Dele-Bashiru Lazio Udinese draw miss chance highlighted as Maurizio Sarri says missed opportunity shifted momentum in 3-3 Serie A thriller

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has identified Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s missed scoring opportunity as the decisive moment in their 3-3 Serie A draw against Udinese on Monday night at the Stadio Olimpico.

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The Super Eagles midfielder, who came on in the second half, was introduced as Lazio pushed to strengthen their control of a tightly contested match.

At the time, Lazio led 2-1 and appeared to be in a strong position to extend their advantage.

However, Dele-Bashiru’s missed chance to increase the lead proved costly, with Sarri later suggesting that the moment shifted momentum back in favour of Udinese.

Sarri admitted his side began the match with low intensity and lacked emotional sharpness in the opening stages, requiring time to settle into rhythm before improving significantly after the break.

“The second half was outstanding, but the turning point at 2-1 was Dele-Bashiru’s missed opportunity,” Sarri said after the match, stressing the importance of the moment in altering the flow of the game.

The encounter itself was a dramatic affair filled with constant swings in momentum.

Udinese initially took the lead through Kingsley Ehizibue, before Lazio responded in the second half with goals from Luca Pellegrini and Pedro to go ahead.

The match then took another twist late on, as Arthur Atta struck twice in quick succession, including a stoppage-time effort that appeared to have sealed victory for Udinese.

Lazio, however, produced a final response in added time, with Daniel Maldini scoring from close range to rescue a dramatic 3-3 draw in a chaotic conclusion.

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The result leaves Lazio reflecting on missed opportunities in a match that could have gone either way, with Sarri particularly focused on the fine margins that defined the outcome.