How the Stars Lined up for Matteo Cancellieri to Finally Shine at Lazio

While Lazio have been enduring a rough start to the season, Matteo Cancellieri has been one of the few bright lights for the club.

Lazio’s Early Season Struggles

The Biancocelesti have only registered two wins in their first six Serie A outings in the 2025/26 season, coming at the expense of Hellas Verona and Genoa. On the other hand, they suffered three defeats already at the hands of Como, Sassuolo, and most importantly, Roma, in the Derby della Capitale.

In their most recent outing against Torino, Lazio were only able to snatch a point at home thanks to a last-second spot-kick converted by Danilo Catladi, ending the back-and-forth thriller in a 3-3 draw.

Lazio Start as Underdogs Against Atalanta

Therefore, it is no surprise to see the Aquile depicted as the underdogs (3.57) ahead of their next contest against Atalanta, which will take place after the international break. The most trusted bookmakers, including Menace bet, have identified the Bergamo-based club as the clear favorites (1.97) to prevail at home.

Lazio Enjoying Matteo Cancellieri’s Form

Since his return to the Italian capital, all the circumstances have been playing against Maurizio Sarri. Nevertheless, the 66-year-old has at least found himself a winger he can count on in the shape of Cancellieri.

Cancellieri Was Marvellous Against Genoa & Torino

The 23-year-old deserves a large chunk of the credit for the four points that the team collected in the last two contests. The winger broke the deadlock early on against Genoa with a splendid run and finish. He then confirmed his credentials with an astonishing brace against Torino, turning the result upside-down.

But while Cancellieri has been making the most out of the opportunity that came his way, he also owes it to the favorable circumstances that ‘forced’ Sarri to resort to his services.

Cancellieri Has The Transfer Ban to Thank

First of all, Lazio were slapped with a transfer ban by COVISOC, so Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani decided to keep the squad intact, minus some minor changes, like selling Loum Tchaouna to Burnley, and relying on their returning players, mainly Cataldi, and, of course, Cancellieri, after two loan spells at Empoli and Parma.

Gustav Isaksen’s Absence & Tijjano Noslin’s Uninspiring Form

Moreover, the Italian took advantage of Gustav Isaksen’s pre-season absence to get the nod on the right wing. The Dane had a bout with mononucleosis, which wrecked his summer, while Tijjani Noslin wasn’t able to rise to the occasion, thus clearing the path for Cancellieri, who proved he’s worthy of the opportunity.

Hence, Lazio’s best feel-good story of the season of season so far has been ironically shaped by a series of misfortunes and absurd coincidences.