The Serie A version of the Super Eagles derby between Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ademola Lookman lived up to its billing, as the Nigerian stars ensured an entertaining 1-1 draw between Lazio and Atalanta.
With both players contributing directly to their teams’ goals, the showdown proved why these two remain vital to their Serie A clubs, Footballrover reports.
Dele-Bashiru’s stunning strike sets the tone
Lazio came out firing at the Stadio Olimpico, with Mattéo Guendouzi rattling the crossbar early on.
However, it was Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who delivered the breakthrough, displaying his midfield brilliance.
Nicolò Rovella’s perfectly timed lob found Dele-Bashiru, who calmly slotted home from 12 yards to give the home side a deserved lead.
Dele-Bashiru’s goal marked his fourth in all competitions this season, making him the sixth Lazio player to achieve this feat in the 2024/25 campaign—an unmatched record in Serie A.
Across Europe’s Big Five leagues, only Arsenal and Manchester United boast more players (seven) with 4+ goals each.
Despite dominating the first half, Lazio missed key chances to extend their advantage, with Dele-Bashiru squandering a golden opportunity to double his tally.
Lookman’s late magic denies Lazio victory
Atalanta, who entered the match on an 11-game winning streak, struggled to find their rhythm early on.
Yet Ademola Lookman remained a persistent threat, forcing a spectacular save from Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel on the hour mark.
As the match neared its conclusion, Lookman’s persistence paid off. In the 88th minute, the Nigerian forward delivered a pinpoint assist to Marco Brescianini, whose clinical finish salvaged a point for the Bergamo side.
At the end of the Super Eagles derby, the African Footballer of the Year was named Man of the match for all his effort in preserving Atalanta’s title chase.
The result denied Lazio their first back-to-back home victories over Atalanta since 2017 and sealed Atalanta’s position atop the Serie A table, one point clear of Inter Milan.
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