Richard Hall (@Gentleman_Ultra)

The three Palermo defenders were in disarray as Ciro Immobile ran at them from the half way line. Attacking from the left he twisted in and out and was eventually brought down for a penalty which he calmly converted. Later in the game Torino broke again and the 26-year-old again profited from the same wing this time converting from close range, this time with his right foot.  Just a month after landing in Turin this match signalled that ‘Ciro’ was back after his travels and was looking as deadly as ever, yet his game had changed somewhat. Now as he makes the move to Rome his experiences could prove to be just the tonic for a Lazio in need of refreshment.

The deal that sees Immobile move to the ‘Aquile’ will cost 8.5m Euro and ends his time in Spain. Sevilla had loaned him to Torino for the second half of last season and back in Serie A he seemed rejuvenated. The deal was originally thought to be a loan deal but a Lazio club statement simply read, “SS Lazio communicates that it has signed the player Ciro Immobile on a permanent basis.” This was a far more discreet arrival than when he was mobbed at Turin’s Caselle airport back in January.

His warm welcome during the winter transfer window was because it was felt by the Granata fans that after spells in Germany and Spain he had now ‘returned home. After spells in his early career at Juventus (where he played just three times in between three loan spells) and Genoa, he eventually signed for Torino for the 2013-14 season. Here alongside Alessio Cerci he developed a superlative partnership and he netted 22 times in 33 games grabbing three assists and becoming Serie A’s Capocannoniere.

This prompted interest from within Italy and abroad, and it was Borussia Dortmund who eventually captured his signature for 17.9m Euro. In his time there he only scored on three occasions in 24 league games, although in the Champions League he fared much better scoring four goals in six games. Under Jurgen Klopp his game changed and he found that he had to press harder for the ball and take up positions less central to those he was used to under Giampiero Ventura.

Despite the fact his game was changing for the better, his lack of goals did not fill the Robert Lewandowski shaped hole that had been left and he was eventually sent out to Spain. Sevilla decided to make the purchase and two goals in four starts (and four as sub) again saw a pattern emerge. Now working for the disciplined Unai Emery in a 4-4-1-1, he again played a more central role although now he had to track back and win the ball very deep. Just as his game was developing another attribute (and one that suited the physical forward), Immobile was injured playing a friendly against Watford, rupturing his nasal septum. This time out of the team saw him lose his place and once more he was moved on. This time back to Turin.

Back at the Granata he seemed like a changed man and the difference from his first spell was obvious. Arguably his five goals in 14 games for ‘Toro’ suggest that he was no longer as prolific especially as four of these came in two games, however, he was also playing in a front two with Andrea Belotti and he was playing a different style. Rather than being the strong and quick target man he was now dropping deep into midfield to help his team. This attribute picked up and developed under Emery was exercised on a regular basis and one of the images of last season is Immobile picking the ball up in midfield and looking for Belotti with a sprayed pass. His time under Klopp was also recognisable as he would press hard and upon winning the ball would use his pace to good use attacking in off the left in a manner characterised by Thierry Henry.

Lazio will benefit from his attributes as they have been looking for a replacement for the now departed Miroslav Klose. The German in his pomp at the ‘Aquile’ did more than just hang around the box, he would essentially be at the heart of the attacking moves, creating space for the wide men. Perhaps the only negative about Immobile moving to Lazio is that he will not be able to develop further under Marcelo Bielsa after the debacle that saw him come and go in 48 hours. Just imagine if he had been able to improve his modem and pressing game under him? Even the Azzurri may have found their answer up front?

At 26 he is already an improved, educated and cultured player. Tactically aware and able to manage the game himself, changing styles or position in games to plicate the danger shown by the opposition. He has returned to Italy more than just a goal scorer, he is a team player and vastly underrated. After his season as Capocannoniere with Torino two three years ago, he will be judged on his goals next term, however, this would be an error. He will make Lazio more cohesive up front and could even possibly help gel Lazio’s superb offensive, yet very individualistic talents. .