Three Things We Learned from Lazio vs Torino: Baroni Brings Chaos Back to Olimpico | OneFootball

Lazio and Torino shared the spoils in one of the most thrilling Serie A contests we witnessed thus far this season.

The Biancocelesti were determined to make it two wins in a row, having beaten Genoa on the road. However, the resilient Granata put on a fight, and were only seconds away from snatching a victory after turning the result upside-down in the dying minutes, only for Danilo Cataldi to rescue a point by converting from the spot in the last kick of the game.

So let’s delve into three talking points from Saturday’s barn burner.

Marco Baroni’s Style Prevails

Marco Baroni took on his former employers for the first time since departing the club at the end of last season. His sideline battle with Maurizio Sarri was particularly interesting. Although the latter had adopted some of his predecessor’s ideas as of late, especially after his switch to his 4-4-2 system and unleashing Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia upfront, their philosophies remain drastically different.

While Sarri is a systematic manager who tries to instil playing patterns, Baroni embraces a bit of chaos. After taking a 2-1 lead, Lazio tried to slow the tempo in the second half, and they succeeded in this mission for more than 25 minutes. However, Baroni eventually had his way, as evidenced by the anarchic last stretch of the match.

So while both managers left with a point, Baroni will probably be the more satisfied party with the outcome, even though victory was only a whisker away.

Matteo Cancellieri Deserves Priority

Following his splendid goal in Genoa, Matteo Cancellieri has once again confirmed he can be Lazio’s ultimate game changer, turning the result upside-down by netting a majestic brace. At this stage, the Italian should be considered an automatic first choice on the right wing, at least until Gustav Isaksen presents a convincing counterargument.

The 23-year-old possesses all the attributes that Sarri requires from his inverted winger, above all, pace, tenacity, technique, dribbling skills and shooting ability. And yet, when Isaksen was introduced in the second half, Sarri decided to shift Cancellieri to the left wing, allowing the Dane to play on his favorite right flank.

The former Verona youngster was significantly less effective while operating as a classic left winger, and subsequently, Lazio as a whole became less dangerous. So perhaps Sarri should have avoided sacrificing one of his most in-form players by fielding him in a less-than-ideal role.

Nicolo Rovella Sorely Missed at Lazio

Despite the team’s immense midfield crisis, the manager found himself an unlikely yet effective duo in Cataldi and Basic. The returning Lazio youth product showed his composure by converting from the spot in the final minute, while the Croatian has shaken off the rust to produce solid showings.

That being said, Nicolo Rovella’s absence is still heavily felt, as none of the other Biancocelesti midfielders possesses the technical touch to pull the strings and anchor the play as seamlessly as the former Juventus man. With the 23-year-old now set to undergo surgery, this could be a long month for Lazio.