The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was decidedly gloomy this past Saturday. The home side was losing against Torino, a team that had conceded ten goals while managing only two goals in their last five league matches. Supporters from the Curva Nord were concluding their most recent demonstration in a long-running conflict with president Claudio Lotito.
A Season 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 during the off-season, before he admitted that the club had not mentioned a ban on new signings they were facing for accounting issues. Rumours that his departure was imminent were without basis, but he did say that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Biancocelesti were just as chaotic during matches as off the field, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but being defeated in the remaining first five games, which included the capital clash. From one game to the next, it has been hard to ascertain if they're getting better or self-destructing.
Matteo's Surprising Comeback
One individual remained positive throughout. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to be at Lazio this season. He spent the last one with Parma on loan and, at the start of the off-season, his owning club were pushing for him to remain there temporarily. The signing restriction forced a rethink. Lazio could not afford to reduce their roster with no new signings.
He signed in the first place during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He made 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, the vast majority of those coming off the bench. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, whose tenure ended after that campaign, later stated Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri had superstar potential but then not selecting him."
Finding His Natural Fit
Perhaps the manager was still trying to work out the specific characteristics of the player's talent. Originally described as an attacking winger upon signing, Cancellieri instead found himself the majority of that term as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile as center forward. During 63 outings on loan at Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
