Lazio Won’t Have a Designated Cup Goalkeeper – Baroni Sets Clear Hierarchy | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni won’t be splitting the duties between his two goalkeepers Ivan Provedel and Christos Mandas, reveals Il Corriere dello Sport.

The young Greek custodian joined the club in the summer of 2023 and had an impressive run between March and May last season when his Italian colleague was out with an injury. But with the latter recovering, he immediately reclaimed his starting spot.

Provedel has been selected in eight out of nine Lazio fixtures across all competitions this season. The only exception was the most recent Europa League outing against OGC Nice, when Mandas got the nod. Many took it as a sign that the 23-year-old would be the designated goalkeeper in the cup competitions. Nevertheless, the Roman newspaper rules out this theory.

Mandas Remains Provedel’s Understudy at Lazio

The source insists the former OFI Crete shot-stopper remains a mere backup for Provedel, although he could make appearances every now and then when Baroni deems it suitable. The Lazio manager has thus far managed to maintain peace in the locker room, including the goalkeeper’s department.

However, the club still has high hopes for the Greece international. The management is working on renewing his contract until June 2029 and offering him a substantial pay rise. Mandas is still expected to have a big future as a starter whether at Lazio or elsewhere.

The Biancocelesti were willing to sell him in the summer amidst interest from the Premier League, including the likes of Manchester City and Leicester City, but none of his suitors matched their asking price of €20 million.