Cancellieri Displays Brief Sparks of Brilliance in Silver Lining for Struggling Lazio

The feeling at the Stadio Olimpico was decidedly gloomy this past Saturday. The Biancocelesti found themselves behind against Torino, a side that had let in a total of 10 goals while managing only two goals in their most recent five league matches. Ultras from the Curva Nord were concluding their latest protest in an ongoing feud with president Claudio Lotito.

This Year's Efforts Unraveling?

Had their campaign falling apart, or did there exist a thread maintaining its structure in the first place? The club brought back Maurizio Sarri as head coach during the off-season, but then he to later acknowledge that the management had omitted to inform him about the transfer ban they were about to receive for financial irregularities. Rumours that he could resign were not true, but he stated that Lotito had "deceived" him.

The Biancocelesti became as messy on the pitch as off the field, beating Verona 4-0 and Genoa 3-0 but being defeated in the rest of their initial five matches, featuring the derby della Capitale. Throughout this period, it has been hard to determine if they're getting better or imploding.

The Youngster's Unexpected Comeback

At least one man continued to smile amid the chaos. Matteo Cancellieri had not been expected to feature for Lazio during this campaign. He was on last season on loan at Parma and, early this summer, Lazio were attempting to remain there for another season. The registration embargo led to a change of plans. The club couldn't risk to thin their squad with no new signings.

He signed in the first place under Sarri's first spell, then a 20-year-old product of Verona's academy. He accumulated 20 Serie A appearances in Lazio colors in that campaign, all but one of those coming off the bench. The ex- sporting director, Igli Tare, who left following that term, later stated Sarri of "telling everyone Cancellieri would be a star then never playing him."

Uncovering His Best Role

Maybe Sarri was continuing to attempt to determine the specific characteristics of his skill set. Originally described as an attacking winger upon signing, Cancellieri instead found himself most of that campaign as an unconvincing alternative to Ciro Immobile at No 9. In 63 appearances on loan at Empoli and Parma over the last two seasons, he netted seven goals. Shoehorn