The curtain has risen on the 2024/25 Serie A season, and pre-season friendlies are in full swing. For newly signed Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, his debut couldn’t have scripted any better. The Nigerian international, arriving on a one-year loan with an obligation to buy from Turkish club Hatayspor, put in a dazzling performance in Lazio’s dominant 23-0 victory over Serie D side CS Auronzo.
A Familiar Hero Emerges in New Colors
Dele-Bashiru, already a familiar name to Nigerian football fans after his impressive displays for the Super Eagles, wasted no time in making his mark in Biancocelesti colors. Introduced as a halftime substitute for Jean-Claude Billong, the 23-year-old midfielder injected instant dynamism into Lazio’s attack.
His creativity and technical prowess were on display from the get-go. He weaved past defenders with ease, creating space for himself and his teammates. His vision and precise passing orchestrated several attacking opportunities for Lazio in the second half.
A Goal Scoring Masterclass: Dele-Bashiru Makes His Mark
The highlight of Dele-Bashiru’s debut came in the form of a well-deserved brace. His first goal arrived in the 67th minute. Ciro Immobile, ever the poacher, found the Nigerian unmarked in the box with a clever backheel pass. Dele-Bashiru made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball into the net past the helpless Auronzo goalkeeper.
He wasn’t done there. Ten minutes later, Dele-Bashiru showcased his composure and finishing ability once again. Latching on to a loose ball outside the box, he unleashed a powerful strike that found the bottom corner, leaving the Auronzo defense with no answer.
Beyond his goals, Dele-Bashiru also registered an assist. His perfectly weighted through ball sent Pedro on a breakaway in the 82nd minute, and the Spanish winger made no mistake, finishing with aplomb to add another goal to Lazio’s tally.
A Statement of Intent: Lazio Impress in Pre-Season Opener
The scoreline, while admittedly lopsided, doesn’t paint the entire picture. Lazio dominated the entire match, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Manager Maurizio Sarri will be pleased with his team’s performance, particularly in the second half when Dele-Bashiru came on and injected fresh impetus into their attacking play.
The emphatic victory serves as a statement of intent from Lazio. They appear determined to challenge for the Scudetto (Italian Serie A title) in the upcoming season. New signings like Dele-Bashiru, alongside established stars like Immobile and Sergej Milinković-Savić, have the potential to form a formidable attacking force.
A New Chapter for Dele-Bashiru: Stepping Up to the Big Stage
For Dele-Bashiru, the performance marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. After a successful season with Hatayspor, where he established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents, he has now stepped onto a bigger stage.
Playing for a team like Lazio, with its rich history and passionate fan base, will undoubtedly test his abilities. However, based on his debut performance, Dele-Bashiru seems ready for the challenge. His confidence, coupled with his technical skills and vision, could be a valuable asset for Lazio’s midfield.
Excitement Builds for Nigerian Fans: Can Dele-Bashiru Shine in Serie A?
Nigerian football fans are buzzing with excitement following Dele-Bashiru’s dazzling display. Many are hopeful that he can replicate his pre-season form when the Serie A season kicks off. His success at Lazio will not only benefit the club but also inspire the next generation of Nigerian footballers.
The coming season promises to be a crucial one for Dele-Bashiru. He will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage and potentially establish himself as a key player for Lazio. His performance in pre-season has certainly raised expectations, and all eyes will be on him as he strives to make his mark in Serie A.
