Matteo Cancellieri Demonstrates Flashing Moments of Genius in Bright Spot for Unstable Lazio

The feeling at Lazio's home ground was decidedly gloomy during the weekend fixture. The home side was losing against Torino, a side that had allowed 10 goals while managing only two goals in their previous five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were finishing their latest protest in a continuous dispute with president Claudio Lotito.

This Year's Efforts Falling Apart?

Was the team's progress unraveling, or had there never been a binding element keeping it intact in the first place? They reappointed Maurizio Sarri as manager during the off-season, only for him publicly stated that the club had not mentioned the transfer ban they were about to receive for accounting issues. Speculation that he could resign were unfounded, but he did say that Lotito had "deceived" 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 their other initial five matches, including the Rome derby. Throughout this period, it's been difficult to tell if progress is being made or collapsing.

Matteo's Surprising Return

At least one man kept smiling amid the chaos. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to be at Lazio this year. He spent last season with Parma on loan and, at the start of the off-season, Lazio were advocating for him to remain there temporarily. The registration embargo necessitated a reconsideration. The club couldn't risk to reduce their roster lacking backup options.

Cancellieri arrived initially under Sarri's first spell, back then just 20 years old product of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 Serie A appearances for Lazio in that campaign, the vast majority of those as a substitute. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed after that campaign, later stated Sarri of "promising everyone Cancellieri had superstar potential only to bench him consistently."

Discovering His Best Role

Maybe Sarri was still trying to identify the specific characteristics of Cancellieri's abilities. Originally described as an attacking winger when he joined, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile at No 9. Across 63 games while playing for Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, his tally was seven goals. Shoehorn