The feeling at the Stadio Olimpico was far from happy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a side that had let in a total of 10 goals while scoring only 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 any cohesion holding it together in the first place? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as head coach in the summer transfer window, before he admitted that the management had omitted to inform him about the transfer ban they were set to be hit with for accounting issues. Rumours that he could resign were unfounded, but he did say that Lotito had "deceived" him.
Lazio became as messy during matches as off the field, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining opening fixtures, featuring the derby della Capitale. At any given moment, it's been difficult to tell if progress is being made or collapsing.
The Youngster's Unforeseen Return
A single player kept smiling through it. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to be at Lazio this season. He completed last season with Parma on loan and, during the summer break, Lazio were attempting to stay there a while longer. The registration embargo necessitated a reconsideration. Lazio could not afford to weaken their team with no new signings.
Cancellieri arrived originally during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old alumnus of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 league appearances with the club in 2022-23, all but one of those coming off the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed at the end of that season, subsequently claimed Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom but then not selecting him."
Discovering His Natural Fit
Perhaps the manager was still trying to determine the specific characteristics of his skill set. Originally described as a flank player upon signing, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. Across 63 games while playing for Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn
