Baroni explains new Lazio role for Dele-Bashiru | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni explains the unexpected new role for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in tonight’s Serie A match with Como. ‘I have full faith in my lads.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

This is 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.”

Baroni forced to reshuffle Lazio

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal during the Serie match between Lazio and Atalanta at Stadio Olimpico on December 28, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

There are 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 takes 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. I think he can give us what we need this evening,” 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.”

The centre-forward this evening is Boulaye Dia, who had until now largely worked in support of Castellanos, but can also work in a solo role.

“Dia can do a bit of everything, he is mobile and doesn’t give many reference points, but also combines well with the midfielders. He already played with Loum Tchaouna at Salernitana, so they know each other well.”

Lazio are wearing special edition jerseys to mark the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation.