Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the centre of Lazio dispute between Sarri and Fabiani

Lazio faces internal tension as Maurizio Sarri and sporting director Angelo Fabiani clash over the future of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose role at the club continues to trigger disagreement behind the scenes.

Fabiani secured the Nigerian midfielder in the summer of 2024, investing around €6 million to bring him from Hatayspor.

Dele-Bashiru delivered occasional moments of quality but never cemented a guaranteed starting place under Marco Baroni last season.

That pattern continues this year, with Sarri showing little inclination to build his midfield around the 24-year-old.

Reports from Il Messaggero indicate that Sarri wants to place Dele-Bashiru on the transfer list as Lazio seeks to generate funds for new arrivals.

Fabiani resists that approach, insisting that selling the player does not fit into the club’s long-term plans.

Their differing views create a growing power struggle. Fabiani also refused a proposal to drop the Lagos-born midfielder from Lazio’s Serie A squad after his injury in September.

Sarri later forced the change, replacing Dele-Bashiru with Toma Basic.

The situation shifted again recently when Sarri reinstated him in the squad at Elseid Hysaj’s expense.

Dele-Bashiru’s return to availability will not last long. He expects a call-up to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which means Lazio will lose him for a significant spell in the new year.

Before his departure, he is set to feature in the Italian Cup match against AC Milan on Thursday and may also take part in the weekend league fixture against Bologna.

Lazio’s internal debate over his future continues, but Dele-Bashiru prepares to shift his focus to international duty as the AFCON approaches.