'We need them' - Lazio coach puts his trust in Dele-Bashiru, 2 young talents ahead of UEL clash

Speaking at Wednesday's press conference before his side's Europa League quarterfinal clash against Bodo/Glimt, Lazio manager Marco Baroni revealed that he is banking on young Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the high-stakes game.

Lazio will host Bodo/Glimt tomorrow at 2000 hours Nigerian time at the Stadio Olimpico for the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal, with the Norwegian side arriving in Rome holding a solid two-goal advantage thanks to Ulrik Saltnes' brace at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Now, Lazio face the daunting task of pulling off a historic comeback to book their first-ever semifinal spot in the Lotito era.

While the jury is still out on Dele-Bashiru's performances in the Serie A since joining the Biancocelesti on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor, the Manchester City academy graduate has impressed in the Europa League, where he has recorded four goal involvements in eight appearances.

Marco Baroni offered an endorsement of the club's emerging talents—Noslin, Tchaouna and Dele-Bashiru—as he emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and building the next generation of Lazio stars.

Asked how he sees the path of Noslin, Tchaouna and Dele-Bashiru, Baroni was quoted as saying by lalaziosiamonoi: "Our young people are the ones on whom the future will be based. 

"We need them. We have to play this game, live it, feel it, this is what we really need."

The Norwegian champions have never reached a European semifinal, whereas the Biancocelesti have been unable to do so for 22 years.

The winner of the Lazio versus Bodo/Glimt tie will face Tottenham Hotspur or Eintracht Frankfurt in the semifinals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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