Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has publicly expressed confidence in Nigerian international midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s potential to contribute significantly to the club’s efforts during the forthcoming 2025/26 Serie A campaign, notwithstanding the player’s limited appearances in the previous season.
Dele-Bashiru’s future at the Stadio Olimpico had been the subject of speculation during the summer transfer window, following a challenging inaugural season in which he experienced difficulty securing consistent playing time under former head coach Marco Baroni.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who transferred to Lazio from Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor after a noteworthy two-year tenure, made 29 appearances across all competitions during the 2024/25 season, registering five goals and three assists.
Despite these challenges, Coach Sarri has now issued a public endorsement of Dele-Bashiru, indicating that the Super Eagles midfielder may flourish under his tactical system and leadership.
In remarks made to Pazzidifanta, Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri stated: “Dele-Bashiru is a very strong guy who, if he manages to learn a few moves, can give us a big hand.” This public endorsement has significantly diminished speculation surrounding the midfielder’s potential departure from the club during the current transfer window. Initial concerns had suggested that Sarri’s appointment and corresponding tactical shift might result in changes to the squad composition.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remains actively involved in Lazio’s pre-season preparations, training alongside his teammates in Italy as the squad acclimates to Sarri’s footballing philosophy. The Biancocelesti have scheduled a series of friendly fixtures against Avellino, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Burnley, and Atromitos as part of their warm-up for the upcoming season.
Lazio is set to commence their 2025/26 Serie A campaign on August 24th with an away fixture against Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The match follows the season’s curtain-raiser between defending champions Napoli and newly promoted Sassuolo, scheduled for August 23rd.#newsafro_
