Lazio go top as Dele-Bashiru inspires six-goal win at Sassuolo

Lazio moved to the top of Serie A after a dominant 6-2 victory over 10-man Sassuolo, with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru making a decisive impact after coming on at half-time.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side reached 25 points from nine matches, although their position at the summit is dependent on Inter’s midweek fixture against Venezia.

Sassuolo remain 14th with eight points and have now extended their winless run.

Lazio made a rapid start at the Mapei Stadium, taking the lead after only two minutes when Kenneth Taylor finished sharply.

The hosts levelled five minutes later, although reports differed over whether the goal was scored by Kristian Thorstvedt or was an own goal by Josip Sutalo.

Lazio restored their advantage through Gustav Isaksen in the 13th minute before Romano Floriani Mussolini added a third three minutes later. It was the defender’s first senior goal for Lazio.

Sassuolo’s hopes of recovering suffered another blow in the 31st minute when Thorstvedt was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Sassuolo pulled one goal back just before the interval through Sebastiano Esposito. Lazio responded in first-half stoppage time, with Mattia Zaccagni heading in to re-establish a two-goal lead.

Dele-Bashiru helps Lazio take control

Dele-Bashiru replaced Taylor at half-time and immediately added energy and composure to Lazio’s midfield.

The Nigerian had scored his first goal of the season against Juventus days earlier and continued to demonstrate his growing importance to Gattuso’s team.

He completed 39 of 40 passes as Lazio controlled possession and dictated the tempo after the break. Tijjani Noslin increased their lead in the 55th minute, finishing a move set up by Zaccagni to make it 5-2.

Lazio were then awarded two penalties, but Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati kept out both attempts, saving Zaccagni’s effort and another from Davide Frattesi.

Those misses did not alter the course of the match, with Lazio continuing to control proceedings.

Dele-Bashiru supplied his assist in the 65th minute, finding Noslin, who sent a long-range effort into the top corner. The goal completed Noslin’s brace and made the score 6-2.

The midfielder’s passing, work rate and willingness to move the ball forward helped Lazio maintain their intensity throughout the second half.

Isaksen and Zaccagni also provided attacking contributions in an emphatic away performance that sends an early warning to Lazio’s Serie A rivals. However, Inter’s outstanding match means the race for first place remains open.

Sassuolo were left to reflect on a difficult evening, with Thorstvedt’s dismissal adding to the problems created by Lazio’s attacking display.

For Lazio and Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru’s performance offered further evidence of his increasing influence in Italy as he continues to build momentum following his return from injury.