The atmosphere at their home stadium was decidedly gloomy this past Saturday. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a team that had let in 10 goals while managing only two goals in their most recent five league matches. Fans from the Curva Nord were wrapping up their latest protest in an ongoing feud with club owner Claudio Lotito.
A Season Falling Apart?
Had their campaign coming unstitched, or was there ever a thread keeping it intact in the first place? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach this summer, but then he publicly stated that the management had not mentioned a ban on new signings they were set to be hit with for accounting issues. Speculation that his departure was imminent were without basis, but he stated that Lotito had "misled" him.
Lazio became as messy during matches as off the field, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but losing their other opening fixtures, including the Rome derby. At any given moment, observers have struggled to determine if they are improving or collapsing.
Matteo's Unexpected Comeback
At least one man remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to remain with Lazio this season. He completed the last one with Parma on loan and, early this summer, his parent club were attempting to extend his stay temporarily. The signing restriction forced a rethink. They were unable to reduce their roster with no new signings.
Cancellieri arrived in the first place when Sarri was last in charge, back then just 20 years old alumnus of Verona's academy. He made 20 Serie A appearances with the club in that campaign, almost all of those coming off the bench. The club's longtime sporting director, Igli Tare, who left following that term, would later accuse Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri would be a star but then not selecting him."
Uncovering His True Position
Perhaps the manager was continuing to attempt to work out the exact type of the player's talent. Originally described as an attacking winger upon signing, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile as center forward. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he scored seven times. Shoehorn
