Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is relishing the chance to make his mark in the Rome derby, as Lazio gear up for a fierce clash against rivals Roma.
Renewing a fierce rivalry that dates back to 1929, Lazio and Roma will lock horns once again at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening in a high-stakes edition of the Derby della Capitale.
With both sides firmly in the race for a top-four finish, the capital clubs are neck and neck in the Serie A standings, fuelled by Roma’s resurgence under the experienced guidance of Claudio Ranieri.
Dele-Bashiru, who has already netted five times this season, admits scoring in the derby would be special—but insists the team’s success remains his top priority.
Dele-Bashiru targets derby brilliance but puts team first
Ahead of Sunday evening’s Derby della Capitale, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru reaffirmed his commitment to Lazio’s collective success while expressing a strong desire to make his mark on one of Italian football’s most iconic fixtures.
“I’m very happy to have already scored five goals this season. Obviously, if I were to score in the derby too, it would be the most important one. Regardless of my presence on the pitch, the most important thing is always the team’s result,” Dele-Bashiru said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Lazio Siamo Noi.
Dele-Bashiru initially joined Lazio on a season-long loan from Turkish side Hatayspor, with an option to make the move permanent. The deal, reportedly worth €7 million, has now been finalised, securing the Nigerian midfielder's stay in the Italian capital until 2028.
The 24-year-old has recorded five goals and two assists in 27 appearances for Lazio across all competitions, with 16 starts and an average of 50 minutes per game.
