What Gattuso said after Dele-Bashiru starred in Lazio’s 6-0 pre-season win

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru continued his impressive pre-season form by scoring as Lazio cruised to a 6-0 victory over Flaminia on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles midfielder gave new Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso another reason to believe he can become an important player this season.

The Super Eagles star was named in Gattuso's starting lineup for the friendly as the Biancocelesti stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 Serie A campaign. It was another opportunity for players to impress the new coach, and Dele-Bashiru made sure he took his chance.

Lazio took control early when Matteo Cancellieri opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike that found the far corner of the net.

The second goal arrived in the 30th minute and belonged to Dele-Bashiru. The move started on the left side through Fernandez Sana and Alfonso Pedraza, whose quick attacking play created space inside the penalty area. The Nigerian reacted faster than everyone else to finish the move with a confident strike and double Lazio's lead.

The 25-year-old looked sharp throughout the first half. He covered plenty of ground in midfield, linked attacks well, and regularly supported Lazio's pressing game. His display ended at halftime when Boulaye Bia came on as part of several planned changes.

Lazio never eased off after the break. Filipe Bordon added the third goal before Petar Ratkov, Nicolò Rovella and captain Mattia Zaccagni also got on the scoresheet to seal a comfortable 6-0 victory.

The goal was an important striker for Dele-Bashiru, who endured a frustrating season last term as he struggled to become a regular starter despite showing flashes of his quality. Since arriving in Rome from Hatayspor, the former Manchester City academy midfielder has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 57 appearances across all competitions, but consistency has remained his biggest challenge.

Gattuso pleased with Lazio's progress as Dele-Bashiru battles for bigger role

After the final whistle, Gattuso praised the attitude of his players and made it clear he has been encouraged by what he has seen during pre-season, while also admitting the squad still needs strengthening before the new campaign begins.

Speaking to Lazio's official media channels as per TMW, the Italian coach said:

“We're working well, it's a pleasure. I'll repeat the same words I said five ago – This is a team that works well and is doing well together, we're working hard. I'm happy and satisfied with what I'm seeing, but we're missing a few things and we know it. We hope to be able to complete the squad. Hats off to these guys.”

Those words will be particularly encouraging for Dele-Bashiru, who is trying to earn the trust of yet another manager at the Stadio Olimpico.

Gattuso, appointed on a two-year contract ahead of the new season, is now the third coach Dele-Bashiru has worked under since joining Lazio. He first arrived under Marco Baroni, who admired the midfielder's athletic ability but repeatedly challenged him to improve his movement and attacking positioning.

The situation changed again when Maurizio Sarri returned to the club for the 2025/26 campaign. Sarri's tactical system proved difficult for Dele-Bashiru, and the Nigerian found himself slipping down the pecking order as speculation over a possible transfer gathered pace.

Now Gattuso offers a fresh start, but also a demanding one. Known for his discipline, intensity and preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation, Gattuso expects every midfielder to combine technical quality with tactical awareness, defensive commitment and relentless work rate. Those are the areas where Dele-Bashiru must convince his new manager.

Reports have linked the Super Eagles midfielder with clubs including Venezia, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland during the transfer window. However, Lazio's current financial situation means the club must carefully manage spending, making this pre-season especially important. A series of strong performances could persuade Gattuso that Dele-Bashiru has the qualities needed to become a key box-to-box midfielder rather than a player the club should sell.