Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, is set for a defining night at San Siro. With just one more appearance needed to hit 200 senior career games, the Manchester City academy graduate could mark the milestone on Sunday in one of the most high-stakes fixtures of Lazio’s season, a visit to Scudetto-chasing Inter Milan.
The clash is loaded with consequence. For Inter, the mission is clear; win and hope Napoli falter, keeping alive the race for a 21st Serie A crown.
For Lazio, the equation is more delicate. Locked on points with fourth-placed Juventus, but with AS Roma, Milan and Bologna breathing down their necks, Baroni’s men cannot afford a slip.
A single loss could drag them out of the European places altogether.
Correct score prediction: Inter Milan vs Lazio
Inter’s dominance at home against Lazio is telling, four wins in their last five league meetings at the Meazza. But Lazio have quietly built momentum on the road, winning their last three away matches without conceding.
Still, the magnitude of the occasion and Inter’s form may prove too much.
Prediction: Inter Milan 1-0 Lazio
Dele-Bashiru’s numbers demand respect
Back in the starting XI last weekend for the first time since April 13, Dele-Bashiru gave Lazio bite in midfield during the 1-1 draw against Juventus.
The Lagos born midfielder lasted only 53 minutes before being withdrawn for Boulaye Dia, but his selection came with a message. Baroni revealed it was no gamble, the Nigerian was picked to combat Juve’s midfield with his power, athleticism, and ability to run into spaces.
Marco Baroni explains his Lazio choices against Juventus this evening, picking Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as a trequartista in this head-to-head for fourth place. ‘The Champions League is a huge target.’#Lazio #Juventus #SerieA #LazioJuve #SerieAEnilive #LazioJuventus #Calcio pic.twitter.com/TEtYF06mwi
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 10, 2025
And those traits have been effective. Despite spending much of the season rotating in and out, Dele-Bashiru remains Lazio’s most direct contributor from midfield. With five goals and three assists in all competitions, including three strikes in 20 Serie A games, no other midfielder in the squad can match his output.
Yet his game time remains puzzling. Before Juventus, he had not played a single minute in Lazio’s last four matches. But as the stakes rise, his profile may once again be crucial, especially against an Inter midfield packed with running, technique, and steel.
If he features, it will be his 30th appearance for Lazio since arriving from Hatayspor last summer. It could also be the night he hits 200 career games. But beyond the numbers, Sunday offers Dele-Bashiru another shot at relevance on the biggest domestic stage of all.
