Bašić Grabs His Opportunity At Lazio And Pushes For A Starting Role In Torino Match

From the sidelines back into the spotlight. Toma Bašić’s journey at Lazio took an unexpected twist during the away match against Genoa. Called upon to start due to the injury suffered by summer signing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Croatian midfielder seized his chance with determination, delivering a disciplined and hard-working display that reignited his standing within the squad.

Bašić, born in 1996, was drafted into the starting lineup out of necessity. Yet instead of showing rust, he answered with composure and commitment. His performance was marked not by spectacular moves but by relentless running, pressing, and tidy decision-making. The numbers underline his effort: nearly ten kilometers covered, ranking fifth among all Biancoceleste players on the pitch.

It was a remarkable achievement for someone who had not played a competitive match since May 20, 2024, when he appeared for Salernitana against Hellas Verona.

The relationship between Bašić and coach Maurizio Sarri has not always been smooth. Still, Sarri has consistently reminded the midfielder to “train as if you were going to play tomorrow.” At Marassi, that “tomorrow” finally arrived, and Bašić proved ready. The performance could mark a turning point, either as a one-off highlight or the start of a genuine comeback.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Sarri is considering keeping Bašić in the lineup for the next match against Torino, though much will depend on the fitness of Moroccan youngster Belahyane.

Bašić’s contract runs until 2026, but until recently his future in Rome seemed all but over. Considered expendable in the summer, the transfer market failed to provide an exit route. Now, however, Lazio may find themselves with a revitalized asset, particularly valuable during the club’s ongoing midfield shortage.

After the win in Genoa, Bašić summed up his mindset with a telling phrase: “When you’re a professional and you love your job, there are no obstacles you can’t overcome.” Words that reflect not only his resilience but also his determination to turn an emergency start into the beginning of a true rebirth.