Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru marked a significant milestone by scoring his first goal of the 2025-26 season, helping SS Lazio secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Atalanta BC in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 25-year-old’s early second-half strike set the tone for a pulsating encounter in Rome, as both sides exchanged goals in a high-intensity battle that leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Bergamo on April 22.
Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio on an initial loan from Turkish side Hatayspor in July 2024 before making the move permanent the following summer, has endured a challenging start to the campaign due to early injuries. However, his performance against Atalanta highlighted his growing influence in the Biancocelesti midfield.
Starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes, the Nigerian international delivered an impressive all-round display. He finished the game with 95% pass accuracy, a 100% dribble success rate, four duels won, and the crucial opening goal. His performance earned him Man of the Match honors from several outlets, signaling a strong return to form.
The match itself was a story of momentum swings and quick responses. After a tightly contested and goalless first half, Dele-Bashiru broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second period. Latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Daniel Maldini, a former Atalanta youth product, he lifted a composed right-footed finish over the advancing goalkeeper to give Lazio the lead.
Atalanta responded almost immediately. Midfielder Mario Pašalić leveled the score in the 51st minute, restoring parity and igniting the contest.
Lazio appeared to have snatched the win late on when striker Boulaye Dia fired the hosts back in front in the 87th minute. But the drama wasn’t over yet. Just two minutes later, Yunus Musah struck for Atalanta, ensuring the visitors left Rome with a valuable draw.
Born in Lagos on February 6, 2001, Dele-Bashiru began his football journey in the academy of Manchester City before moving to Sheffield Wednesday in 2020. His breakthrough came in Turkey with Hatayspor, where he scored eight goals in 36 appearances, earning a move to Serie A.
A Nigeria international, he is also the younger brother of Tom Dele-Bashiru, who plays for Watford FC. Since arriving at Lazio, he has featured in 15 Serie A matches this season, contributing to the club’s push in both domestic and European competitions.
Lazio manager Raffaele Palladino praised his team’s resilience after the match, acknowledging both the entertaining nature of the encounter and the fatigue of competing on multiple fronts this season.
For Dele-Bashiru, the goal could prove to be a turning point, boosting his confidence as Lazio chases silverware in the Coppa Italia while maintaining their push for a strong finish in Serie A.
With neither side holding a decisive advantage, the second leg promises another intense battle. Atalanta, unbeaten against Lazio in their last three meetings this season, will feel confident heading into the home clash, but Dele-Bashiru’s resurgence adds a new and exciting dimension to Lazio’s hopes of reaching the final.
