Celtic fans will love what Roberto Mancini once said about Matteo Cancellieri

Celtic’s transfer window is starting to heat up and they have recently been linked with Lazio’s emerging star Matteo Cancellieri.

Reports have claimed that the Hoops “appreciate” the 24-year-old winger, with the Italian club open to offers.

After a series of loan moves, Cancellieri returned to Lazio last season and became a first-team player.

Overall, he made 30 appearances in the Serie A, where he netted four goals and picked up two assists.

This helped catch the eye of former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini.

The 61-year-old was quick to highlight how he went under the radar last season despite some solid performances.

Roberto Mancini: Matteo Cancellieri has some great qualities

Celtic are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer up top, and Cancellieri is the latest player linked with a move.

The Hoops were without a regular goalscorer on the wing last season, and they may be hoping that the former Italy international can solve this problem.

Lorenzo Canicchio has reported that Cancellieri is one of two Lazio players on Celtic’s radar this summer, the other being striker Gustav Isaksen.

However, Cancellieri could prove to be the most exciting of the two if the Hoops can get a deal over the line.

On 20 April 2026, speaking at an award ceremony at Coverciano, Mancini was quick to praise the winger.

In one section of his speech, he told Lazio News 24: “The young player who impressed me the most is Palestra. Cancellieri also has great qualities; he's rarely talked about. There are some good guys out there.”

Therefore, this will no doubt excite Celtic fans. If one of the most prestigious managers in football is praising the winger, it is likely that he could do a sensational job at Celtic Park this season if they can get a deal over the line.

How good is Cancellieri?

According to Fotmob on 24 July, Cancellieri was a decent player in the Serie A last season.

The winger averaged 0.21 goals, a 0.22 xG, 2.13 shots, 0.10 assists, 8.06 duels won, and 1.77 aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

Therefore, if he were to move to the Scottish Premiership, these stats should improve significantly, given how difficult the Serie A is.

However, it remains to be seen if Celtic can get a deal over the line for Cancellieri as Martin O’Neill and the Hoops look to build a squad capable of winning the title once again.