Serie A: Lazio head coach demands improvement from Dele-Bashiru

Lazio head coach Marco Baroni has called for an improvement from Super Eagles star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as the midfielder adjusts to life in Italian football.

Dele-Bashiru joined Lazio on loan from Hatayspor earlier in the summer transfer window and made his official debut in the Biancocelesti’s 3-1 home victory against Venezia on Sunday, August 18.

Reflecting on the 23-year-old’s full 90-minute performance, Baroni acknowledged Dele-Bashiru’s potential but emphasised the need for fitness and ball-winning improvement. “He has to improve his posture, he is often closed by the opposition who doesn’t give him the chance to drive forward,” Baroni said.

“But when he opens his shoulder, he is devastating. He has to become a ball-winner, but it’s not easy. It’s a complete upheaval, but he made an extraordinary contribution.”

Baroni also promised consistent game time for Dele-Bashiru, emphasising the need for regular training and match exposure to understand Italian football better.

“He’s a young player who must understand our football, and to do that, he needs to train and play regularly,” the Italian gaffer said.

“We will give him the opportunity to do so, but we also have other good midfielders who are improving. The attitude he showed was important.”

Meanwhile, after playing a few pre-season games, Dele-Bashiru had earlier acknowledged the tactical intensity of Serie A as his biggest challenge.

“Italian football is very tactical; this is the biggest challenge,” he admitted.

“The training I received at Manchester City was excellent, and Turkish football taught me a lot. I know I’ll need to adapt to Serie A, but I’ve found a very supportive environment here, and I hope we can have a great season.”