Galatasaray’s pre-season clash against Lazio at RAMS Park was as much about the action off the pitch as it was on it, with the Turkish champions celebrating the high-profile arrivals of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane in front of a jubilant home crowd.
The Istanbul giants officially unveiled Sane, who recently joined from Bayern Munich, and Osimhen in a dazzling pre-match ceremony.
Osimhen had this week sealed a €75 million permanent move from Napoli after a prolific loan spell that saw him fire Galatasaray to a league and cup double last season with 37 goals and eight assists.
Osimhen, though not in the matchday squad despite training on Friday, soaked up the adoration of the crowd during the unveiling.
Sane, meanwhile, was handed a start by manager Okan Buruk, while Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri fielded a strong XI that included Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
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The 24-year-old Dele-Bashiru made the most of his 45-minute appearance, completing all 21 of his passes, including one pinpoint long ball, and nearly scoring from a shot that drew a fine save from Galatasaray keeper Günay Güvenç.
His midfield display showed improved composure and range, while he also contributed defensively with a clearance and a foul to break up play.
Despite being substituted at half-time, a routine change among five others by Sarri, Dele-Bashiru left the field with his stock rising, having played a key role in a high-tempo first half that produced three goals.
Galatasaray struck first through Lucas Torreira, who nodded in a Gabriel Sara free-kick at the far post. But Lazio responded with a fortunate equaliser, as Mattia Zaccagni’s header deflected off Davinson Sanchez into his own net. Zaccagni then gave the Italians the lead with a thunderous finish following a clever assist from Matteo Cancellieri. Dele-Bashiru had played a key part in the build up to that goal.
However, Torreira completed his brace in the second half with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box, restoring parity for the hosts.
The second period saw both managers ring the changes, with Sarri replacing his entire starting XI and Galatasaray dominating possession.
Lazio, however, continued to threaten on the break, with Pedro narrowly missing a third after dancing past the goalkeeper only to take a heavy touch.
In the closing stages, both sides had chances to win it; Metehan Baltaci tested Lazio keeper Ivan Provedel from close range, while Pedro curled a shot inches wide.
The draw is an improved performance for Lazio following their 4–2 defeat to Fenerbahce a few days ago.
Sarri’s squad will now head back to Rome to continue preparations for the new season before travelling to England to face Burnley in their next pre-season outing on August 9.
