The atmosphere at Lazio's home ground was far from happy on Saturday afternoon. Lazio were trailing against Torino, a side that had let in 10 goals while scoring only two in their last five league matches. Supporters from the Curva Nord were concluding their most recent demonstration in an ongoing feud with president Claudio Lotito.
The Campaign Coming Unstitched?
Had their campaign falling apart, or had there never been a binding element holding it together in the first place? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as manager in the summer transfer window, but then he publicly stated that the board had not mentioned the transfer ban they were facing for fiscal problems. Speculation that his departure was imminent were without basis, but he stated that Lotito had "deceived" him.
The Biancocelesti became as messy during matches as they were off it, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining opening fixtures, including the Rome derby. At any given moment, it's been difficult to tell if progress is being made or imploding.
Matteo's Unexpected Comeback
At least one man remained positive throughout. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to remain with Lazio this year. He completed last season with Parma on loan and, during the summer break, Lazio were advocating for him to remain there a while longer. The registration embargo led to a change of plans. They were unable to weaken their team without replacements.
He signed initially under Sarri's first spell, then a 20-year-old product of Verona's academy. He accumulated 20 matches in the league in Lazio colors in that campaign, almost all of those as a substitute. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, who left at the end of that season, later stated Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom but then not selecting him."
Finding His Best Role
Perhaps the manager was continuing to attempt to determine the nature of his skill set. Originally described as a flank player on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, his tally was seven goals. Shoehorn
