The feeling at their home stadium was decidedly gloomy on Saturday afternoon. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had let in a total of 10 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 continuous dispute with club owner Claudio Lotito.
A Season Unraveling?
Had their campaign unraveling, or had there never been any cohesion holding it together to start with? Lazio reinstated Maurizio Sarri to lead the team in the summer transfer window, but then he publicly stated that the club had not mentioned a registration embargo they were set to be hit with for financial irregularities. Rumours that he could resign were unfounded, but he did say that Lotito had "deceived" him.
The Roman club became as messy in their performances as they were off it, overcoming Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but losing their other opening fixtures, which included the capital clash. At any given moment, it's been difficult to determine if they're getting better or imploding.
Matteo's Unexpected Comeback
A single player kept smiling throughout. Matteo Cancellieri wasn't originally meant to remain with Lazio this year. He completed last season with Parma on loan and, early this summer, his owning club were advocating for him to remain there temporarily. The registration embargo necessitated a reconsideration. They were unable to reduce their roster without replacements.
He signed in the first place when Sarri was last in charge, at that time a 20-year-old alumnus of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 league appearances for Lazio in that campaign, all but one of those coming off the bench. The club's longtime sporting director, Igli Tare, who left following that term, subsequently claimed Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri had superstar potential then never playing him."
Uncovering His True Position
Perhaps the manager was still trying to identify the exact type of the player's talent. Billed as a flank player when he joined, Cancellieri instead found himself the majority of that term as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
