Lazio manager Marco Baroni has shed light on his decision to bring on Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru during their recent 1-1 draw against Torino, revealing that the change was prompted by Pedro’s request to be substituted after a demanding performance.
Pedro, a former Chelsea winger, had been one of Lazio’s most effective players before being replaced in the 73rd minute. With Lazio leading at the time, Baroni sought to inject energy and exploit Torino’s high pressing by introducing Dele-Bashiru.
“I put Dele-Bashiru on because there was space for him, it was his game,” Baroni explained.
Unfortunately, the substitution backfired. Torino levelled late in the match when Dele-Bashiru failed to track Gvidas Gineitis, who exploited the space and scored past Ivan Provedel. The lapse proved costly as Lazio missed out on three crucial points.
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Baroni did not shy away from criticism. “The problem is that he has to do better when he enters the area,” the coach said, referencing Dele-Bashiru’s lack of defensive awareness.
The result leaves Lazio tied on 52 points with Roma, intensifying the race for European qualification. The Nigerian midfielder now faces the challenge of regaining his manager’s trust and silencing growing doubts from the Italian media.
Editorial
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s night against Torino offers a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of top-flight football, where a single lapse can undo a team’s hard work—and damage a player’s growing reputation.
Baroni’s tactical substitution made sense on paper. With Pedro exhausted and Torino chasing the game, Dele-Bashiru’s energy and athleticism were supposed to stabilise the midfield. Instead, what followed was a moment of inattention that had significant consequences—not just for the match result, but for the player’s standing in the squad.
But let’s not rush to judgment. Dele-Bashiru is still acclimating to the intensity and demands of Serie A. Mistakes are painful but part of the learning curve. What matters now is how he responds. Will he retreat into himself, or will he rise and show that he belongs at this level?
There’s talent in abundance—his performances for the Super Eagles have shown flashes of maturity and vision. Lazio’s faith in him remains evident; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been trusted in such a crucial moment. But the time has come to pair potential with precision.
Dele-Bashiru’s next few games may shape how quickly his redemption story unfolds. The ball is at his feet—literally and figuratively.
Did You Know?
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru began his career at Manchester City’s youth academy before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.
- He joined Lazio in 2024 after a standout season in Turkey with Hatayspor.
- Pedro, whom he replaced, is one of the few players to have won both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
- Lazio last won the Serie A title in 1999–2000 under Sven-Göran Eriksson.
- Dele-Bashiru’s older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, also plays professionally and has represented Nigeria at U20 and senior levels.
