Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could be handed a fresh opportunity at Lazio following the appointment of former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso as the club’s new head coach.
The Serie A side confirmed the appointment of the 48-year-old on Tuesday, weeks after reports emerged that he had reached an agreement with the club.
Gattuso had earlier been spotted at Lazio’s training base in Formello, Rome, on June 3, where he held talks with club president Claudio Lotito and senior officials regarding transfer plans and preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Although the parties reportedly agreed terms in May, the Biancocelesti officially unveiled the former AC Milan midfielder as successor to Maurizio Sarri, who has since taken over at Atalanta.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Lazio expressed confidence in the new manager’s ability to steer the club to success.
“S.S. Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team.
“The Club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the Club’s sporting objectives,” the statement read.
Gattuso is understood to have signed a two-year contract with the Rome-based club.
His arrival could prove pivotal for Dele-Bashiru, whose future at Lazio had come under scrutiny in recent months. The Nigerian international was among players reportedly facing uncertainty under Sarri, but the managerial change is expected to provide him with another chance to establish himself in the squad.
The former Hatayspor midfielder made 24 Serie A appearances last season, scoring once, and is expected to have his role reassessed during pre-season.
Should he remain at the club, Dele-Bashiru would become the second Nigerian player to feature under Gattuso in Serie A after Victor Osimhen, who worked with the Italian tactician during his time at Napoli between 2020 and 2021.
Gattuso returns to club football after a brief spell in charge of the Italian national team. He stepped down in April after Italy’s failure to advance from the World Cup qualifying play-offs, where the Azzurri suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Having recorded six victories and two losses during his stint with the national team, the former World Cup winner now faces the challenge of rebuilding Lazio and restoring the club’s competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
