'Needs to improve' - Former Napoli boss sees potential in Dele-Bashiru but urges midfielder to step up

Former Napoli manager Andrea Agostinelli has urged Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to step up his game following a below-par performance in the heated Rome derby on Sunday night.

The Nigerian midfielder started in Lazio’s 1-1 draw against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico but was taken off in the 79th minute for Reda Belahyane as the Biancocelesti pushed for a winner.

Despite being handed a starting berth in one of Italy’s biggest fixtures, Dele-Bashiru failed to make a significant impact. 

The 24-year-old registered zero shots on target and created no key chances before being substituted.

Speaking on Radiosei.it, Agostinelli expressed disappointment in Dele-Bashiru’s display and questioned whether the midfielder is ready to be a regular starter for Lazio.

"Dele-Bashiru? He still needs to improve. Yesterday he had very little impact, he helped physically but he is far from a player who can be a starter," Agostinelli said.

"He didn't do badly, but I expect more. Can he give it? We'll have to figure it out. I don't see him starting on Thursday."

Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio last summer, has had a mixed campaign, though he has shown glimpses of quality in the UEFA Europa League with two goals and two assists in eight appearances.

In the Serie A, the Manchester City academy graduate has netted three goals and registered one assist in nineteen league matches.

With Lazio set to face Norwegian side Bodo Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday, questions remain over whether manager Marco Baroni will keep faith in Dele-Bashiru or opt for changes in midfield.

Ahead of the Unity Cup, the midfielder also has an eye on regaining his place in the national team after being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe due to fitness issues.

Adeyemi Adewale

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