The feeling at Lazio's home ground was far from happy on Saturday afternoon. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had conceded ten goals while managing only two goals in their last five league matches. Fans from the Curva Nord were concluding their most recent demonstration in an ongoing feud with club owner Claudio Lotito.
A Season Falling Apart?
Was Lazio's season falling apart, or did there exist any cohesion holding it together to start with? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri to lead the team in the summer transfer window, only for him admitted that the management had failed to disclose a ban on new signings they were about to receive for accounting issues. Speculation that he could resign were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "misled" him.
Lazio appeared equally disorganized during matches as behind the scenes, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but losing their other first five games, including the Rome derby. Throughout this period, observers have struggled to tell if progress is being made or self-destructing.
Matteo's Unexpected Presence
At least one man remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to be at Lazio this year. He was on the previous campaign with Parma on loan and, early this summer, his parent club were attempting to remain there temporarily. The signing restriction led to a change of plans. The club couldn't risk to thin their squad without replacements.
He signed originally during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old graduate of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, almost all of those as a substitute. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, whose tenure ended following that term, later stated Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri was destined for stardom then never playing him."
Uncovering His Best Role
It's possible the coach was still trying to determine the nature of his skill set. Billed as an attacking winger when he joined, Cancellieri nevertheless spent most of that campaign as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. During 63 outings during spells with Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he scored seven times. Shoehorn
