Mandas Ready To Compete With Underperforming Provedel For Lazio's Starting Goalkeeper Spot

Lazio’s backup goalkeeper, Christos Mandas, is reportedly ready to step up as the club’s first choice, potentially replacing Ivan Provedel, whose performances this season have been deemed underwhelming.

Ivan Provedel, the 30-year-old Italian goalkeeper, has been Lazio's regular starter since joining the club in the summer of 2022. His strong displays at the Stadio Olimpico earned him a call-up to the Italian national team, though he has yet to make his debut for the Azzurri.

Meanwhile, Christos Mandas, the 22-year-old Greek goalkeeper, joined Lazio last season as an unknown reserve option. However, when he filled in for an injured Provedel last March, he proved to be a dependable choice under coach Igor Tudor.

While Provedel has since regained his starting spot after recovering from injury, his form early this season has been unimpressive.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this situation could pave the way for Mandas to take over as Marco Baroni's first-choice goalkeeper. Mandas is already set to be Lazio's main option for the Europa League, but he may also get the chance to play in Serie A.

Mandas garnered interest from several Premier League clubs last summer, including Manchester City, Southampton, and Wolves. However, Lazio chose to keep him, believing he has the potential to play a key role for the team.