S.S. Lazio suffered heartbreak in the Coppa Italia final after a 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan, with goals from Adam Marusic (Own goal) and Lautaro Martínez sealing the trophy for the Nerazzurri.
Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute throughout the final despite being fully fit.
Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri was absent from the touchline due to suspension, leaving assistant coach Marco Lanni in charge during the encounter.
Coppa Finale Snub
It was the first major cup final of Dele-Bashiru’s professional career.
Despite the painful finale, the Nigerian international can still reflect on a respectable individual campaign.
Dele-Bashiru played four matches during Lazio’s run to the Coppa Italia final, contributing one goal and one assist along the way.
In the Serie A this season, the midfielder has made 22 appearances, starting 10 matches and accumulating 1,072 minutes of playing time.
Although he failed to register a goal or assist in the league, his performances offered much more than statistics alone suggest.
Dele-Bashiru completed 363 successful passes with an impressive 92 percent accuracy rate, while also creating 10 chances for his teammates.
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Offensively, he recorded eight shots during the campaign, while his physical growth and midfield presence were evident through 30 duels won and 527 touches of the ball.
Defensively, the Nigerian midfielder also made important contributions for Lazio, regularly tracking back and helping the team during defensive transitions.
His season statistics include 18 tackles, 40 ball recoveries, and 10 clearances.
For Lazio, however, the overall campaign has been disappointing.
The club currently sits ninth in the Serie A table, seven points behind the European qualification spots with only two games remaining, meaning they will miss out on European football next season.
It has been a frustrating season for both Lazio and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who will now look to regroup and build ahead of the next campaign.
