The mood at the Stadio Olimpico was far from happy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a side that had conceded a total of 10 goals while netting just two in their most recent five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were wrapping up their latest protest in an ongoing feud with president Claudio Lotito.
The Campaign Unraveling?
Had their campaign falling apart, or had there never been a thread holding it together from the beginning? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri to lead the team this summer, but then he admitted that the management had omitted to inform him about a registration embargo they were facing for fiscal problems. Reports that his departure was imminent were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Roman club were just as chaotic during matches as off the field, overcoming Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining initial five matches, featuring the derby della Capitale. At any given moment, it has been hard to determine if they're getting better or self-destructing.
The Youngster's Surprising Return
At least one man continued to smile amid the chaos. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to be at Lazio during this campaign. He completed last season on loan at Parma and, early this summer, his owning club were attempting to remain there temporarily. The registration embargo led to a change of plans. They were unable to thin their squad without replacements.
He signed in the first place during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 league appearances in Lazio colors in 2022-23, the vast majority of those from the bench. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed following that term, subsequently claimed Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri was destined for stardom but then not selecting him."
Finding His True Position
It's possible the coach was persistently working to work out the specific characteristics of the player's talent. Billed as a wide forward on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances during spells with Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
