Boulaye Dia opens up on tactical role at Lazio

Rennes striker Boulaye Dia has reflected on his tactical adaptation during his time at Lazio, explaining how former coach Marco Baroni used him in different attacking roles alongside Argentine forward Taty Castellanos.

The Senegal international, who returned to Ligue 1 after spending five years abroad, discussed his experience in Italy during an interview with Flashscore ahead of Rennes’ Europa League encounter against Juventus.

Dia explained that Baroni quickly recognised his versatility and willingness to operate in different positions across the attack.

“When I arrived, Baroni immediately told me he was ready to play with two strikers and knew I could operate behind the forward. His preferred system was 4-3-3, but in the end, in many matches that season, Taty Castellanos and I played together up front.”

The arrangement allowed Dia to alternate between the role of a second striker and a more advanced position, depending on the team’s tactical requirements.

Dia is now adjusting to life at Rennes, where he faces competition for places in attack while working to establish himself in Franck Haise’s squad. His experience in Serie A has provided him with additional tactical flexibility as he continues his career in France.

The forward will hope to make an impact for Rennes in European competition as they prepare to face Juventus, one of the major challenges on their continental schedule.