where Germany won the World Cup in 1990. They currently sit ninth in Serie A.

Reunion with Pepe Reina

Lazio’s star man is undoubtedly Ciro Immobile. The former Dortmund striker was the league’s top scorer last season with 36 goals, while he has 11 in 13 competitive matches again this season, including five in the Champions League. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is also a familiar face in the Italians’ squad, having made three competitive appearances for Bayern in 2014/15.

The Lazio clash will also be a special one for Bayern assistant coach Miroslav Klose, who spent five years at the club between 2011 and 2016. He scored 63 goals in 171 games there, winning the Coppa Italia in 2013.

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