Dele-Bashiru Chases History as Lazio Face Inter Milan in Coppa Italia Final Showdown

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is on the verge of making Nigerian football history as Lazio prepare to battle Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final next month.

The Lazio midfielder could become the fifth Nigerian player to lift the prestigious Coppa Italia trophy if his side go all the way at the Inter Milan clash scheduled for May 13 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Lazio booked their place in the final after a tense victory over Atalanta, edging through on penalties in a hard-fought semi-final encounter. The result sets up a high-stakes showdown between two of Italy’s most competitive sides.

For Dele-Bashiru, the final carries extra significance. The 24-year-old is still chasing his first major trophy since joining Lazio from Turkish side Hatayspor two years ago, and a win would mark a major milestone in his European career.

Nigeria already has a strong legacy in the Coppa Italia. Former Inter Milan forward Obafemi Martins was the first Nigerian to win the competition, paving the way for others including Joel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

A victory for Lazio would add Dele-Bashiru’s name to that exclusive list — and further underline Nigeria’s growing influence in Italian football.

With both clubs boasting depth, experience, and attacking firepower, the final is expected to be tightly contested, leaving little margin for error when the two sides meet in Rome