Coppa Italia: Dele-Bashiru On The Verge of History Lazio

As the countdown to next month’s Coppa Italia final begins, all eyes will be on Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Nigerian midfielder is now just one game away from joining an exclusive club of his compatriots who have lifted Italy’s most prestigious domestic cup trophy.

Lazio punched their ticket to the final on Wednesday night after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atalanta. Maurizio Sarri’s side held their nerve from the spot, setting up a blockbuster title clash with Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 13.

For Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio two years ago from Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor, this represents more than just a shot at silverware—it is a chance to carve his name into Nigerian football history.

Since arriving in Rome, the energetic midfielder has slowly grown into Sarri’s system, and a Coppa Italia triumph would mark his first major trophy at the club level.

If Lazio emerge victorious, Dele-Bashiru will become the fifth Nigerian player to ever hoist the Coppa Italia. The lineage of Nigerian winners in the competition is proud and distinguished. Former Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins was the pioneer, becoming the first Nigerian to lay his hands on the trophy during his prolific stint with the Nerazzurri.

He has since been joined on that exclusive list by Joel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, and most recently Ebenezer Akinsanmiro—each of whom has tasted Coppa glory in different seasons.

Now, Dele-Bashiru has the opportunity to add his name alongside these legends. However, standing in his way is a formidable Inter Milan side that has dominated Italian football in recent years.

The final, set to be played at Lazio’s home ground, the Stadio Olimpico, offers the Biancocelesti a slight advantage with passionate home support.

But for Dele-Bashiru, the focus will be purely on making history—not just for himself, but for every Nigerian who has dreamed of conquering Italian football.

With kickoff scheduled for May 13, the stage is set. One match, one trophy, and one historic feat waiting to be written.