Baroni gives Dia update for Lazio after malaria scare | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni hopes that Boulaye Dia will be fit enough to play against Bologna this weekend after a malaria scare while on international duty with Senegal.

The striker had been called up for their games against Burkina Faso and Burundi in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but did not feature.

He was diagnosed with symptoms suggesting malaria and remained in their training camp in Dakar, but tests later gave the all-clear and he has been released to return to Rome.

Lazio trust Dia ready for Bologna

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: SS Lazio head coach Marco Baroni during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Genoa at Stadio Olimpico on October 27, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“I think Dia will be available against Bologna,” Lazio coach Baroni told Radio Anch’io Sport.

The Aquile are in joint second place in Serie A, just one point off leaders Napoli, and currently the only team in the Europa League to retain a 100 per cent record after four rounds.

“We resume training tomorrow and naturally want to see what condition he is in and talk to the medical staff. The player underwent tests and he is fine.

“We trust that we can bring him straight away back into the squad. Dia is a player who I like for his mobility and the way he interprets the role on a tactical level, so if he is fit, then he’ll be on the pitch.”

Dia turned 28 over the weekend and has impressed so far this season with Lazio, contributing six goals and two assists in 15 competitive games between Serie A and the Europa League.

He made the move from Salernitana on loan with an obligation to buy for €11.3m.