Lazio enjoyed a dream start to their first UEFA Europa League campaign since 2022/23, strolling to a 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg. Boulaye Dia stole the show at the Volksparkstadion with a first-half brace to inspire the Biancocelesti to a much-needed victory.
Dia joined Lazio on loan from Salernitana in mid-August. However, a lack of match fitness after a troubled 2023/24 saw him make his first Serie A start for Marco Baroni’s side on matchday three. He scored immediately to help his side register a 2-2 draw against Milan.
The 27-year-old forward got on the scoresheet again against Hellas Verona in the following round before drawing a blank against Fiorentina last weekend. Lazio lost that game 2-1 despite leading at halftime, and Dia believes Wednesday’s triumph was a perfect response.
“We lost last Sunday against Fiorentina and it was important to turn the page straight away. We play every three days, there is no time to think about defeat,” the Lazio star said after the game, as reported by TMW. “This evening we played well, scored three goals, and then controlled the situation.“
Dia could be a massive coup for Lazio if he can maintain this lethal form throughout the season. The Senegalese ace doesn’t care about his role in Baroni’s line-up as long as he continues to find the net. He played as a support striker against Fiorentina but switched to a center-forward position against Dynamo Kyiv.
“I do like playing both. When I have a striker by my side, and I am the support, it is the same for me. I am scoring goals, so it’s not a problem.” Dia admitted.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |