Matteo Cancellieri Shows Brief Sparks of Brilliance in Silver Lining for Struggling Lazio
The mood at their home stadium was far from happy this past Saturday. Lazio were trailing against Torino, an opponent that had let in 10 goals while netting just two in their most recent five league matches. Fans from the Curva Nord were concluding their latest protest in a long-running conflict with chairman Claudio Lotito.
This Year's Efforts Falling Apart?
Had their campaign falling apart, or did there exist a thread keeping it intact in the first place? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as head coach in the summer transfer window, only for him to later acknowledge that the board had failed to disclose a registration embargo they were facing for financial irregularities. Rumours that he could resign were without basis, but he stated that Lotito had "misled" him.
The Roman club were just as chaotic during matches as off the field, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but being defeated in the rest of their opening fixtures, which included the capital clash. From one game to the next, observers have struggled to determine if they are improving or self-destructing.
The Youngster's Unexpected Return
A single player kept smiling throughout. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to feature for Lazio this season. He completed the last one on loan at Parma and, during the summer break, his owning club were attempting to remain there temporarily. The signing restriction necessitated a reconsideration. They were unable to weaken their team lacking backup options.
He signed initially during Sarri's previous tenure, back then just 20 years old graduate of Verona's academy. He recorded 20 league appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, the vast majority of those from the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who left after that campaign, subsequently claimed Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri was destined for stardom then never playing him."
Uncovering His Natural Fit
It's possible the coach was persistently working to identify the exact type of his skill set. Billed 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. During 63 outings on loan at Empoli and Parma during recent campaigns, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn