The atmosphere at Lazio's home ground was far from happy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a side that had conceded 10 goals while netting just two in their most recent five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were finishing their latest protest in a long-running conflict with club owner Claudio Lotito.
This Year's Efforts Falling Apart?
Had their campaign falling apart, or did there exist a binding element holding it together in the first place? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach in the summer transfer window, before he admitted that the club had not mentioned a registration embargo they were facing for fiscal problems. Rumours that he could resign were not true, but he stated that Lotito had "misled" him.
The Biancocelesti became as messy during matches as behind the scenes, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but being defeated in their other first five games, which included the capital clash. From one game to the next, it has been hard to ascertain if progress is being made or collapsing.
Matteo's Surprising Return
At least one man kept smiling through it. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to feature for Lazio this year. He completed last season on loan at Parma and, early this summer, his owning club were attempting to remain there temporarily. The registration embargo led to a change of plans. They were unable to thin their squad with no new signings.
Cancellieri arrived originally under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old graduate of Verona's academy. He made 20 Serie A appearances with the club in that campaign, the vast majority of those coming off the bench. Their former sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed following that term, would later accuse Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom then never playing him."
Discovering His True Position
Perhaps the manager was still trying to determine the nature of the player's talent. Labeled as a wide forward when he joined, Cancellieri nevertheless spent the majority of that term as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma in the past two years, his tally was seven goals. Shoehorn
