Dele-Bashiru Steals the Show as Lazio Hit Sassuolo Six Goal Storm

Nigerian midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru delivered an impressive second-half performance as Lazio demolished 10-man Sassuolo 6-2 at the Mapei Stadium on Tuesday night to move to the top of the Serie A table.

The Super Eagles midfielder came off the bench at half-time and provided an assist for Tijjani Noslin’s second goal, capping a dominant display by Gennaro Gattuso’s side.

Dele-Bashiru also impressed with his distribution as Lazio controlled the second half despite missing two penalties.

The victory took Lazio to 25 points from nine matches, moving them clear at the summit pending Inter’s midweek fixture against Venezia.

Sassuolo remained 14th with eight points, extending their winless run.

Lazio Explode Into Early Lead

Lazio started aggressively, with Kenneth Taylor opening the scoring in the second minute with a sharp finish.

Sassuolo responded five minutes later to level the contest, although reports differed over whether Kristian Thorstvedt scored or Josip Šutalo put the ball into his own net.

The visitors quickly regained control, with Gustav Isaksen restoring their lead in the 13th minute before Romano Floriani Mussolini scored three minutes later to make it 3-1.

The goal was his first senior strike for Lazio.

Sassuolo’s task became more difficult around the 31st minute when Thorstvedt received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge, leaving the hosts with 10 men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Sassuolo pulled a goal back through Sebastiano Esposito just before half-time.

However, Mattia Zaccagni headed home in first-half stoppage time to restore Lazio’s two-goal cushion and send the visitors into the break leading 4-2.

Dele-Bashiru Makes Immediate Impact After Half-Time

Gattuso introduced Dele-Bashiru at the interval, replacing Taylor, and the Nigerian quickly brought energy, composure and forward movement to Lazio’s midfield.

The midfielder had scored his first goal of the season against Juventus days earlier, and his recent performance further underlined his growing importance to the team.

Dele-Bashiru completed 39 of 40 passes, contributing his accuracy and ability to help Lazio dictate the tempo after the break.

Noslin extended Lazio’s advantage in the 55th minute, finishing a move assisted by Zaccagni to make it 5-2.

The visitors were subsequently awarded two penalties, but Sassuolo goalkeeper, Stefano Turati denied both attempts, saving Zaccagni’s effort and another from Davide Frattesi.

The missed opportunities did little to disrupt Lazio’s control of the match.

Dele-Bashiru Assists Noslin’s Stunning Brace-Completing Goal

Dele-Bashiru produced his contribution in the 65th minute, supplying a neat assist for Noslin, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner.

The goal completed Noslin’s brace and extended Lazio’s lead to 6-2, putting the result beyond doubt.

The assist was Dele-Bashiru’s first of the 2026/27 Serie A campaign and another encouraging sign following his earlier injury setbacks.

His sharp distribution, tireless work rate and ability to move play forward helped Lazio maintain their intensity throughout the second half.

Lazio Send Warning to Serie A Rivals

The emphatic victory strengthened Lazio’s position in the early title race, with the club moving to the top of the standings on 25 points from nine matches.

Lazio’s six-goal haul sent a strong message to their Serie A rivals, although Inter’s pending fixture means the battle for the summit remains open.

With Isaksen and Zaccagni contributing in attack, Noslin scoring twice and Dele-Bashiru adding control and creativity after the interval, Lazio produced an impressive away performance despite the two missed penalties.

Sassuolo, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a difficult night in which Thorstvedt’s dismissal compounded their problems.

Dele-Bashiru’s growing influence under Gattuso will be encouraging for both Lazio and Nigeria, as the midfielder continues to make his mark in Italy following his return from injury.