Matteo Cancellieri is fired up for Lazio’s tough league clash with Hellas Verona today, a match that’s extra special for the talented Italian.
The 20-year-old Italian forward signed for the Biancocelesti in the summer from the Gialloblu on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached, adding an exciting and talented youngster to Maurizio Sarri’s front line. Cancellieri has made a handful of cameo appearances so far this season, slowly slotting into Sarri’s squad.
Speaking in the Lazio-Verona match programme (via LazioNews24), Cancellieri first looked ahead to today’s clash with the Gialloblu.
An important challenge awaits us because we have to find the win in the league again. Hellas Verona are difficult to face, they’re a tricky team who play man to man.
For me it will be special because I played there and so it’s a match I’ll feel a bit more.
He commented on the trust given to him by Sarri and if he expected this.
Honestly no. I thought it would take more time, but I also hoped that my moment would come right away to show my qualities on the pitch.
I’m happy with what I’m getting, I hope to play more and more minutes and games. I work every day for that.
The 20-year-old spoke about the comparisons drawn between him and Dries Mertens.
Some people have mentioned Mertens’ name to me, because of his change of role. To be inspired by someone, however, I must first improve a lot and then look for a role model.
Alternating between winger and central striker gives me a lot of motivation because learning a new role can help me find even more space on the pitch.
Cancellieri discussed which members of the Lazio squad have surprised him most following his arrival.
Milinkovic-Savic, Felipe Anderson and Immobile amaze me more and more by seeing them in every training session.
For the rest I’m happy because they all help me and give me important advice from every point of view.
Finally, Cancellieri commented on some of the memories he has from his time with Hellas Verona.
I have many good moments and memories at Verona, they were all wonderful experiences. Starting from my time in Primavera to my first goal in Serie A to my debut in the national team.
Especially the goal at Empoli was an important moment because after so many sacrifices I still hadn’t found the minutes I was hoping for.
