Tijjani Noslin had a very unfortunate substitution on Wednesday evening. The former Fortuna Sittard striker received a red card shortly after coming on in Lazio's Europa League match against Dinamo Kiev (0-3).
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Lazio’s Europa League clash against Dinamo Kiev was expected to be a crucial game, but by the time the match reached the final ten minutes, Lazio had firmly established control with a commanding 3-0 lead.
In the backdrop of a confident and well-rounded team performance, Tijjani Noslin, one of Lazio’s fresh summer recruits, was given a chance to get some minutes under his belt. Noslin, who had arrived from Hellas Verona for a significant transfer fee of nine million euros, has yet to make his mark on the scoreboard for his new club. His introduction seemed like an opportunity for the 25-year-old to integrate further into the team and possibly contribute to the result.
However, the few minutes Noslin spent on the pitch were anything but productive. Coming on to replace Fiyaso Dele-Bashiru, one of the goal scorers of the evening, Noslin found himself in the midst of a dramatic incident that would overshadow much of the evening’s events. Moments after stepping onto the field, Noslin was involved in a controversial altercation with Dinamo Kiev defender Vladyslav Dubinchak. The two players came together inside the penalty box, and while the ball was away from the action, Noslin appeared to raise his elbow into the direction of Dubinchak, catching the defender in a manner that looked intentional to the officiating team.
Referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos, having a clear view of the incident, immediately brandished a red card, sending Noslin off for violent conduct. Noslin, visibly shocked, attempted to explain to the referee that he was simply trying to widen his stance and shield the ball, but the explanation fell on deaf ears. The decision was also subjected to a VAR review, as is standard procedure in such cases, but after a thorough check, the VAR officials upheld the referee’s decision. Noslin’s night had ended as quickly as it began, and he was forced to watch the rest of the game from the locker room.
This unexpected dismissal left Lazio with ten men, but fortunately for the Italian side, their lead was never truly in doubt. Just ten minutes before Noslin’s red card, Dinamo Kiev had also been reduced to ten players when Maksym Bragaru, who had come on as a substitute, was sent off for a dangerous challenge. With the Ukrainian side down a player, Lazio’s grip on the game remained secure despite the numerical parity following Noslin’s expulsion. Goals from Boulaye Dia, who netted twice, and Dele-Bashiru had already put Lazio in a comfortable position, and the 3-0 scoreline remained intact until the final whistle.
Although the result was a positive one for Lazio, Noslin’s red card will have immediate consequences for both him and the team. He will be automatically suspended for Lazio’s next Europa League fixture against French side OGC Nice, a match that could prove pivotal in determining Lazio’s standing in the group. Additionally, there is a possibility that Noslin could face a lengthier suspension if UEFA’s disciplinary committee deems the offense serious enough to warrant further action. This could be a significant setback for the forward, who is still working to establish himself at Lazio and gain the trust of coach Marco Baroni.
Despite the disappointing end to the night for Noslin, Lazio coach Marco Baroni took a measured approach in addressing the incident after the game. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to work with young players, Baroni was not harsh in his assessment of the situation. "This was naive of Noslin, but he's a good guy and will learn from this," the 61-year-old Italian said in his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia. Baroni’s words reflected a belief in Noslin’s potential, suggesting that while the incident was unfortunate, it was part of the learning curve for a player still adjusting to life at a new club.
Baroni, who has a wealth of experience working with young players, emphasized the importance of allowing his squad to grow without overwhelming them with pressure. “I have never had a squad with this much quality, but many players are still young. I am used to working with young players. You shouldn’t put them under pressure. They need to feel free and be able to make mistakes in order to learn from them,” Baroni stated. This approach has been a hallmark of Baroni’s coaching style, as he is well-regarded for nurturing young talent and giving them the space to develop within a supportive environment.
Noslin is one of several new signings brought in during the summer transfer window as Lazio looks to strengthen its squad for both domestic and European competition. While Noslin has yet to score for the club, other newcomers have already started making their presence felt. Boulaye Dia, who was instrumental in the win against Dinamo Kiev with two goals, has quickly emerged as a key player for Lazio. Similarly, Fiyaso Dele-Bashiru, who also got on the scoresheet in the match, has shown promise in his early appearances.
The victory against Dinamo Kiev marks another step forward for Lazio in their Europa League campaign, and despite Noslin’s red card, the team will take confidence from the result. However, Noslin will undoubtedly be eager to put the incident behind him and focus on making a positive impact once he returns from suspension. With a coach like Baroni in his corner, Noslin has the support he needs to bounce back from this setback and continue his journey with Lazio.
The broader picture for Lazio remains optimistic. With a talented squad filled with both experienced players and young potential, the club is well-positioned to compete on multiple fronts this season. Baroni’s emphasis on growth and learning within the squad suggests that the team is building not just for immediate success, but for sustained performance in the future. As Lazio’s Europa League campaign progresses, all eyes will be on how the team continues to evolve, and whether players like Noslin can take their opportunities to shine on the European stage.
