Lazio boss Baroni defends Dele-Bashiru’s halftime substitution in derby loss to Roma

Lazio manager Marco Baroni has shed light on his decision to substitute Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at halftime during their 2-0 loss to AS Roma in Sunday’s Derby della Capitale, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Biancocelesti suffered an early setback, conceding two goals within the opening 18 minutes through Lorenzo Pellegrini and Alexis Saelemaekers, leaving them chasing the game from the outset.

Dele-Bashiru, who had impressed in Lazio’s final match of 2024 against Atalanta, struggled to replicate that performance against Roma.

Baroni replaced him at halftime with Senegalese international Boulaye Dia in an attempt to regain control of the midfield.

Speaking to DAZN, Baroni elaborated on his tactical adjustments:

“The club and director are looking around, but we are also at the same time trying to improve the players we have.

“Dele-Bashiru is still learning the position and how to control the ball between the lines. We are also missing Matias Vecino for a long time, but that must not be an alibi.”

Baroni emphasised the team’s overall tactical structure, suggesting improvements made in the second half were encouraging:

“As I said, our tactical identity is the most important thing, and I saw that in the second half. We conceded two avoidable goals, it was a pity.

“The team lacked the right tempo and wasn’t effective enough down the wings, while we need a player in the trequartista role, and that was lacking in the first half.”

Despite the loss, Lazio’s season remains strong.

They are 12 points ahead of Roma in the Serie A standings and sit atop their Europa League group.

However, Baroni acknowledged the disappointment:

“We weren’t fast enough moving the ball around, and I feel that was the main explanation. In the second half, it was a real Lazio performance. Now we are disappointed for our fans, but I saw my team in the second half, so we must rebuild from there.”

Dele-Bashiru is on a season-long loan at Lazio from Turkish club Hatayspor, with the Italians under obligation to make the deal permanent.