The feeling at their home stadium was decidedly gloomy on Saturday afternoon. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had allowed ten goals while scoring only two in their previous five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were wrapping up their latest protest in a continuous dispute with club owner Claudio Lotito.
A Season Unraveling?
Was the team's progress falling apart, or did there exist a binding element holding it together from the beginning? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as manager during the off-season, but then he publicly stated that the board had omitted to inform him about a registration embargo they were set to be hit with for financial irregularities. Speculation that his departure was imminent were not true, but he did say that Lotito had "deceived" him.
Lazio became as messy during matches as off the field, overcoming Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining first five games, including the Rome derby. At any given moment, it has been hard to tell if progress is being made or collapsing.
Matteo's Unexpected Presence
At least one man remained positive throughout. Matteo Cancellieri wasn't originally meant to remain with Lazio this year. He spent last season on loan at Parma and, during the summer break, Lazio were attempting to extend his stay a while longer. The signing restriction necessitated a reconsideration. The club couldn't risk to weaken their team lacking backup options.
He joined in the first place during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 matches in the league with the club in that campaign, the vast majority of those from the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who left following that term, later stated Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri had superstar potential then never playing him."
Uncovering His Natural Fit
Maybe Sarri was continuing to attempt to work out the exact type of Cancellieri's abilities. Labeled as a flank player upon signing, Cancellieri nevertheless spent most of that campaign as an ineffective backup to Ciro Immobile as center forward. During 63 outings during spells with Empoli and Parma in the past two years, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
