Maurizio Sarri has refused to bend under pressure from Lazio’s directors, leaving Nigerian star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru out of the Serie A squad list — www.isagoal.com reports.
The fallout began after a midfield crisis hit Lazio, with Nicolo Rovella sidelined by a groin issue, Matteo Guendouzi suspended for two games, and Reda Belahyane banned for one.
Dele-Bashiru is already recovering from a muscle injury that rules him out for about a month, yet club bosses argued he should remain registered until his return.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Sarri instead reinstated Croatian midfielder Toma Basic, who was previously excluded due to squad size restrictions.
Sporting director Angelo Fabiani pushed for Manuel Lazzari or Elseid Hysaj to be cut instead, but Sarri refused, insisting Dele-Bashiru’s name must be the one sacrificed.
“His decision is final,” reported the Roman outlet, as officials continue trying to persuade him before the Serie A deadline on Sunday night.
The rules allow only two changes before January, meaning reinstating Dele-Bashiru later would force Lazio to drop a different player, not Basic.
That dilemma could grow worse since the Nigerian midfielder will leave Rome again in December for the African Cup of Nations.
This decision risks creating a rift inside the club, with the hierarchy fearing Sarri’s move could weaken the squad in the long term.
This article was updated 19 hours ago
