Dele-Bashiru drags Lazio to Coppa Italia semis as Atalanta test awaits

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru assisted Lazio's only goal in normal time as they claimed a penalty shootout victory over Bologna in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Dele-Bashiru was handed a start for Lazio as they traveled to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to take on Bologna on Wednesday.

​The Biancocelesti lacked a cutting edge in the first half, and the home side capitalized, grabbing the lead courtesy of a header from Santiago Castro in the 30th minute.

​However, Maurizio Sarri's men equalized in the 48th minute, with Dele-Bashiru heavily involved. The Super Eagles star made a brilliant forward run down the flank after collecting a pass from Adam Marusic.

Then, despite pressure from a Bologna defender, he played a low cross into the box, which Tijjani Noslin calmly guided into the net to make it 1-1.

​With clear-cut chances at a premium for both sides, the game eventually dragged into penalties after 90 minutes. While Lazio converted all four of their spot-kicks, Bologna managed only one, missing two.

​As such, the Biancocelesti claimed the win and sealed their spot in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia.

Next up #AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/YwPsyZm83c

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) February 11, 2026

Next up for them in the Coppa Italia is Atalanta. It will be a two-legged fixture, with La Dea hosting the Biancocelesti on March 4, while the return leg will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Watch Highlights of Bologna vs Lazio

​How Did Dele-Bashiru Perform Against Bologna?

​Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had a brilliant showing against Bologna. It was his first start for the Biancocelesti since returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, and he certainly made his mark.

​Aside from his assist, he recorded a 100 percent pass accuracy, completed two dribbles, made nine carries, and registered three ball recoveries.

​He was full of running all night, and it must have been encouraging for coach Sarri to see that kind of temperament given the significance of the game.

​The 25-year-old midfielder will be hoping that his showing against Bologna earns him more minutes in the coming weeks.