Lazio extended their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with a commanding 3-1 victory over a 10-man Monza at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, with Nigeria internationals Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro both featuring for opposing sides.

The result leaves Lazio level on 16 points with Inter at the summit of the table, having now won five of their opening six league matches — a record in the club's history.

Tavares sets the tone

Maurizio Sarri's side made the ideal start when Nuno Tavares thundered a 25-yard strike into the top corner after just three minutes to open the scoring.

Monza believed they had drawn level in the 20th minute through Gustavo Varela, but the referee ruled out the effort for offside. The visitors were punished moments later — Tavares turned provider, crossing for Gustav Isaksen to double Lazio's advantage in the 23rd minute.

Red card changes the game

Monza's evening grew more difficult 10 minutes before the break when Lorenzo Lucchesi received a straight red card for fouling Tijjani Noslin as he bore down on goal, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Monza responded with spirit at the start of the second half. Just 45 seconds after the restart, Saba Goglichidze headed home from close range after a corner to make it 2-1, and Monza pressed for an equaliser through Samuele Birindelli and Varela.

Lazio hold firm

Sarri's men absorbed the pressure and put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute when Andrea Pinamonti converted to seal a 3-1 win.

Dele-Bashiru had entered the action in the 61st minute for Lazio, while Akinsanmiro played the full 90 minutes for Monza. Both Nigerians will hope to build on their involvement as Lazio look to sustain their title challenge in the weeks ahead.