Why I Gave Dele-Bashiru New Role Against Como-Baroni

Why I Gave Dele-Bashiru New Role Against Como-Baroni

Ibrahim Lateef

Lazio coach Marco Baroni has explained the unexpected new role for Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in Friday night's Serie A draw with Como, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

It was the first match of the second half of the Serie A season, but also the first time the Aquile have set foot on the pitch since the 2-0 Derby della Capitale defeat to rivals Roma.

“There is pain and we will carry that with us, along with the disappointment for our fans, but we are also aware this is a dangerous match,” Baroni told DAZN.

“We spoke to the squad and worked, even if there haven’t been many days to prepare. Despite missing some players, I have full faith in my lads who are starting and could come off the bench.”

There were numerous absentees, because Taty Castellanos, Mattia Zaccagni and Mario Gila are all suspended, with Pedro, Matias Vecino and Patric injured. On top of that, Tijjani Noslin and Nuno Tavares are only fit enough for a spot on the bench, so Dele-Bashiru took a new and more advanced role in the 4-2-3-1 formation on the left.

“He is a lad who had great potential, he is improving. Naturally, he won’t have a very wide role today, but it is a way of playing that he knows and we worked on during the week,” explained Baroni.

“The most important thing is that he acts simply as a midfielder who is a little wider than usual, but that doesn’t transform his characteristics.

“We have a side with a strong tactical identity and must retain that shape with all the various areas of the team.”

Lazio wore special edition jerseys to mark the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation