The feeling at the Stadio Olimpico was decidedly gloomy this past Saturday. 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. Supporters from the Curva Nord were concluding their most recent demonstration in a long-running conflict with club owner Claudio Lotito.
This Year's Efforts Coming Unstitched?
Had their campaign falling apart, or had there never been a thread maintaining its structure to start with? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach in the summer transfer window, before he publicly stated that the management had not mentioned the transfer ban they were about to receive for fiscal problems. Rumours that he could resign were not true, but he acknowledged that Lotito had "deceived" him.
The Biancocelesti were just as chaotic on the pitch as behind the scenes, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but being defeated in the remaining opening fixtures, which included the capital clash. Throughout this period, it has been hard to tell if progress is being made or imploding.
The Youngster's Unforeseen Return
One individual continued to smile throughout. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to remain with Lazio this year. He spent the previous campaign on loan at Parma and, during the summer break, Lazio were advocating for him to stay there temporarily. The transfer ban forced a rethink. They were unable to thin their squad without replacements.
Cancellieri arrived initially when Sarri was last in charge, at that time a 20-year-old product of Verona's academy. He accumulated 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, all but one of those as a substitute. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, whose tenure ended following that term, would later accuse Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri would be a star then never playing him."
Uncovering His True Position
It's possible the coach was continuing to attempt to identify the specific characteristics of Cancellieri's abilities. Originally described as a wide forward upon signing, Cancellieri yet was deployed for most of that campaign as an ineffective backup to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
