The atmosphere at their home stadium was anything but joyful on Saturday afternoon. Lazio were trailing against Torino, an opponent that had allowed a total of 10 goals while managing only two goals in their last five league matches. Fans from the Curva Nord were concluding their most recent demonstration in a long-running conflict with president Claudio Lotito.
The Campaign Coming Unstitched?
Was the team's progress unraveling, or did there exist any cohesion keeping it intact from the beginning? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri to lead the team in the summer transfer window, only for him admitted that the management had omitted to inform him about a registration embargo they were set to be hit with for fiscal problems. Reports that his departure was imminent were unfounded, but he did say that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Biancocelesti appeared equally disorganized in their performances 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, observers have struggled to tell if progress is being made or collapsing.
The Youngster's Surprising Presence
One individual remained positive amid the chaos. Matteo Cancellieri wasn't originally meant to feature for Lazio this season. He completed the previous campaign on loan at Parma and, during the summer break, his owning club were attempting to remain there temporarily. The signing restriction led to a change of plans. They were unable to thin their squad lacking backup options.
He signed in the first place under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He made 20 matches in the league in Lazio colors in that campaign, the vast majority of those coming off the bench. The club's longtime sporting director, Igli Tare, who left following that term, later stated Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri was destined for stardom only to bench him consistently."
Finding His True Position
Maybe Sarri was still trying to determine the specific characteristics of his skill set. Billed as a wide forward on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. During 63 outings while playing for Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
