Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru endured a quiet outing as Lazio suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Atalanta in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio were left frustrated on a subdued evening in Rome, failing to convert their chances as Atalanta capitalized on key moments to secure all three points. The result leaves Lazio eighth in the table, nine points off the European places, while Atalanta climbed to sixth following Como’s defeat to Fiorentina.
The visitors took the lead shortly before half time from the penalty spot. Davide Zappacosta combined with Krstovic before driving towards the byline and attempting a cutback that struck the arm of Danilo Cataldi inside the box. Despite protests from the Lazio midfielder, the referee pointed to the spot. Ederson stepped up and calmly sent Ivan Provedel the wrong way to give Atalanta the advantage at the break.
Lazio thought they had a chance to respond early in the second half when Zappacosta handled the ball inside his own area. However, after a VAR review, the effort was ruled out for offside against Nuno Tavares in the build up.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser and came close on several occasions. Tijjani Noslin flicked a header towards the far post, but Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi produced an excellent save, and Adam Marusic failed to convert the rebound. Lazio also struck the woodwork twice over the course of the match, highlighting their lack of fortune in front of goal.
Atalanta made their pressure count when Nicola Zalewski doubled the lead. The winger peeled away from his marker before drilling a firm effort from the edge of the box into the far corner, leaving Provedel with no chance and effectively sealing the contest.
Lazio continued to press late on and Petar Ratkov hit the post before missing a clear opportunity from close range, summing up a frustrating night for the home side.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started his fifth league game of the season and completed the full 90 minutes, but struggled to influence proceedings. The Nigerian midfielder completed 25 of his 28 passes and recorded 34 touches, while losing possession seven times and making two recoveries. In 12 Serie A appearances this campaign, he has started five matches and come off the bench seven times, yet to register a goal or an assist.
