Its obvious it was about a loan One year ago he was still considered the best youth product since ages, was subbed in a game, and showed midas touch in instantly assisting Trez (and the senior players celebrating the goal with him royally).
Not to mention the year before that, in 2006, he had almost singlehandedly made the Primavera win the championship, and was chosen best player in primavera season. Meaning all in all, it was dead obvious the prime talent he was.
Loaning him to Lazio instead to a crappy Empoli might have been better (Empoli is really weak, and only scored 27 goals in overall). They play with one treaquartista role and rest hardworkers. He wouldnt have had it tough outcompeting the likes of Meghni and Del Nero for the spot.