Lazio and Matteo Cancellieri are now expected to prolong their collaboration, with a deadline-day departure ruled out.
The 24-year-old was heavily linked with an exit this summer, especially over the past few days. The Roman has started in all three of Lazio's first official games of the season, but most observers believe he'll be relegated to the bench once Gustav Isaksen is fully fit. And with only 10 months remaining on his contract, the management felt it was the best time to offload him.
Matteo Cancellieri (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Over the weekend, Cancellieri resisted a proposal from Genoa , while Parma (who hosted him on loan during the 2024/25 season) also enquired on Monday. Moreover, several reliable sources reported on Monday evening that the Lazio winger could join Fiorentina in exchange for Albert Gudmundsson . However, this swap deal is unlikely to take shape.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio , Lazio have decided to reject Parma and Fiorentina's offers for Cancellieri, as they have now decided to keep the player at Formello. This development follows previous reports which indicated Gennaro Gattuso's desire to keep the player, mainly for technical reasons.
The head coach was seemingly unconvinced by the potential replacements. The shortlist included Isak Bjerkebo, Montader Madjed, and Dennis Man . Moreover, Gudmundsson was deemed ill-suited for the role, as he primarily plays as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, so he wouldn't fit into Gattuso's current 4-3-3 system.
The Calabrian tactician had expressed his desire to keep his squad largely intact following Sunday's win over Genoa. Nevertheless, a few changes are expected to ensue on Tuesday, as Boulaye Dia is completing his transfer to Stade Rennais , with Yanis Begraoui potentially arriving to replace him.
"No Money" – Gattuso Gives Lazio Reality Check, Confirms Ratkov Exit
Petar Ratkov is also on his way out after agreeing to join Levante , while Alessio Romagnoli , Manuel Lazzari , and Luca Pellegrini 's fates remain shrouded in mystery.
