Dele-Bashiru set to work under Gattuso at Lazio

Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is set to play under a new manager next season after Lazio confirmed the appointment of former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso as the club’s head coach

The Serie A club formally announced Gattuso’s arrival on Tuesday, weeks after he was first seen at Lazio’s training centre in Formello, Rome.

The 48-year-old was spotted at the club’s facilities on June 3, where he reportedly held discussions with president Claudio Lotito and club directors over transfer plans and preparations for the new season.

Although an agreement had reportedly been reached as far back as May 25, Lazio only confirmed the appointment on Tuesday

“S.S. Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team.

“The Club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the Club’s sporting objectives,” the club said in a statement.

Gattuso is believed to have signed a two-year contract with the Biancocelesti, replacing Maurizio Sarri, who has moved on to take charge of Atalanta.

The appointment could have significant implications for Dele-Bashiru, whose future at Lazio has been the subject of speculation in recent months. The Nigerian midfielder was reportedly among the players facing uncertainty under Sarri, but Gattuso’s arrival could offer him a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the squad.

Whether the former Hatayspor player remains part of Lazio’s long-term plans is expected to become clearer during pre-season as Gattuso assesses his options. Last season, he played 24 times in the Serie A scoring one goal.

If Dele-Bashiru stays, he will become the second Nigerian international to play under Gattuso in Serie A after Victor Osimhen, who worked with the former AC Milan midfielder at Napoli between 2020 and 2021.

Gattuso returns to club management following a brief spell in charge of Italy. He resigned from the national team on April 3 after failing to guide the Azzurri through the World Cup qualifying play-offs, where they were eliminated on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Appointed Italy coach in June 2025, Gattuso recorded six wins and two defeats during his short tenure before stepping down.

Now back in Serie A, the former World Cup winner faces the task of rebuilding Lazio and returning the club to contention in domestic and European competitions, with Dele-Bashiru among the players hoping to impress the new manager.