‘Heartbroken’ Lazio Star Will Be Dropped for Roma Derby as He Faces Bleak Future | OneFootball

Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel may have already played his last Roma Derby, as he might not get the chance to feature on Sunday.

The Background

The 31-year-old has been a regular starter for the Aquile since making the move from Spezia in the summer of 2022. He was considered among the best shot-stoppers in the league over the past two campaigns, earning himself a place with the Italian national team. However, his displays have been far less convincing this season.

Change of the Guard at Lazio

On the contrary, Christos Mandas has been on the rise. In Thursday’s 0-2 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, the Greek was the only Lazio player to be spared by the media and supporters, as his superb saves prevented what could have easily been a worse result for the Aquile, thus keeping their hopes alive of a comeback in the second leg.

Christos Mandas To Be Confirmed for Roma Derby

Therefore, Il Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24) expects Marco Baroni to confirm Mandas between the sticks for Sunday’s Derby della Capitale against Roma. The Greece international’s solid showings in Bergamo and Bodo have seemingly warranted him a regular starting berth.

Ivan Provedel Facing Uncertain Future

According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Provedel now finds himself in an undesirable spot. Observers from Formello have described the 31-year-old as ‘heartbroken’ and ‘inconsolable’ after losing his starting berth.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper still has two years on his Lazio contract, but the management will try to offload him in the summer to rid themselves of his wages, as he remains one of the highest earners at the club.

Maurizio Sarri Reunion?

At the moment, predicting Provedel’s future remains premature, but the source proposes a potential reunion with his old mentor, Maurizio Sarri, who is expected to resume his managerial career next season. The Tuscan tactician has been on the shelf since resigning from his role at Lazio in March 2024, but he’s currently being linked with several Serie A clubs, including Milan.