Lazio's Dynamic Duo: Boulaye Dia And Castellanos Propel Team Towards Serie A's Top Spots

Last match against Cagliari, Lazio secured their eighth consecutive positive result across Serie A and Europe, marking their third straight league win since a controversial loss to Juventus in mid-October. The Turin defeat is behind them, and their focus now is on the 22 points they’ve gathered so far, keeping them close to the top spots in the standings, just three points behind Napoli, who currently lead. Lazio’s squad depth is proving vital, with the coach emphasizing that every player, whether starting or on the bench, plays an essential role in achieving their shared goals. This mindset has been particularly instilled in the newcomers, who have arrived to fill the shoes of key players, like Boulaye Dia, a notable summer addition.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Senegalese striker Boulaye Dia, who joined Lazio this summer, has made the transition after Immobile's departure smoother than expected. Dia made an impact from his early games, scoring his first goal against Milan in late August, and last night’s goal was his fourth of the season—an impressive tally, matching his entire last season at Salernitana in just two months. After scoring 16 goals in his first Serie A season two years ago, Dia was valued around €25 million, with plenty of admirers. This year, Lazio acquired him for €11 million through a savvy transfer arrangement, a deal that’s proving beneficial for the club. Beyond his recent challenges, Dia boasts a solid track record, including 4 World Cup appearances and 1 goal for Senegal, multiple goals in Ligue 1 with Reims, and a strong showing with Villarreal in La Liga, where he even scored against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final. His experience in high-stakes games makes him an ideal fit for Lazio’s future ambitions.

Helping Dia settle in this season is fellow Lazio forward Castellanos. Together, Dia and Taty have scored 9 of Lazio’s 24 league goals in just 11 matches, forming one of Serie A’s most effective partnerships. Dia’s presence has also alleviated some of the pressure on Castellanos, allowing both to thrive. Without Dia’s early goal last night—a quick tap-in following Pellegrini’s free kick and Scuffet’s initial save—Lazio’s win might have been far more challenging to secure.