Lazio’s new acquisition, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, marked his debut for the club in impressive fashion during a pre-season friendly against CS Auronzo. The midfielder, who joined on a season-long loan from Hatayspor with an option to buy, showcased his talent by scoring two goals and providing an assist in their dominant 23-0 victory.
Dele-Bashiru, along with other new signings, made their appearances in the second half of the match and made a significant impact in the team’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Playing in an advanced midfield position behind striker Tijjani Noslin, he was flanked by Loum Tchaouna and Sana Fernandes. The setup allowed Lazio to experiment effectively, with Noslin and Tchaouna both securing hat-tricks during the game.
The match took place at Lazio’s traditional Auronzo di Cadore training camp, providing a cooler environment amidst the Italian summer. This encounter marked the second time within a week that Lazio had defeated CS Auronzo, following a 21-0 victory earlier, where Dele-Bashiru did not feature.
Dele-Bashiru’s career trajectory includes a successful stint in the Turkish Super Lig, where he scored nine goals and contributed six assists last season. His recent international debut for Nigeria, which saw him score against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier, further underscores his growing reputation.
Lazio’s investment in Dele-Bashiru demonstrates their strategy of integrating young, promising talents into their squad. The initial loan deal reportedly involved a fee of approximately €2m, with additional payments up to €4m performance add-ons. The total potential value of the deal, including add-ons, could reach €7m, highlighting Lazio’s commitment to nurturing and developing emerging stars.
Dele-Bashiru now joins a lineage of Nigerian players who have represented Lazio, including notable names like Ogenyi Onazi and Stephen Makinwa. Onazi, in particular, made a significant impact during his tenure at the club, accumulating 110 appearances and scoring seven goals from 2012 to 2016.
