The mood at the Stadio Olimpico was decidedly gloomy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, an opponent that had allowed a total of 10 goals while netting just two in their previous five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were concluding their latest protest in a continuous dispute with president Claudio Lotito.
A Season Unraveling?
Was Lazio's season unraveling, or did there exist a thread holding it together from the beginning? Lazio reinstated Maurizio Sarri as head coach this summer, but then he to later acknowledge that the board had omitted to inform him about the transfer ban they were set to be hit with for financial irregularities. Rumours that he could resign were without basis, but he acknowledged that Lotito had "deceived" him.
The Roman club became as messy in their performances as they were off it, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining first five games, which included the capital clash. Throughout this period, observers have struggled to determine if progress is being made or imploding.
Cancellieri's Unforeseen Comeback
At least one man continued to smile throughout. Matteo Cancellieri wasn't originally meant to remain with Lazio during this campaign. He completed the last one at Parma as a loanee and, at the start of the off-season, his parent club were advocating for him to extend his stay temporarily. The transfer ban led to a change of plans. They were unable 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 made 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in the 2022-23 season, the vast majority of those as a substitute. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who left after that campaign, subsequently claimed Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom only to bench him consistently."
Finding His Best Role
It's possible the coach was continuing to attempt to work out the exact type of Cancellieri's abilities. Billed as a wide forward upon signing, Cancellieri instead found himself most of that campaign as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances during spells with Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he scored seven times. Shoehorn
