Italy legend Dino Zoff believes that Celtic target Robin Olsen is an ideal fit for the ‘Juventus of Scotland’

Italian legend Dino Zoff last night insisted Celtic and Robin Olsen would be a great fit for one another.

The Hoops are in the market for a goalkeeper, and Roma’s Swedish international, Olsen, is one of a number of options under consideration.

They would like to sign the Greek, Vasilios Barkas, from AEK Athens and have already made a £3.5-million offer, plus add-ons, for his services.

However, with that bid rejected and AEK reported to be holding out for £6m – a fee above Celtic’s valuation – the clubs are at stalemate.

Money is the stumbling block too with Fraser Forster, who Neil Lennon would love to bring north to carry on the good work he did on loan last season.

Southampton are keen to get Forster – believed to be on £90,000-a-week – off their wage bill.

Celtic, however, are not able to offer anything like the terms the big Englishman would be able to negotiate for himself south of the border.

All of which points to Olsen, who the Hoops were linked with three years ago, and who is now available having spent last season on loan with Cagliari.

“I think it is a move which could work very well for everyone,” said Zoff.

“I have seen a lot of Robin Olsen, for both Roma and Cagliari, and he is a goalkeeper I really like.

“He is always very confident and focused, and that self-belief is invaluable because it spreads through the rest of his defence.

“Perhaps his strongest strength is his positional sense. You never see him having to throw himself about because he is always in the right place to make the save.

“I think he would be a good signing for Celtic.

“He has matured as a footballer during his time in Italy.

“ I also think his physique and height (he is 6ft 5in) would be to his advantage in the Scottish league.

“His size doesn’t hinder him, either. He is athletic and has sharp reflexes, qualities you need in a goalkeeper.”

Zoff, the only Italian to have won both the World Cup and European Championship, is likewise confident the Swede could handle the pressure of joining Celtic for a season in which they will attempt to win 10-in-a-row.

“For me, Celtic are like the Juventus of Scotland,” said the 78-year-old.

“They have been winning all the domestic honours in recent years.

“So, yes, it would be a big step for him. But Olsen is an international so he cannot be afraid of playing for them.

“If he could go there and help Celtic achieve their goal of a tenth successive title, it would be a significant time in his career.”

Juventus can make it nine Serie A titles on the trot tonight with a win at home to Sampdoria.