The mood at Lazio's home ground was anything but joyful on Saturday afternoon. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had let in 10 goals while managing only two goals in their last five league matches. Supporters from the Curva Nord were finishing their ongoing dissent in an ongoing feud with club owner Claudio Lotito.
The Campaign Falling Apart?
Was the team's progress coming unstitched, or had there never been a binding element holding it together in the first place? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach during the off-season, but then he publicly stated that the club had failed to disclose a registration embargo they were facing for financial irregularities. Rumours that he could resign were unfounded, but he stated that Lotito had "deceived" him.
The Biancocelesti were just as chaotic on the pitch as off the field, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining first five games, which included the capital clash. Throughout this period, it's been difficult to tell if they're getting better or collapsing.
The Youngster's Unforeseen Presence
One individual kept smiling through it. Matteo Cancellieri wasn't originally meant to remain with Lazio this year. He completed the last one at Parma as a loanee and, during the summer break, his owning club were attempting to extend his stay for another season. The signing restriction necessitated a reconsideration. The club couldn't risk to thin their squad without replacements.
He joined initially under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old alumnus of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, the vast majority of those from the bench. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, who left after that campaign, subsequently claimed Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom but then not selecting him."
Uncovering His Natural Fit
Maybe Sarri was continuing to attempt to identify the nature of Cancellieri's abilities. Originally described as an attacking winger on arrival, Cancellieri instead found himself the majority of that term as an ineffective backup to Ciro Immobile as center forward. Across 63 games on loan at Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
