Lazio manager Marco Baroni has addressed his decision to substitute Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at halftime during their 2-1 Serie A defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico.
Dele-Bashiru, making his eighth start in Serie A this season, played alongside former Arsenal star Mattéo Guendouzi in a two-man midfield pivot.
The 23-year-old, one of Nigeria’s brightest talents in 2024, has displayed impressive versatility since joining Lazio on loan from Hatayspor, having played as a left winger and attacking midfielder in earlier matches.
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Despite Lazio’s early dominance, defensive mistakes allowed Fiorentina to score twice within the opening 17 minutes through Lucas Beltrán and Yacine Adli.
Lazio showed signs of improvement in the second half, aided by Adli’s 63rd-minute red card.
Photo by Getty images
A late goal from Adam Marušić in stoppage time offered a glimmer of hope, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Baroni made the decision to replace Dele-Bashiru with Nicolò Rovella, with the Nigerian midfielder not rejoining the team for the second half.
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The substitution sparked speculation, but Baroni clarified his reasoning after the match.
“Dele-Bashiru? The match was difficult, he needed space,” Baroni said via SosFanta. “More speed in his maneuvers was needed. He did well in the first half, but it wasn’t the ideal match for a player who thrives in space, and there wasn’t any.”
However, Baroni was careful not to place the blame on Dele-Bashiru, instead pointing to the team’s defensive errors and lack of rhythm.
“Lazio lost because we conceded two easy goals. When the game goes like this, it’s not easy. We lacked rhythm at the start, made mistakes, and that penalized us. But I liked the mental energy and determination we showed in the second half,” Baroni explained.
The Lazio coach emphasized that the team needed to improve, while also praising Dele-Bashiru’s contributions.
“It’s not a midfield problem or about Dele-Bashiru, who is growing and giving us a lot. The whole team was slow in the way we moved the ball. We can’t play slow football; we have to improve and raise the level.”
Despite his loan move from Hatayspor to Lazio including a €5 million option to buy, Dele-Bashiru remains a target for several Premier League clubs, who are keeping close tabs on his development.