The atmosphere at Lazio's home ground was anything but joyful during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had allowed 10 goals while netting just two in their most recent five league matches. Supporters from the Curva Nord were wrapping up their most recent demonstration in an ongoing feud with president Claudio Lotito.
A Season Unraveling?
Was the team's progress coming unstitched, or did there exist a binding element keeping it intact from the beginning? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach this summer, only for him admitted that the management had not mentioned the transfer ban they were about to receive for financial irregularities. Speculation that he could resign were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "misled" him.
Lazio appeared equally disorganized on the pitch as behind the scenes, overcoming Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the rest of their first five games, featuring the derby della Capitale. At any given moment, it's been difficult to determine if progress is being made or collapsing.
Matteo's Unforeseen Return
One individual remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to feature for Lazio this season. He completed the last one with Parma on loan and, at the start of the off-season, Lazio were attempting to remain there temporarily. The registration embargo led to a change of plans. Lazio could not afford to reduce their roster lacking backup options.
He joined initially under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 Serie A appearances with the club in that campaign, the vast majority of those coming off the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed at the end of that season, subsequently claimed Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri had superstar potential only to bench him consistently."
Finding His True Position
It's possible the coach was continuing to attempt to work out the exact type of the player's talent. Originally described as an attacking winger on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent most of that campaign as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile as center forward. Across 63 games on loan at Empoli and Parma in the past two years, his tally was seven goals. Shoehorn
