What Sarri said about Fisayo Dele-Bashiru after scoring against Atalanta in Coppa Italia

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has praised Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following his standout performance against Atalanta in their Coppa Italia semifinal clash, Afrik-Foot reports.

Dele-Bashiru was undoubtedly one of the top performers for the Biancocelesti on Wednesday night, as Atalanta fought back to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the tie.

​The Nigerian international opened the scoring in the 47th minute after a fluid piece of play. He combined brilliantly with Daniel Maldini in midfield, who then threaded a precise pass into the box.

Despite being under heavy pressure from a defender and an oncoming goalkeeper, Dele-Bashiru showed remarkable composure, scooping the ball over the keeper to give Lazio the lead.

​However, the advantage proved short-lived. Mario Pasalic struck back for Atalanta just four minutes later to level the scores.

The drama continued late into the game; Boulaye Dia thought he had secured a victory for Lazio with an 87th-minute goal, but Yunus Musah found the net in stoppage time to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.

Non molliamo MAI 🤜🤛

We NEVER give up 👊@acqua_lete | #LazioAtalanta 2-2 #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/PxsuSEMW4n

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) March 4, 2026

With the semifinal being a two-legged affair, the tie remains on a knife-edge as Lazio prepares to travel to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on April 22 for the decisive return leg.

​Maurizio Sarri Lauds Dele-Bashiru’s Explosive Pace

​Speaking after the first leg in Rome, Maurizio Sarri was full of praise for the midfielder’s unique attributes.

The former Chelsea tactician highlighted that the Super Eagles star possesses the rare quality to unsettle even the most organized defenses, primarily due to his elite athleticism.

​”Dele-Bashiru can cause problems for anyone. When he manages to launch himself forward, he can reach speeds of up to 36 km/h,” Sarri said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio.

​This goal marks a significant turning point for the midfielder, being his first for the club since February 2025.

Dele-Bashiru’s time in the Italian capital has been somewhat inconsistent, with earlier reports even suggesting that the club was considering a sale or a loan move.

However, performances of this caliber will likely solidify his place in Sarri’s plans. Him and the manager will now be focused on clinching the second leg in Bergamo to book a place in the final, where they would face either Inter Milan or Como.