The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was anything but joyful during the weekend fixture. Lazio were trailing against Torino, a side that had let in a total of 10 goals while netting just two in their most recent five league matches. Fans from the Curva Nord were finishing their ongoing dissent in a continuous dispute with club owner Claudio Lotito.
This Year's Efforts Falling Apart?
Had their campaign falling apart, or did there exist a thread keeping it intact to start with? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach during the off-season, but then he publicly stated that the management had omitted to inform him about the transfer ban they were about to receive for fiscal problems. Rumours that he could resign were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Roman club appeared equally disorganized during matches as behind the scenes, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the rest of their opening fixtures, featuring the derby della Capitale. From one game to the next, it's been difficult to tell if they are improving or collapsing.
The Youngster's Unforeseen Return
At least one man continued to smile throughout. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to be at Lazio this season. He was on last season with Parma on loan and, during the summer break, Lazio were pushing for him to stay there a while longer. The signing restriction necessitated a reconsideration. They were unable to weaken their team with no new signings.
Cancellieri arrived in the first place under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He made 20 league appearances with the club in that campaign, the vast majority of those coming off the bench. The club's longtime sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed following that term, later stated Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri was destined for stardom then never playing him."
Uncovering His Best Role
Perhaps the manager was continuing to attempt to determine the nature of his skill set. Billed as a wide forward on arrival, Cancellieri instead found himself much of that season as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile as center forward. During 63 outings during spells with Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he scored seven times. Shoehorn
