Young Lazio Goalkeeper Could Usurp Italy International for Starting Berth

Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas could reportedly shake up the hierarchy between the posts by overtaking Ivan Provedel.

The 30-year-old Italian has been a regular starter since landing in the capital in the summer of 2022. His impressive displays at the Stadio Olimpico have been earning him recurring call-ups for the national team, albeit he’s yet to make his Azzurri debut.

On the other hand, the 22-year-old Greek arrived last season as a relative unknown and was expected to serve as a mere backup. Nevertheless, Mandas rose to the plate when Provedel sustained an injury in March, proving to be a reliable choice between the sticks during Igor Tudor’s short reign at the club.

Could Mandas Overtake Provedel In Lazio Pecking Order?

Provedel has now reclaimed the starting gloves following his return from injury, but he hasn’t been covering himself in glory in the early rounds of the season, especially in his last outing against Milan.

So according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), this could be the opening Mandas needs to usurp his older colleague and become Marco Baorni’s ultimate first choice.

The Greece international is expecting to be Lazio’s designated goalkeeper in the Europa League, but the pink newspaper believes there’s a chance he could make his seasonal debut as early as Monday when the Biancocelesti host Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mandas attracted interest from a host of Premier League suitors during the summer, including the likes of Manchester City, Southampton and Wolves. Nevertheless, Lazio decided to maintain his services, as they believe he could have a significant role to play at the club.