The atmosphere at their home stadium was decidedly gloomy this past Saturday. Lazio were trailing against Torino, an opponent that had allowed 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 club owner Claudio Lotito.
A Season Unraveling?
Was the team's progress coming unstitched, or was there ever a thread maintaining its structure in the first place? Lazio reinstated Maurizio Sarri to lead the team this summer, but then he to later acknowledge that the management had failed to disclose the transfer ban they were set to be hit with for accounting issues. Rumours that he could resign were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Biancocelesti appeared equally disorganized on the pitch as behind the scenes, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining opening fixtures, including the Rome derby. Throughout this period, it's been difficult to tell if they're getting better or collapsing.
The Youngster's Surprising Return
At least one man remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to remain with Lazio during this campaign. He completed the previous campaign with Parma on loan and, at the start of the off-season, Lazio were advocating for him to stay there for another season. The registration embargo forced a rethink. The club couldn't risk to reduce their roster lacking backup options.
He joined originally when Sarri was last in charge, at that time a 20-year-old product of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 matches in the league in Lazio colors in the 2022-23 season, all but one of those coming off the bench. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed following that term, subsequently claimed Sarri of "informing all Cancellieri had superstar potential but then not selecting him."
Uncovering His True Position
Maybe Sarri 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 on loan at Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he scored seven times. Shoehorn
