Cancellieri Demonstrates Flashing Moments of Exceptional Talent in Bright Spot for Unstable Lazio
The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was far from happy during the weekend fixture. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a team that had allowed ten goals while scoring only two in their last five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were finishing their most recent demonstration in a continuous dispute with president Claudio Lotito.
A Season Falling Apart?
Was Lazio's season unraveling, or had there never been a thread keeping it intact in the first place? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as head coach in the summer transfer window, before he publicly stated that the club had failed to disclose the transfer ban they were about to receive for financial irregularities. Reports that he might quit were unfounded, but he acknowledged that Lotito had "swindled" him.
The Roman club were just as chaotic in their performances as off the field, defeating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but falling short in the remaining opening fixtures, which included the capital clash. From one game to the next, it has been hard to ascertain if they're getting better or self-destructing.
Matteo's Surprising Return
At least one man remained positive through it. Matteo Cancellieri was not even supposed to remain with Lazio during this campaign. He spent last season at Parma as a loanee and, early this summer, his owning club were advocating for him to stay there for another season. The registration embargo necessitated a reconsideration. They were unable to thin their squad without replacements.
He signed originally during Sarri's previous tenure, then a 20-year-old alumnus of Verona's academy. He accumulated 20 league appearances for Lazio in that campaign, the vast majority of those as a substitute. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who departed following that term, later stated Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri had superstar potential then never playing him."
Uncovering His Best Role
It's possible the coach was still trying to determine the nature of the player's talent. Labeled as a wide forward on arrival, Cancellieri nevertheless spent much of that season as a struggling deputy to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances while playing for Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn