The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was far from happy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a side that had allowed 10 goals while scoring only two in their previous five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were finishing their ongoing dissent in a continuous dispute with chairman Claudio Lotito.
The Campaign Coming Unstitched?
Was the team's progress coming unstitched, or had there never been a thread keeping it intact from the beginning? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as manager this summer, only for him admitted that the management had failed to disclose a registration embargo they were facing for financial irregularities. Reports that his departure was imminent were unfounded, but he stated that Lotito had "deceived" him.
Lazio became as messy on the pitch as off the field, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining initial five matches, including the Rome derby. Throughout this period, it has been hard to ascertain if progress is being made or collapsing.
Matteo's Unexpected Return
One individual remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to be at Lazio this year. He spent last season with Parma on loan and, during the summer break, his parent club were attempting to stay there temporarily. The transfer ban led to a change of plans. Lazio could not afford to reduce their roster without replacements.
He signed originally during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old graduate of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 matches in the league with the club in that campaign, almost all of those from the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who left at the end of that season, would later accuse Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri was destined for stardom then never playing him."
Uncovering His Natural Fit
It's possible the coach was continuing to attempt to determine the nature of his skill set. Labeled as an attacking winger on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile in the striker role. During 63 outings while playing for Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
