Fisayo Dele-Bashiru registered an assist as Lazio secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday evening.
Atalanta, aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s 1–0 defeat to Fiorentina, were desperate for a response to stay firmly in the Serie A title race.
However, they suffered a second consecutive setback, this time at home, with Lazio taking full advantage to claim all three points.
The first half was a tight affair, with both sides struggling to break each other down. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, as defensive organization took precedence over attacking flair.
But the game opened up after the break, and Lazio capitalized on Atalanta’s momentary defensive lapse to snatch the winner. In the 65th minute, Dele-Bashiru leapt highest to meet a loose ball and intelligently headed it into the path of Gustav Isaksen.
The Danish forward met it in stride and rifled the ball past the Atalanta goalkeeper to give the visitors the lead.
Marco Baroni’s side moved to sixth in the Serie A standings, bolstering their hopes of qualifying for European competition next season.
Dele-Bashiru was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, turning in a disciplined and industrious performance in midfield.
The 24-year-old Nigerian has now recorded three goals and one assist in 18 league appearances for Lazio this season, steadily growing in importance for the Rome club.
Lazio will look to build on this result, while Atalanta must regroup quickly if they are to stay competitive in the top-four race.
